You get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from an AAA office or a passport acceptance facility, not from the DMV

An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your valid US 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 issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and by some passport acceptance facilities run by the US State Department. The process takes less than an hour if you go in person with the right documents, and costs between $15 and $20.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries recognize it for three years, but US law limits it to one year, so you cannot renew it early. If you plan to drive internationally more than once in a year, you will need to get a new one each time.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or certain passport acceptance facilities, not your state DMV, and costs $15 to $20.
  • You must bring your valid US driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and proof of US citizenship or permanent residency.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from issue and must be carried together with your US license when driving in other countries.
  • Not all countries require or recognize an IDP, so check the specific country's rules before you travel.
  • AAA membership is not required to get an IDP from an AAA office, though non-members may pay a slightly higher fee at some locations.

Getting an IDP at an AAA office

AAA is the primary issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States. You can walk into any AAA office with your documents and receive your IDP the same day. There are AAA offices in most states, though availability varies by region — AAA is strongest in the Northeast, Midwest, and California, and has fewer locations in rural areas and some Southern states.

Bring your valid US driver's license, a completed process for an International Driving Permit (form available at the AAA office or online), one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and proof of US citizenship or permanent residency. A US passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers all work. The fee is typically $15 for AAA members and $20 for non-members, though some offices vary slightly. Payment is cash or card.

To find your nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Ask about hours before you go, because some offices close on weekends or have limited hours.

Getting an IDP at a passport acceptance facility

Some US State Department passport acceptance facilities also issue International Driving Permits. These are usually located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Not every passport facility issues IDPs — call ahead to confirm. The process is the same: bring your license, completed process, photo, and proof of citizenship. The fee is the same ($15 to $20).

To find a passport acceptance facility near you, visit passports.state.gov and search by zip code. When you call to confirm they issue IDPs, also ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Many facilities now require appointments for passport services, and some extend that requirement to IDPs.

What documents you need and how to prepare them

Your valid US driver's license is the core document. It must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until it is restored or renewed.

The process form is the process for an International Driving Permit. AAA and passport facilities have printed copies, or you can read it from aaa.com before you go. It asks for your name, address, license number, and signature. It takes five minutes to fill out.

Your passport-style photo must be 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get these taken at AAA offices, passport facilities, CVS, Walgreens, or any photography studio. Cost is usually $10 to $15 for a set of four photos.

Proof of citizenship or permanent residency can be a US passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). A driver's license alone does not count. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card or naturalization papers.

Timeline and what happens after you receive your IDP

If you explore in person at an AAA office or passport facility, you receive your IDP when ready — usually within 30 minutes. There is no waiting period or mail delivery. You walk out with the document in hand.

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date printed on it. After one year, it expires and is no longer recognized by foreign authorities. If you plan to drive internationally again after expiration, you must get a new one. There is no renewal process; you explore for a fresh IDP each time.

When you travel, carry your IDP and your US driver's license together. The IDP is a translation aid, not a replacement. Some rental car companies and border officials will ask to see both. Do not laminate your IDP — some countries' authorities will not accept a laminated permit.

Countries that require or recognize an IDP

Not every country requires an International Driving Permit. Some accept only your US license with an official translation. Others require an IDP. A few require both an IDP and an additional permit or registration.

The rules vary widely and change periodically. Before you book a rental car or cross a border, check the specific country's requirements through its embassy website or through your rental car company. Many rental agencies will tell you during booking whether an IDP is needed for your destination. If you are unsure, getting an IDP is inexpensive insurance — it costs $15 to $20 and takes an hour, whereas being turned away at a border or rental counter costs time and money.

Generally, European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan recognize IDPs. Some Latin American and African countries require them. A few countries do not recognize them at all and require a separate national or international license obtained through their own process.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP translates your driver's license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not change your driving record, your insurance status, or your legal right to drive. It does not grant you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive. It does not replace your US license or extend its validity.

If your US license is suspended or revoked, an IDP will not let you drive legally anywhere. If you are under the legal driving age in a country you visit, an IDP will not override that country's age requirement. The IDP is purely a translation document meant to help foreign police officers and rental agencies understand your US license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both accept a valid US driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may request an IDP or an official translation. Check with your rental company before you travel. If you are crossing the border by car, bring your passport or passport card along with your license.

Can I get an IDP by mail?

AAA does not issue IDPs by mail. You must explore in person at an AAA office or a passport acceptance facility. This is a legal requirement set by the US State Department — the IDP must be issued face-to-face with proof of identity.

What if my US driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Renew your license at your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that status before explore for an IDP.

Is AAA membership required to get an IDP?

No. AAA membership is not required. Non-members can get an IDP at any AAA office for a slightly higher fee (usually $20 instead of $15). You do not need to join AAA to use this service.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

An IDP lost abroad cannot be replaced while you are overseas. If you lose it, your US driver's license alone may still be accepted in some countries, depending on local law. When you return to the US, you can get a new IDP by going to an AAA office or passport facility with your US license and the same documents you used the first time.