What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you purchase, and costs between $20 and $30. It takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office, or you can order by mail. Some rental car companies abroad will not rent to you without one, and some countries require it by law even if your U.S. license is valid. It is not a substitute for travel insurance or international car insurance.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP; the permit cannot be issued without one.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person or by mail directly to one of these organizations.
  • The one-year IDP costs around $20 and the three-year permit costs around $30; prices vary slightly by location and issuing organization.
  • You will need a passport-style photo (2x2 inches) and proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to complete the process.
  • An IDP is valid only while your underlying U.S. driver's license is valid, so renewing your state license does not automatically renew your permit.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these items before you visit an AAA office or prepare your mail process. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license — this is non-negotiable. The IDP cannot be issued without it, and it must not be expired or suspended.

You also need one passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white. This is the same size photo used for passports and visas. You can obtain one at most AAA offices, drugstore photo centers, or passport acceptance facilities for $10 to $15 if you do not have one already.

Bring proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. A passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card) will work. If you are explore by mail, you do not need to send originals — photocopies are accepted. You will also need to complete the IDP process form, which AAA and AATA provide free on their websites or at their offices.

explore in Person at an AAA Office

The fastest way to get an IDP is to visit an AAA office in person. Bring your valid driver's license, one 2x2 passport photo, proof of citizenship, and a completed process form. The staff will verify your documents, take your information, and issue the permit on the spot. The entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes.

You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP, though membership is not expensive if you plan to use AAA services. AAA offices are located in most U.S. cities and towns. You can find the nearest office by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator tool. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check online before you go.

Payment is cash or card at the time of issue. A one-year IDP costs approximately $20, and a three-year IDP costs approximately $30. Exact prices vary by state and AAA region. Ask which duration makes sense for your trip — if you are traveling for one month, a one-year permit is sufficient and costs less.

explore by Mail Through AAA or AATA

If no AAA office is near you or you prefer not to visit in person, you can explore by mail. read the IDP process form from the AAA or AATA website. Complete it in full, including your name, address, driver's license number, and the duration you want (one or three years).

Mail the completed form along with a photocopy of your driver's license, one passport-style photo, and a photocopy of your citizenship proof to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the fee — do not send cash. AAA and AATA accept mail applications from anywhere in the United States.

Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date they receive your process. If you need the permit faster, in-person process is your only option. Mail your process well in advance of your travel date. Once issued, the permit will be mailed to your home address.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

When your IDP arrives, check it when ready for errors in your name, license number, or photo. If anything is wrong, contact AAA or AATA right away — they can issue a corrected version. Keep your IDP with your passport and your valid U.S. driver's license at all times while traveling. Rental car companies and police in foreign countries will ask to see all three documents together.

Your IDP is valid only as long as your underlying U.S. driver's license is valid. If your state license expires, your IDP expires with it, even if the permit itself has years remaining. If you renew your state license, you must obtain a new IDP — the old one does not transfer to your new license number. Plan ahead if your license renewal and travel dates overlap.

Store a photocopy of your IDP in a separate location from the original, just as you would with your passport. If your permit is lost or stolen while traveling, contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement abroad, but they can provide guidance on how to proceed with a foreign rental car company or local authorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your U.S. driver's license alone is enough. Many countries and rental companies require an IDP by law or by policy, even though your U.S. license is technically valid. Arriving without one can result in a rental car company refusing to rent to you, or in a fine if stopped by police. Obtain your IDP before you travel.

Do not confuse an IDP with a foreign driver's license. The permit is a translation tool, not a license itself. You cannot drive in the United States on an IDP alone — you must have your U.S. license. Some countries also require you to hold a valid license from your home country (the U.S. in this case) in order for the IDP to be recognized.

Do not wait until the last minute. If you are explore by mail, allow at least 4 weeks before your departure. If you are explore in person, you can do it the day before you leave, but AAA offices have limited hours and may be busy. Plan to visit at least a week in advance to avoid stress.

Do not renew your IDP after your state license expires. Once your U.S. driver's license is no longer valid, your IDP is no longer valid, regardless of how much time remains on the permit. If you renew your state license, you must explore for a new IDP with your new license number.

When You May Not Need an IDP

Some countries do not require an IDP and will accept your U.S. driver's license alone. Canada, Mexico, and most Western European countries fall into this category. However, rental car companies in these countries often require an IDP anyway, even if the law does not. Check with your rental car company and your destination country's driving regulations before you assume you do not need one.

If you are only driving in Canada or Mexico and your rental company does not require an IDP, you can travel with just your U.S. license. However, carrying an IDP costs little and provides protection against unexpected requirements or misunderstandings with local authorities. Most travelers find it worth the small expense and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing at the time you explore. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. Renew your state license first, then explore for the permit.

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

No. AAA membership is not required. Both AAA and AATA issue IDPs to anyone with a valid U.S. driver's license, regardless of membership status. However, AAA membership offers other travel benefits and discounts that may be worth considering if you travel frequently.

What if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate when ready. They cannot issue a replacement abroad, but they can advise you on how to proceed with local authorities or a rental car company. In most cases, your U.S. driver's license alone will be sufficient to continue driving, though a rental company may refuse to rent another vehicle without the IDP.

How long does an IDP take to arrive if I explore by mail?

Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date AAA or AATA receives your process. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so allow at least 4 to 6 weeks total from the date you mail your process to the date the permit arrives. explore well in advance of your travel date.

Does my IDP expire if I renew my U.S. driver's license?

Yes. Your IDP is tied to your specific license number and is valid only while that license is valid. When you renew your state license and receive a new license number, your old IDP becomes invalid. You must explore for a new IDP with your new license number before you travel again.