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

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 real license, and you must carry both together. Most countries that recognize IDPs do so because the translation helps police officers understand your home license during a traffic stop.

You obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — these are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, the State Department itself, or any online service. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, costs between $15 and $20, and requires your valid U.S. driver's license plus a passport-style photo.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires whether you use it or not. You will need a new one each time you travel internationally if more than a year has passed since you got the last one.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA can issue International Driving Permits in the United States, and you must explore in person at a local office.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and $15 to $20 to get an IDP on the same day.
  • An IDP is valid for one year only and must be carried together with your actual driver's license at all times while driving abroad.
  • Not all countries require or recognize an IDP, so check the specific rules for the country where you plan to drive before you travel.
  • An IDP does not replace your home license and does not give you permission to drive in countries where your home license would not be valid.

Finding an AAA or AATA office near you

AAA has local clubs in most U.S. states and operates thousands of offices. You can search for the nearest one by visiting AAA.com and using their office locator, or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not every AAA office issues IDPs on-site — some handle them by mail — so confirm before you visit that the location you choose offers same-day issuance.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA and primarily serves areas where AAA does not have a strong presence. You can find AATA offices through their website at AATA.org. Like AAA, AATA can issue your IDP the same day you explore if you visit in person, but some offices also offer mail service.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP from AAA — membership is not required. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount on the IDP fee. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers member pricing.

What to bring when you explore in person

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — this is the document the IDP translates, so it must be current and not suspended. Bring one passport-style photo, which is a color photo 2 inches by 2 inches with a white background, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly and straight-on, with no sunglasses or hats.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. AAA and AATA both accept major credit cards and debit cards, and most locations also take cash. The fee is typically $15 to $20, though it can vary slightly by location and whether you are an AAA member.

You do not need to bring your passport, though having it with you can be helpful if the office staff need to verify your identity. You do not need an appointment at most AAA and AATA offices — you can walk in during business hours — but calling ahead to confirm hours and same-day service is a good idea, especially if you are traveling soon.

Getting an IDP by mail if you cannot visit in person

Both AAA and AATA offer mail service for IDPs if no office is near you or you cannot visit during business hours. You will need to mail in your driver's license, a passport-style photo, a completed process form, and payment. The organization will mail your IDP back to you, along with your license.

Mail service typically takes two to three weeks from the time the organization receives your materials. If you are leaving for your trip soon, in-person service is much faster. To request mail service, contact your local AAA club or AATA directly — they will send you the process form and instructions for what to include in your envelope.

When you mail in your documents, use a method that lets you track the package, such as USPS Priority Mail with tracking or a courier service. Keep the tracking number until you receive your IDP back, in case the package is lost in transit.

Whether your destination country actually requires or recognizes an IDP

Not every country requires an IDP, and some do not recognize one at all. Before you spend money on an IDP, check the driving rules for the specific country where you plan to drive. The U.S. State Department website has country-by-country information on driving requirements, or you can contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting.

Many European countries, Canada, Mexico, and Australia recognize IDPs. Some countries require an IDP only if your home license is not in the Roman alphabet — for example, if you hold a license from Japan, China, or Russia. Other countries accept only your home license with an official translation, which you would get from a translator rather than from AAA or AATA.

Some rental car companies require an IDP as a condition of renting to you, even if the country itself does not legally require one. When you book a rental car, ask the company whether they require an IDP. If they do, get one before you travel, because you will not be able to rent the car without it.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling

If your IDP expires during your trip, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it while abroad — you can only get a new one from AAA or AATA in the United States. If you are still driving in the country where you are visiting, you will be driving with only your home license and no translation, which may violate local law depending on the country.

To avoid this, check the expiration date on your IDP before you leave home. If it will expire during your trip, get a new one before you depart. If you realize while traveling that your IDP has expired and you still have weeks left on your trip, contact AAA or AATA by phone to ask whether they can issue a replacement that you can pick up when you return to the United States, or whether you should stop driving until you get home.

How an IDP differs from a foreign license or a license translation

An IDP is not the same as a foreign driver's license. A foreign license is issued by another country's government and is valid only in that country (or sometimes in a small group of countries with reciprocal agreements). An IDP is issued by a U.S. organization and is meant to help foreign police understand your U.S. license.

An IDP is also different from an official translation of your license. Some countries require that your license be translated into the local language by a certified translator, notary, or government office. An IDP is a pre-printed translation into ten languages, not a custom translation into one language. If a country requires an official translation, an IDP may not satisfy that requirement — you would need to get a separate translation from a translator in that country or from your state's DMV.

If you plan to stay in a foreign country for more than a few weeks or to work as a driver there, you will likely need to get a license issued by that country's government, not just an IDP. An IDP is for tourists and short-term visitors, not for residents or workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses and do not require an IDP by law. However, some car rental companies in these countries may require an IDP as a condition of renting to you. Check with your rental company before you book. If you are driving your own car, an IDP is not legally necessary but can be helpful if you are stopped by police.

Can I get an IDP online or by phone?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their offices or by mail. No online service or phone order can issue a legitimate IDP. If a website offers to send you an IDP by email or to issue one without requiring a photo and your license, it is not a real IDP and will not be recognized by foreign authorities.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA by phone from abroad and explain what happened. They cannot issue a replacement while you are out of the country, but they can advise you on whether you can continue driving with only your home license under the laws of the country you are in. Some countries allow this; others do not. When you return to the United States, you can get a new IDP by visiting an AAA or AATA office in person.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

Yes — "International Driving Permit" and "International License" refer to the same document. The official name is International Driving Permit, but people often call it an International License or IDP. It is always issued by AAA or AATA in the United States, and it is always valid for one year.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car and not driving myself?

No. An IDP is only for people who will be driving. If you are renting a car but someone else will drive it, that person needs the IDP, not you. If you are not driving at all, you do not need one.