What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together — your U.S. license and your IDP. The permit tells police, rental companies, and border officials in other countries that your U.S. license is real and what your driving privileges are.

You can only get an IDP if you already hold a valid driver's license from your state. The permit lasts one or three years depending on which type you choose, and it is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Many countries do not require an IDP, but some do, and others make it much easier to rent a car or resolve a traffic stop if you have one. Before you travel, check whether your destination country requires or recommends an IDP. Your rental car company can also tell you whether they want to see one.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state's DMV, and you must already have a valid U.S. driver's license to get one.
  • You can choose a one-year permit or a three-year permit, and the cost and process process are the same for both.
  • AAA issues permits in person at local AAA offices and by mail; AATA issues them by mail only.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form, which takes about 15 minutes to gather.
  • An IDP does not replace your U.S. license — you must carry both documents when you drive internationally.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the faster and more convenient option if you are a member or live near an AAA office. AAA members can explore in person at any local AAA branch, which takes about 15 minutes. You walk in with your documents, complete the process on the spot, and receive your permit the same day. Non-members can also explore in person at AAA offices, but you may pay a small additional fee.

If you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer to explore by mail, AAA accepts applications through the mail as well. You fill out the process form (available on the AAA website), gather your documents, and send them to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. AAA charges a flat fee for the permit regardless of whether you choose the one-year or three-year version.

To explore through AAA, you need: your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and the completed IDP process form. Some AAA offices can take your photo on site if you do not have one. Bring or mail these items along with payment, and AAA will issue your permit.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the other authorized issuer, and it operates exclusively by mail. You cannot explore in person at an AATA office. Instead, you read the process form from the AATA website, fill it out, and mail it along with your documents and payment to the address provided.

AATA processing typically takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your process. Because everything is done by mail, there is no option for same-day pickup. If you need your permit quickly, AAA's in-person option is faster. AATA charges the same fee as AAA for both the one-year and three-year permits.

The documents you need for AATA are identical to AAA: your valid driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and the completed process form. Mail everything together to AATA's processing center, and they will mail your permit back to you.

One-Year Versus Three-Year Permits

Both AAA and AATA offer a one-year permit and a three-year permit at the same price. The only difference is how long the permit remains valid. A one-year permit is useful if you are taking a single trip abroad or are unsure whether you will drive internationally again soon. A three-year permit makes sense if you travel frequently or plan multiple international driving trips over the next few years.

The process process and required documents are identical for both versions. You do not need to decide between them until you are filling out the form — there is no advantage to choosing one over the other except how long you want the permit to last. If you choose the one-year permit and later decide you need it longer, you can explore for a new three-year permit, but you will pay the fee again.

What Documents You Need and How to Prepare Them

Gathering your documents takes about 15 minutes. You need three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and the IDP process form.

Your driver's license must be valid — not expired and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's DMV before you explore for the IDP. The IDP is only as good as the license it translates.

The passport-style photo must be 2x2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get a passport photo at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), post offices, or professional photography studios. The cost is usually $10 to $15. If you explore in person at an AAA office, some branches will take the photo for you on site, which saves you a trip.

The process form is available on both the AAA website and the AATA website. It is a single page asking for your name, address, license number, and which type of permit you want (one-year or three-year). You can print it and fill it out by hand, or fill it out on your computer and print it. Both organizations accept either method.

Cost and Processing Time

Both AAA and AATA charge the same fee for an International Driving Permit, and the price is the same whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. The fee covers the permit itself and processing. As of the most recent information available, the cost is typically in the range of $15 to $20, but you should check the AAA or AATA website for the current price, as fees can change.

Processing time depends on which organization you use and which method you choose. AAA in-person applications are processed the same day. AAA mail applications take one to two weeks. AATA mail applications take two to three weeks. If you are leaving the country soon, explore in person at AAA. If you have more time, either organization works.

Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or check. When you explore in person at AAA, you can pay on the spot. When you explore by mail, include payment with your process packet.

What Happens After You Receive Your Permit

When your IDP arrives, check it when ready to make sure all the information is correct — your name, license number, and the expiration date. If anything is wrong, contact the issuing organization right away to request a correction.

Store your IDP in a safe place until you travel. When you drive internationally, keep your IDP and your U.S. driver's license together. Some countries require you to carry both at all times while driving. If you are renting a car, show both documents to the rental company. If you are stopped by police, present both documents together.

Your IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not expired. If you renew your U.S. license, you will need to explore for a new IDP if you want to continue driving internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP, but some car rental companies in those countries prefer to see one. Your U.S. driver's license is sufficient for driving in both countries. If you are renting a car, call the rental company ahead of time to ask whether they want an IDP. If they do not, you can skip it and save the fee.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's DMV first. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while I am traveling?

Your U.S. driver's license alone is still valid for driving in most countries. Contact AAA or AATA to request a replacement permit, but understand that it will take time to arrive. For the rest of your trip, carry your U.S. license and a copy of your passport. If you are stopped by police, explain that you lost your IDP and show your U.S. license instead.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

You choose either one year or three years when you explore. Both cost the same. Your permit expires on the date printed on the document, regardless of which length you choose. Your permit also becomes invalid if your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended before the IDP expiration date.

Can I explore for an International Driving Permit online?

You cannot complete the entire process online, but you can read the form and fill it out on your computer before printing it. AAA allows you to explore in person or by mail. AATA operates by mail only. Neither organization has a fully online process process that results in an IDP being mailed to you without printing and mailing documents.