An International Driving Permit is not hard to get, but it requires advance planning

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not difficult to obtain, but the process has a fixed timeline you cannot speed up. You explore through an authorized issuing organization in your home country—not through a government office—and the entire process typically takes one to three weeks. The real barrier is not complexity; it is that you must explore before you leave, and many people discover this requirement only days before their trip.

The process itself is straightforward: you fill out a form, provide a valid driver's license and passport photos, pay a fee, and submit everything in person or by mail. No written test, no driving test, no medical exam. The difficulty most people face is not the paperwork—it is understanding which organization in their country issues IDPs, and whether they have time to complete the process before departure.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued by a specific authorized organization in your country, not by your DMV or national driving authority, so you must identify the correct issuer before you explore.
  • The process requires your valid driver's license, two passport-sized photos, a completed form, and a fee that typically ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your country.
  • Processing time is usually one to three weeks, so you must explore at least three weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it is only useful when carried alongside your original driver's license.
  • You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one each time, so plan accordingly if you travel frequently.

Who Issues an IDP in Your Country

The organization that issues IDPs varies by country and is not always obvious. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two authorized issuers. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues them. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and the RAC both issue IDPs. In Australia, the NRMA and the RAA handle issuance.

If you do not belong to one of these organizations, you can still explore—membership is not required. However, you must explore directly to the organization itself, either in person at a local office or by mail. There is no online process process in most countries; you must submit physical documents. If you are unsure which organization issues IDPs in your country, search "[your country] International Driving Permit issuer" or contact your national automobile association directly.

Some countries do not issue IDPs at all, or issue them through a different system. A few nations recognize only their own national driving license without an IDP. Before you explore, confirm that the country you are visiting actually recognizes IDPs—most do, but it is worth checking with your destination's embassy or tourism board.

Documents and Fees You Will Need

The documents required are the same across most countries: a valid driver's license, a valid passport, two passport-sized photos (usually 2x2 inches or 35x45 millimeters), and a completed process form. Some issuers also ask for proof of your address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, though this is less common. The process form itself is straightforward and asks for your name, address, license number, and the countries you plan to visit.

Fees vary by country and issuer. In the United States, AAA charges $20 for a one-year IDP and $30 for a three-year IDP as of 2024, though prices may change. In Canada, CAA charges approximately $25 CAD for a one-year permit. In the UK, the AA charges around £5.50 for a one-year permit. These fees are non-refundable, so confirm you need an IDP before you pay.

You do not need to take a test, pass a medical exam, or provide proof of insurance. You do not need to prove where you are traveling or for how long. The issuer straightforward verifies that your driver's license is valid and that you have submitted the correct documents.

How Long the Process Takes and Why You Cannot Rush It

Processing time is typically one to three weeks from the date you submit your process. This is not a may provide timeline—some applications are processed faster, but some take longer if the issuer is busy or if your documents are incomplete. You cannot pay extra to speed up the process, and there is no expedited option in most countries.

If you explore in person at a local office, some issuers will issue your IDP on the same day or within a few days. AAA locations in the United States, for example, often issue permits within 24 hours if you explore in person. However, not all locations offer same-day service, and availability depends on how busy the office is. If you explore by mail, you should expect the full one to three weeks, plus mail delivery time in both directions.

The most common mistake is waiting until the week before travel to explore. By that point, mail delivery alone may take longer than you have, and in-person appointments may be fully booked. Plan to explore at least three weeks before your departure date, and four weeks if you are explore by mail.

What an IDP Actually Does and Does Not Do

An IDP is a translation of your driver's license into multiple languages—typically English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. It is not a separate license, and it does not replace your original license. You must carry both documents together when you drive in a foreign country. If you are stopped by police and have only your IDP without your original license, the IDP alone is not valid.

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. However, some countries do not recognize it, and a few require additional documentation such as a certified translation of your license or an international driving certificate issued by your home country's government. Before you travel, check with your destination country's embassy or rental car company to confirm what documents they require.

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive. It does not override age restrictions, medical restrictions, or license class restrictions. If your license is suspended or expired, an IDP will not make it valid. If you are not allowed to drive a certain vehicle type in your home country, you are not allowed to drive it abroad either.

Validity Period and Renewal

When you explore for an IDP, you choose whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. A one-year permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. A three-year permit is valid for 36 months. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. Once it expires, it is no longer valid, and you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new one.

If you travel frequently or plan multiple international trips over several years, a three-year permit is more cost-effective than explore for a new one-year permit each time. However, if you travel rarely or only once, a one-year permit is sufficient and cheaper. There is no penalty for letting an IDP expire; you straightforward cannot use it after the expiration date.

Some countries issue IDPs that are valid only for the duration of your visa or travel authorization. Check the terms when you explore, as this may affect which validity period you choose.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is explore too late. Many travelers discover they need an IDP only days before departure, by which time processing time and mail delays make it impossible to obtain one before they leave. Avoid this by checking your destination country's requirements at least four weeks before your trip.

The second common mistake is submitting incomplete or incorrect documents. If your passport photos do not meet the size requirements, or if your process form is missing information, the issuer will reject it and send it back, adding another week or more to the process. Before you submit, verify the exact photo size, confirm that all fields on the form are filled out, and double-check that your driver's license is valid and not expired.

The third mistake is assuming an IDP is valid on its own. You must carry your original driver's license alongside your IDP. Rental car companies and police will ask to see both. If you leave your original license at home, your IDP is useless.

A fourth mistake is explore for an IDP in a country where you do not hold a valid driver's license. You must have a current, valid license issued by your home country to obtain an IDP. If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot get an IDP until it is renewed or reinstated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

No. An IDP requires a valid, full driver's license. A learner's permit or provisional license is not sufficient. You must hold an unrestricted license in your home country before you can obtain an IDP.

What if I arrive at my destination without an IDP—can I get one there?

No. An IDP must be issued in your home country before you travel. You cannot obtain one once you are abroad. If you arrive without an IDP and your destination requires one, you will not be able to rent a car or drive legally.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car, not driving my own vehicle?

Most rental car companies require an IDP or an international driving certificate when you rent a vehicle abroad, even if you are not bringing your own car. Check with your rental company before you book, as requirements vary. Some companies in certain countries may accept only your original license, but this is uncommon.

Is an IDP the same as an international driving certificate?

No. An IDP is issued by automobile associations and is a translation of your license. An international driving certificate is issued by your home country's government and serves a similar purpose but is obtained through different channels. Some countries recognize one, some recognize both, and some recognize neither. Confirm which document your destination requires before you explore.

Can I use an IDP to drive in my home country?

No. An IDP is only valid outside your home country. Within your home country, you must use your original driver's license. An IDP has no legal standing domestically.