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 home license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your license is real and current, because they can read it in a language they understand.

Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and some countries will not recognize your license without it. If you are planning to drive outside your home country, an IDP removes the risk that a police officer or rental agent will refuse to accept your license because they cannot read it.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or government motor vehicle office. You cannot get one in the country you are visiting — you must obtain it before you leave home. The process is straightforward and takes one to two weeks in most places.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet that must be carried with your valid home license; it is not a license itself.
  • You must obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling, not in the country you plan to visit.
  • Most IDPs cost between $15 and $30 and are valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • You will need your current valid driver's license, a passport or government ID, and a passport-style photo to get an IDP.
  • Rental car companies and some countries require an IDP even though it is not legally mandatory in most places.

Where to Get Your International Driving Permit

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only organization authorized to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a AAA member to get one, but you do need to visit a AAA office in person — they cannot be ordered online or by mail. AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide, and most can issue an IDP the same day or within a few days.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs at its member offices across the country. Like AAA, CAA requires an in-person visit and does not mail IDPs.

In the United Kingdom, the Post Office and the AA (Automobile Association) both issue IDPs. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) handle IDP issuance. The specific issuing body varies by country, but it is always the national automobile association or a government motor vehicle office — never a private company or online service.

Before you visit, check the office's hours and whether they require an appointment. Some locations accept walk-ins; others book appointments weeks in advance during busy travel seasons.

Documents You Need to Bring

You will need three things: a valid driver's license from your home country, a government-issued photo ID (usually a passport), and one passport-style photograph. The photo must meet the same standards as a passport photo — typically 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible.

Your driver's license must be current and not expired. If your license has expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it. Some offices will accept a license that expires within a few months, but do not assume — call ahead to confirm.

Bring the originals of all documents. Photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the originals plus certified English translations.

The Cost and How Long It Takes

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. Prices vary slightly by country and issuing organization. Most offices accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.

Processing time depends on where you go. If you visit a AAA or CAA office in person, you can often walk out with your IDP the same day. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), some offices may take a few days. If you need your IDP urgently, call the office first to ask about same-day service.

The IDP itself is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. It expires on the same date regardless of when you use it, so order it close to your travel date rather than months in advance.

What Information Goes Into Your IDP

The IDP contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive (such as cars, motorcycles, or heavy vehicles). This information is printed in English and then translated into nine other languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Japanese.

The IDP does not contain your photograph — it relies on you carrying it with your passport or ID so officials can match your face to your documents. The permit is a small booklet, about the size of a passport, and fits easily in a wallet or travel bag.

When You Actually Need an IDP

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving and who you are renting from. Most European countries do not legally require an IDP if your home license is in Roman characters (the standard alphabet used in English). However, many car rental companies in Europe will refuse to rent to you without one, so it is safer to have it.

In countries that use non-Roman alphabets — such as Russia, Greece, Japan, China, and the Middle East — an IDP is often legally required or strongly recommended. Some countries will not recognize your home license at all without an IDP.

Before you book a rental car, check the rental company's website or call them directly to ask whether they require an IDP. If you are unsure about the country's rules, get an IDP anyway — it costs little and removes all doubt at the border or rental counter.

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 in that country. You will need to contact your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle office and request an emergency replacement, which may take several weeks to arrive by mail.

To avoid this, make a photocopy of your IDP's first page and store it separately from the original — in your hotel safe, your email, or with a travel companion. If you lose the original, the copy will help you prove you had one and may help you rent a car while you wait for a replacement.

Some travelers also photograph their IDP with their phone as a backup. While a photo is not an official document, it can help you explain the situation to a rental company or police officer if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting one country?

It depends on that country's rules and your rental company's rules. Most Western European countries do not legally require one, but many rental companies do. Call your rental company first — if they require it, you need one. If the country uses a non-Roman alphabet, get one regardless.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. In the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia, IDPs must be obtained in person at an authorized office. Online services that claim to issue IDPs are not legitimate. You must visit a AAA, CAA, Post Office, or equivalent office in your home country.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can choose a one-year or three-year permit when you explore. Both cost roughly the same in most places, so the three-year version is usually better value if you travel internationally more than once. The permit expires on a fixed date, not based on how much you use it.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Renew your home license first, then explore for the IDP. Some offices may accept a license that expires within a few weeks, but call ahead to confirm their policy.

Do I need to carry my IDP even if I am not driving?

No. The IDP is only needed if you are driving. If you are renting a car, carry both your home license and your IDP. If you are not driving, you do not need the IDP — your passport is sufficient.