What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

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 documents together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to present them alongside your U.S. license at a traffic stop or rental counter.

The IDP is issued in the United States by only two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other entity is authorized to issue them. Both organizations produce the same document and follow the same rules set by the International Road Federation, so the choice between them depends only on which is closer to you or which you can reach more easily.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not extend your U.S. license and cannot be renewed — when it expires, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must get your IDP from either AAA or AATA in person; neither organization issues them by mail or online.
  • Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in your possession when you explore, and you must bring a passport or other government-issued photo ID.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, and you receive it the same day you explore.
  • An IDP is valid for one year only and must be carried with your U.S. license at all times when driving abroad.
  • Not all countries recognize or require an IDP, so check the specific rules for the country where you plan to drive before you obtain one.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has local branches in most U.S. states and issues IDPs at their offices. You can find your nearest AAA branch by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator. Not every AAA office issues IDPs on the same day — some require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to schedule a time.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller network but operates in many states. You can find AATA locations through their website at aataidp.com. Like AAA, AATA offices vary in their appointment policies, so contact them directly before visiting.

If you live in a state where neither AAA nor AATA has a nearby office, you may need to travel to the closest location or contact both organizations to ask about mail-in options in your specific situation. Some offices have made exceptions for people in remote areas, though this is not standard practice.

Documents You Need to Bring

You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license in person. The license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew it through your state's DMV.

You also need a government-issued photo ID in addition to your driver's license. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID card all work. A military ID is also accepted. The photo ID does not have to be your driver's license.

Bring your passport if you have one, though it is not always required. Some countries ask to see your passport number when you present your IDP at a border or rental counter, so having it with you makes the process faster. If you do not yet have a passport, you can still obtain an IDP — you will straightforward need to provide your passport number later if a country requests it.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. AAA and AATA both accept payment at the time of issue. Fees range from $15 to $20 depending on the organization and your location.

The process Process and Timeline

Walk into or call an AAA or AATA office and tell them you want to obtain an International Driving Permit. The staff will ask you to complete a short form with your name, address, driver's license number, and passport number (if you have one). The form takes about five minutes to fill out.

Hand over your driver's license and photo ID. The staff will verify that your license is valid and that the photo ID matches your name. They will then take a photo of you or use a photo from your driver's license to print on the IDP.

Pay the fee — typically $15 to $20 — and you will receive your IDP when ready. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. You leave with both your original driver's license and your new IDP in hand.

There is no waiting period, no mailing, and no follow-up required. If you need an IDP for a trip leaving in a few days, you can obtain one the day before you travel, as long as you visit an office during business hours.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired or Suspended

You cannot obtain an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is expired. You must renew your license through your state's DMV first. The renewal process varies by state — some allow online renewal, some require an in-person visit, and some require both. Check your state DMV's website for the specific steps and timeline.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact your state DMV to find out when you are may be able to access to drive again and what steps you need to take to restore your license.

Once your license is valid again, you can visit AAA or AATA and obtain your IDP the same day.

Countries That Recognize International Driving Permits

Most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America recognize IDPs, but not all. Some countries have their own rules about what documents foreign drivers must carry. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country where you plan to drive.

The U.S. State Department maintains a list of countries that recognize IDPs on their travel advisory pages. Your car rental company can also tell you whether an IDP is required for your destination — many rental companies will not rent to you without one if you are driving in certain countries.

Some countries require an IDP plus an official translation of your U.S. license. Others require an IDP plus a notarized copy of your license. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to obtain a local driving permit or license. Research your specific destination at least two weeks before your trip.

Cost and Validity Period

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you obtain it from AAA or AATA and your location. This is a one-time fee paid at the time of issue. There are no hidden fees, renewal fees, or processing fees.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid, and you should not drive. If you plan to travel internationally again after your IDP expires, you must obtain a new one from AAA or AATA.

Your U.S. driver's license does not expire when your IDP expires. The two documents are separate. If your U.S. license is still valid, you can obtain a new IDP at any time by visiting AAA or AATA again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Most major rental companies in Europe require an IDP even if you have a valid U.S. license. Some rental companies in other regions do not require one. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm their specific requirements for your destination.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their offices. You must visit an office, bring your valid driver's license and photo ID, and pay the fee on the spot. There is no mail-in option through either organization.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA from abroad and explain that your IDP was lost or stolen. They can issue a replacement, but you will need to visit an office in person or wait until you return to the United States. In the meantime, you can still drive with your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may not recognize it without the IDP.

Does an International Driving Permit work in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in Mexico may request an IDP as an additional form of identification. Check with your rental company before you travel. An IDP is not required by law in either country.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

You receive your IDP the same day you explore. The entire process at an AAA or AATA office takes 15 to 30 minutes. There is no processing time, no waiting period, and no follow-up required. You can obtain an IDP a few days before your trip without any problem.