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 when driving abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is real and current.

You get an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, the State Department directly, or any other source. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, costs between $15 and $20, and the permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country. Canada, Mexico, and most of Western Europe recognize a U.S. driver's license on its own. An IDP becomes necessary when you are renting a car, driving in countries that require it by law, or want extra protection in places where police may not recognize English-language documents. Some rental car companies also charge lower rates if you present an IDP alongside your license.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license — it does not replace it.
  • The process takes 15 minutes in person, costs $15 to $20, and the permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a passport-sized photo (2x2 inches) to get an IDP.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP, but rental car companies and some nations strongly prefer one, and some require it by law.
  • An IDP issued in the U.S. is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 and 1968 international driving permit conventions.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source. If you are a AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in the United States and receive an IDP on the spot. If you are not a member, you can still get one at a AAA office, but you may pay a slightly higher fee. AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide, and you can find the nearest one on their website by entering your zip code.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not have physical offices but issues IDPs by mail. You fill out an process form, mail it with your documents and payment, and receive your IDP by mail within two to three weeks. AATA is useful if you live far from a AAA office or prefer not to visit in person.

Do not use online services that claim to issue IDPs or "international licenses." These are scams. The only legitimate IDPs come from AAA or AATA, and neither one charges more than $20. If a website promises an IDP for $50 or more, or claims to issue a separate international license, it is fraudulent.

Documents you need to bring

You will need three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a form of identification with a photo (a passport, passport card, or state ID), and a passport-sized photo that is 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from your driver's license or a digital photo on your phone.

If you are explore in person at AAA, bring the originals of all three items. If you are explore by mail through AATA, you will mail photocopies of your license and ID, along with the original photo. AATA's process form specifies which documents to copy and how to arrange them, so follow their instructions exactly to avoid delays.

You do not need to renew your U.S. driver's license before getting an IDP, but your license must not be expired. If your license expires within the next month, renew it first — an IDP is only valid as long as the license it translates.

The step-by-step process at AAA

Walk into any AAA office with your three documents and ask for an International Driving Permit. The staff member will ask you to fill out a one-page process form that takes about two minutes. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not have to list specific countries — saying "multiple countries" is fine.

Once the form is complete, the staff member will check that your documents are valid and that your photo meets their requirements. They will then take your payment (usually $15 to $20, depending on whether you are a AAA member) and hand you your IDP. The entire transaction takes about 15 minutes. You walk out with the IDP in hand and can use it when ready.

Your IDP will be a small booklet, about the size of a passport, with your information printed in English and then repeated in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. The back pages have spaces for you to write notes about your vehicle or trip.

how the process works by mail through AATA

Visit the AATA website and read their IDP process form. Fill it out completely, including your name, address, license number, and date of birth. Photocopy the front and back of your U.S. driver's license and your passport or state ID. Include one original passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). Do not send originals — only copies of your ID documents.

Mail the completed form, photocopies, photo, and payment to the address listed on AATA's website. Payment is usually by check or money order; AATA does not accept credit cards by mail. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want AATA to return your photo. AATA will process your process and mail your IDP to you within two to three weeks.

Keep a copy of your process and proof of payment in case you need to follow up. If you do not receive your IDP within four weeks, contact AATA with your process details. Processing times can vary during peak travel seasons, so explore at least six weeks before your trip if you are using the mail route.

Cost and how long it lasts

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on whether you are a AAA member and which issuer you use. AAA members typically pay $15; non-members may pay $20. AATA's fee is usually $20. These are the only legitimate costs — no government fee, no processing fee, no shipping fee beyond standard mail.

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, not from the date you travel. If you get an IDP in January and travel in December of the same year, it is still valid. If you travel in January of the following year, you will need a new one. Some countries have their own rules about how long an IDP must be valid when you enter, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.

You cannot renew an IDP — you must get a new one each year. If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid because it translates an expired license. Always renew your license first if it is expiring soon.

Countries that require or strongly prefer an IDP

Many countries do not require an IDP at all. Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and most Western European countries (including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy) recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without one. However, rental car companies in these countries often charge lower rates or waive certain fees if you present an IDP alongside your license.

Some countries require an IDP by law or strongly prefer it. These include China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil, and most countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. If you plan to rent a car or drive in any country outside North America and Western Europe, check the specific country's requirements before you travel. Your rental car company can tell you whether an IDP is required for your destination.

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 and 1968 international driving permit conventions. If a country is not a signatory, an IDP may not be recognized, but your U.S. license still might be. Always verify your destination's rules with the country's embassy or your rental car company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. An IDP translates your valid U.S. driver's license, so your license must be current and valid. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. Restore your license first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental car companies in Mexico prefer an IDP, so check with your rental company. An IDP can also be useful if you are stopped by police and want extra documentation, but it is not required by law in either country.

What if my passport-sized photo does not meet their requirements?

AAA and AATA can usually take a new photo on the spot at their office or ask you to bring a different one. If you are explore by mail through AATA and your photo is rejected, they will contact you and ask you to mail a new one. This delays your process by one to two weeks, so take time to get a proper photo before mailing.

Can I get an International Driving Permit before my U.S. driver's license arrives?

No. You must have your physical U.S. driver's license in hand to explore for an IDP. A temporary license or a receipt from the DMV is not enough. Wait until your license arrives, then explore for the IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that you carry with your U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not allow you to drive in the U.S. or abroad on its own. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but the U.S. does not — only the IDP exists.