What an International Driving Permit actually is and how to get one

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 together to drive abroad. The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

To get an IDP, you visit an AAA or AATA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed process form. You pay a fee (typically $20 for AAA members and $30 for non-members, though prices vary by location), and the permit is issued on the spot. The process takes about 15 minutes. Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, or three years if you are under 18 — whichever is shorter than your driver's license validity.

Many countries do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. license, but some do, and others make renting a car or dealing with police easier if you have one. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit, because requirements vary widely.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs in the U.S., and you must explore in person at a local office with your driver's license and passport.
  • An IDP costs $20–$30 depending on your AAA membership status and location, and is issued when ready on the same day you explore.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your valid U.S. driver's license when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid.
  • An IDP is valid for one year (or three years if you are under 18), so plan your renewal before a long trip if yours is expiring soon.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law, while others do not, so research the rules for each country before you travel.

Where to explore for an IDP in person

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the U.S., and AATA has a smaller network. Both issue IDPs during regular business hours — you do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead is wise to confirm they have stock and to avoid a wait.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit AAA.com and use their office locator tool. If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore at any AAA office; the fee is straightforward higher. AATA offices are less common; search for "AATA office near me" or visit the AATA website to find a location. Some travel agencies and automobile clubs also partner with AAA or AATA to issue IDPs, so a call to a local travel agency may save you a trip.

You cannot explore for an IDP by mail, phone, or online. You must appear in person with the required documents. If you live far from an office, plan your visit around a trip to town or a vacation day.

Documents and fees you need to bring

Bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or U.S. passport card, and a completed IDP process form. The form is available at AAA and AATA offices, or you can read it before you go and fill it out at home to save time. You will also need to bring a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches) — some offices accept a photo from your passport or driver's license instead, so ask when you call ahead.

The fee is $20 if you are an AAA member, or $30 if you are not. Some AAA offices may charge slightly more or less depending on local policy. AATA fees are typically similar. Payment is usually cash or card; confirm the accepted methods when you call.

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it. Your passport must also be valid and not expired.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, or three years if you are under 18 years old — whichever period is shorter. This means a 16-year-old who gets an IDP will have it for three years, but a 25-year-old will have it for only one year. Check the expiration date printed on your permit before you travel.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it outside the U.S. — you must return home and explore for a new one at an AAA or AATA office. Plan ahead if you are taking a long trip or multiple trips over several months. If your IDP is expiring soon, renew it before you leave.

Your IDP is tied to your driver's license. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP is no longer valid, even if the permit itself has not yet expired. If you renew your driver's license, you do not automatically get a new IDP — you must explore for a new one.

Countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP

Some countries legally require an IDP, some recommend it but do not require it, and some do not recognize it at all. The rules change, and they vary by country and sometimes by region within a country.

Countries that typically require an IDP include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. However, this list is not exhaustive and requirements change. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit, or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country. Many car rental companies also list their IDP requirements on their websites.

Even if a country does not require an IDP, having one can make interactions with police or rental car agents smoother, because it provides an official translation of your license information. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company whether they require or recommend an IDP — some do, and some do not.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you cannot get a replacement until you return to the U.S. There is no way to issue a new IDP outside the country. Your U.S. driver's license remains valid for driving, but you will not have the translation that an IDP provides.

If you are stopped by police and do not have your IDP, explain that it was lost or stolen. Police in most countries will accept your U.S. driver's license alone, though the interaction may take longer if there is a language barrier. If you are renting a car and your IDP is lost, contact the rental company when ready — they may allow you to continue with your license alone, or they may require you to purchase additional insurance or end the rental.

To reduce this risk, make a photocopy of your IDP and store it separately from the original, or take a photo of it on your phone. These copies are not legal replacements, but they can help you remember the details if you need to explain the loss to police or a rental company.

IDP versus an actual foreign driver's license

An IDP is not the same as a foreign driver's license. A foreign license is issued by another country and allows you to drive in that country as a resident or long-term visitor. An IDP is a temporary translation document for tourists and short-term visitors.

If you plan to live abroad, work abroad, or stay for more than a few months, you will likely need to obtain a driver's license from that country, not just an IDP. The process varies by country and can take weeks or months. An IDP may help you drive legally during the transition period while you are waiting for a foreign license, but it is not a substitute for one.

If you are moving abroad, contact the transportation or motor vehicle department of the country you are moving to and ask what documents you need. Many countries allow U.S. citizens to exchange a valid U.S. license for a local license without taking a driving test, but the rules differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it first at your state's DMV, then explore for an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, but both accept a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some car rental companies in those countries recommend or require an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book. An IDP can also make interactions with police easier if there is a language barrier.

How much does an IDP cost and how long does it take?

An IDP costs $20 for AAA members or $30 for non-members, though prices vary slightly by location. The permit is issued on the same day you explore, usually within 15 minutes. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office.

What if I am under 18 — does the IDP last longer?

Yes. If you are under 18, your IDP is valid for three years instead of one year. However, it cannot be valid longer than your driver's license, so if your license expires before three years, your IDP expires at the same time.

Can I renew my IDP by mail or online?

No. You must renew in person at an AAA or AATA office with your expired IDP, your current driver's license, and your passport. There is no mail or online renewal option.