What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your home country. The IDP lets police, car rental companies, and border officials in other countries read your driving record without needing a translator.
In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue a U.S. IDP. Both organizations follow the same rules set by the State Department, so the permit is identical regardless of which one you use.
Most countries recognize U.S. IDPs for one year from the date of issue. Some countries have different rules — a few require the IDP to be issued within six months of your travel date, and a small number do not recognize IDPs at all. Check the specific country's embassy website or call their consulate before you order.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP; the permit cannot be issued to someone without a current license.
- Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue U.S. IDPs, and both charge between $15 and $20 depending on processing speed.
- The IDP process takes between same-day (in person at AAA) and five to ten business days (by mail), depending on which organization and service level you choose.
- You will need your valid driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a passport-style photo (2x2 inches) to complete the order.
- An IDP is valid for one year, but some countries have their own rules about when it must be issued relative to your travel date.
Requirements Before You Order
Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it with your state DMV. The IDP is a translation of your current license, so it reflects whatever class of license you hold — if you have a standard Class D license, your IDP will too.
You will need a passport or state ID as a second form of identification. A passport is preferred because it matches the format of an IDP, but either works. You will also need one passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white. The photo must show your face clearly and be taken within the last six months. You can get passport photos at most pharmacies, post offices, and AAA locations.
Bring your original documents in person if you are ordering through AAA, or mail copies if you are ordering by mail through either AAA or AATA. Do not send originals by mail — send certified copies or photocopies. The organization will return your documents or confirm receipt before they issue the permit.
How to Order Through AAA
AAA members and non-members can both order an IDP. If you are an AAA member, you can visit any AAA branch in person and receive the permit the same day in most cases. Bring your valid driver's license, passport or state ID, and one passport-style photo. The fee is $15 for members and $20 for non-members when you order in person.
If you cannot visit in person, you can mail your process to AAA. read the IDP process form from the AAA website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with photocopies of your license and ID, your passport photo, and a check or money order. Processing by mail takes five to ten business days. AAA will return your documents and send the IDP to the address you provide.
To find your nearest AAA branch, use the branch locator on the AAA website. Not all branches offer IDP services, so call ahead to confirm. If you do not have an AAA membership and want to order in person, you can do so at any branch that offers the service — membership is not required, though the fee is higher.
How to Order Through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) processes IDP orders by mail only — there are no in-person locations. You can order online through their website or by mail. The online order is faster: you upload a digital copy of your photo, license, and ID, and AATA processes it within three to five business days. The fee is $20 for online orders.
If you order by mail, read the process from the AATA website, print it, and mail it with photocopies of your documents and your passport photo. Mail processing takes seven to ten business days. The fee is $15 for mail orders. AATA will email or mail you a confirmation when your process arrives, and will send the finished IDP to your address.
AATA's online system is straightforward: you create an account, upload your documents as image files (JPG or PDF), and pay by credit card. Make sure your photo file is clear and your license and ID are fully visible in the image. If AATA cannot read your documents, they will contact you to request new files.
What Happens After You Order
Once your process is processed, you will receive your IDP by mail at the address you provided. The permit arrives in a small booklet format, similar in size to a passport. Keep it with your driver's license at all times when you are driving in another country — the IDP is only valid when presented together with your original license.
Check the IDP for errors as soon as it arrives. Your name, license number, and license class should match your U.S. license exactly. If there is an error, contact the organization that issued it (AAA or AATA) when ready. They can issue a corrected permit, usually at no additional charge if the error was theirs.
The IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Write the expiration date on your calendar or phone reminder so you know when to renew if you plan to drive internationally again. Some countries will not accept an IDP that is within a few months of expiration, so plan ahead if you travel frequently.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is ordering an IDP without checking whether the destination country actually recognizes it. A small number of countries do not accept U.S. IDPs, and a few have specific rules about when the permit must be issued. Before you order, visit your destination country's embassy website or call their consulate to confirm they accept U.S. IDPs and whether there are any timing requirements.
Another frequent error is submitting an expired or invalid driver's license. The IDP cannot be issued if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license status has changed, you must handle that with your state DMV before you order an IDP.
People also sometimes forget to bring or send the required photo, or send a photo that does not meet the 2x2 inch requirement. If your photo is the wrong size or quality, the organization will ask you to resubmit before they can process your order. This delays your permit by several days. Get your photo made at a place that specializes in passport photos — they know the exact requirements.
Finally, do not assume that an IDP is a license. It is a translation document only. You must carry your actual U.S. driver's license with you at all times. Some countries will not let you rent a car with only an IDP, and police will not accept it as your sole proof of driving authority.
Cost and Timeline Comparison
| Organization | In-Person Service | Mail Service | Online Service | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | Same day (members and non-members) | 5–10 business days | Not available | $15 (members), $20 (non-members) |
| AATA | Not available | 7–10 business days | 3–5 business days | $15 (mail), $20 (online) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, an IDP can be useful if you are stopped by police and the officer does not speak English, or if you are renting a car and the company prefers additional documentation. It is not required, but it is inexpensive and can prevent confusion.
Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?
No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is expired, renew it with your state DMV first. If it is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that before you can get an IDP.
How long is an IDP valid?
An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Some countries have their own rules and may not accept an IDP that is close to expiration. Check your destination country's requirements before you travel.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement letter or document confirming your driving status while you are abroad. When you return to the U.S., you can order a new IDP from AAA or AATA.
Can I order an IDP for someone else?
No. The person who holds the driver's license must order the IDP themselves or authorize someone to order it on their behalf with a signed power of attorney. The IDP must match the name and license number of the person who will be driving.