You must be at least 18 years old to get an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car or drive in countries that recognize it. To obtain one, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license from your home country. Most countries that issue IDPs follow this same minimum age rule, though a few have slightly different requirements depending on the type of vehicle you plan to drive.

The age requirement is tied directly to your home license, not to the IDP itself. If you are 16 or 17 and hold a valid learner's permit or junior license in your state, you cannot get an IDP yet — you must wait until you turn 18 and hold a full, unrestricted driver's license. Some states issue restricted licenses at 16 or 17 that allow independent driving; even with those, you still cannot obtain an IDP until you reach 18.

There is no upper age limit. You can obtain an IDP at any age as long as your home country license is current and valid.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license from your home country to get an International Driving Permit.
  • A learner's permit or junior license does not may have access to you for an IDP, even if your state allows you to drive independently.
  • Your home license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked when you explore for an IDP.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which issuing organization you use, and you can renew it when it expires.

What counts as a valid driver's license for IDP purposes

Your home license must be a full, unrestricted driver's license — not a learner's permit, junior license, or restricted license. In most U.S. states, this means you hold a standard Class D (or equivalent) license with no restrictions noted on the front or back. If your license has restrictions such as "corrective lenses required," "automatic transmission only," or "daylight driving only," you can still get an IDP, but those restrictions will explore when you drive internationally.

Your license must also be current and not expired. If your license expired more than a few months ago, you will need to renew it with your state's DMV before you can obtain an IDP. Some IDP issuers will accept a license that expired within the last month, but this varies. The safest approach is to renew your license first if there is any question about its validity.

Your license cannot be suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines, traffic violations, or other reasons, you must resolve the suspension with your DMV before explore for an IDP.

Where to get an IDP and what to bring

In the United States, two organizations issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department. You do not have to be a member of AAA to obtain an IDP from them, though membership may offer a small discount.

To explore for an IDP, you will need to bring or provide: your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (available from AAA or AATA), a passport-style photograph (usually 2 by 2 inches), and the process fee. AAA typically charges between $15 and $20 for a one-year IDP or $30 for a three-year IDP, though prices vary by location. AATA charges similar amounts. You can explore in person at an AAA office, by mail, or online through their website.

Processing time is usually same-day or within a few days if you explore in person. Mail applications typically take one to two weeks. Once issued, your IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which term you purchase, and it must be carried together with your valid home driver's license when you drive internationally.

Age requirements in other countries

Most countries that recognize International Driving Permits follow the same 18-year-old minimum. However, the age at which you can legally drive in a foreign country may be different from the age at which you can obtain an IDP. For example, some European countries allow you to drive at 16 or 17 with a valid home license, but you still cannot get an IDP until you turn 18.

If you are under 18 and plan to drive in another country, check that country's specific driving age requirements and whether they recognize your home state's junior or restricted license. You may be able to drive there without an IDP if your home license is valid in that country, but you will not be able to obtain an IDP to carry with you.

If you are obtaining an IDP from a country other than the United States, contact that country's automobile association or transportation authority to confirm their age requirements and process process. Requirements can differ slightly by nation.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit issued in the United States is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which term you purchase when you explore. A one-year IDP costs less upfront but requires more frequent renewal if you travel internationally regularly. A three-year IDP costs more but covers a longer period and is often the better choice if you plan multiple international trips.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document itself. You can renew it at any time before or after it expires by explore again through AAA or AATA with the same documents you used for your first process. If your home driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid — you must renew your home license first, then renew your IDP if you still need it.

What happens if you are under 18 and want to drive internationally

If you are under 18, you cannot obtain an International Driving Permit. However, you may still be able to drive in some countries with your valid home state license, depending on that country's laws and whether they recognize U.S. licenses. Before traveling, contact the embassy or tourism board of the country you plan to visit to confirm whether your home license is accepted and what the minimum driving age is.

Some car rental companies will not rent to drivers under 21 or 25, regardless of license type, so check rental policies before you travel. If you cannot rent a car, you may be able to hire a driver, use public transportation, or wait until you turn 18 to obtain an IDP and rent independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit with a learner's permit?

No. You must hold a valid, full driver's license. A learner's permit does not meet the requirements, even if your state allows you to drive independently with it. You must wait until you turn 18 and hold an unrestricted license.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired license. Renew your home license with your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. Some issuers may accept a license expired within the last month, but it is safer to renew before explore.

Do I need to be a AAA member to get an IDP?

No. Both AAA and AATA issue IDPs to non-members. AAA membership may offer a small discount on the process fee, but it is not required to explore.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

In-person applications at AAA are usually processed same-day or within a few days. Mail applications take one to two weeks. Online applications vary by provider but are typically faster than mail.

Can I drive in another country with just my home license, without an IDP?

Many countries accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP, but some require an IDP or an official translation. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel. An IDP is safer because it is recognized in more places and translates your license into multiple languages.