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. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid. Many countries recognize the IDP as proof that you hold a valid license in your home country, which can speed up rental car transactions and reduce friction with local police.

The IDP is issued in the United States by two organizations only: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other body is authorized to issue them. Both organizations produce documents that meet the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic, the treaty that governs IDP recognition worldwide.

The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you request. It does not extend your driving privileges beyond what your state license allows, and it does not override local traffic laws in any country. If your U.S. license is suspended or expired, an IDP cannot be used.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license when driving outside the country.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location; neither organization accepts mail or online requests for new IDPs.
  • You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photograph, and payment in cash or check — credit cards are not accepted by either issuer.
  • Processing takes minutes to hours on the day you explore; you receive the permit when ready and do not need to wait for mail delivery.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, depending on whether you use AAA or AATA.

Where to Obtain an IDP: AAA vs. AATA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the larger and more widely available option. AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. If you are already an AAA member, you can visit any AAA office to request an IDP. If you are not a member, you can still obtain an IDP at an AAA office without joining, though some locations may encourage membership.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller network with fewer locations. AATA offices are less common than AAA but serve the same function. To find an AATA office near you, visit the AATA website or call their main office. Both AAA and AATA issue identical permits that are recognized in the same countries.

To find the nearest AAA office, use the AAA website locator tool or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Many AAA offices are located in shopping centers, downtown areas, or near gas stations. Call ahead to confirm that the specific office you plan to visit has IDP applications in stock and can process your request on the day you arrive.

Documents and Information You Must Bring

You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license issued by your state. The license must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP. Bring the physical card itself; a photocopy or digital image is not accepted.

You will need one passport-sized photograph. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can obtain passport photos at many pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), post offices, or professional photography studios. The cost is typically $10 to $15. Do not use a photo from your phone or a printout from home; the issuer will reject it.

Bring a valid form of payment. AAA and AATA accept cash or personal check only. Credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods are not accepted. Confirm the exact fee with your local office before you arrive, as costs vary slightly by location.

You do not need your passport to obtain an IDP, though you should bring it when you travel. The IDP is based on your driver's license, not your passport.

The process Process and Timeline

Visit an AAA or AATA office in person. There is no online or mail-in process for new IDP requests. When you arrive, tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. They will give you a short form to complete. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and the validity period you want (one year or three years).

Hand the completed form, your driver's license, your passport photo, and your payment to the staff member. They will verify that your license is valid by checking the expiration date and, in some cases, running a quick check against state records. This verification takes a few minutes.

Once verified, the staff member will print your IDP on the spot. The entire process, from arrival to receiving your permit, usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You walk out with the IDP in hand the same day. There is no waiting period or mail delivery.

Cost and Validity Period Options

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit. A three-year permit costs around $30. Exact fees vary by AAA or AATA location and may change annually. Call your local office to confirm the current price before you visit.

When you explore, you choose whether you want the permit to be valid for one year or three years. The one-year option is useful if you are taking a single trip or are unsure whether you will drive internationally again soon. The three-year option is more economical if you plan to drive abroad multiple times over the next few years.

The validity period is printed on the front of the permit. Once it expires, you must obtain a new one by visiting an AAA or AATA office again. You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online.

What Happens If Your License Expires or Changes

If your U.S. driver's license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid. You must renew your state license first, then obtain a new IDP. The old IDP cannot be used even if it has not reached its expiration date.

If you move to a different state and obtain a new license from that state, you can continue to use an IDP issued based on your previous state's license. However, when the IDP expires, you will need to obtain a new one based on your current state's license.

If your license is suspended or revoked for any reason, your IDP is no longer valid. You cannot use it to drive in any country. Once your suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated, you can obtain a new IDP by visiting an AAA or AATA office.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is arriving at an AAA or AATA office without a passport-sized photograph. Many people assume they can use a photo from their phone or a regular snapshot. The issuer will reject these and ask you to return with a proper 2-by-2-inch photo. Bring the photo with you on your first visit.

Another frequent error is bringing an expired driver's license. If your license has expired, you cannot obtain an IDP. Renew your state license first through your state's DMV, then visit AAA or AATA. This adds extra time to the process, so check your license expiration date before you plan your trip.

Some people attempt to explore by mail or online. Neither AAA nor AATA accepts remote applications for new IDPs. You must appear in person at a physical office. Plan your visit accordingly, especially if you live far from the nearest office.

Do not assume your IDP will be recognized everywhere. While it is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention, some countries do not recognize it. Before you travel, research whether the country you plan to visit recognizes the IDP. Your rental car company or the country's tourism board can tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit or provisional license?

No. You must hold a valid, unrestricted driver's license issued by your state. A learner's permit or provisional license does not may have access to. If you are under 18 or hold a restricted license, you cannot obtain an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car abroad?

It depends on the country and rental company. Many rental companies in Europe, Asia, and Latin America request an IDP along with your U.S. license. Some will rent to you without one, but having an IDP can speed up the rental process and reduce disputes. Check with your rental company before you travel.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot obtain a replacement IDP while abroad. If you lose it, you still have your U.S. driver's license, which is your primary document. Some countries may accept your U.S. license alone, but others may not. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance. When you return to the United States, you can obtain a new IDP by visiting an AAA or AATA office.

Can I use an IDP to drive in all countries?

No. While the IDP is recognized in most countries that signed the 1926 International Convention, some countries do not recognize it. A few countries require an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Convention instead. Before you travel, confirm with the country's tourism board or your rental company whether the U.S. IDP is accepted.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I order online?

You cannot order an IDP online. Both AAA and AATA require in-person applications only. You must visit a physical office, complete the form, and receive the permit the same day. If you need an IDP urgently, locate the nearest AAA or AATA office and visit during business hours.