What an International Driver's Permit Is and How to Get One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your 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 is issued by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You can obtain one from either organization in person or by mail, and the process takes between a few days and two weeks depending on which method you choose.

The IDP exists because many countries require proof that your home license is valid, and a translation into their language satisfies that requirement. Some rental car companies also ask for one, and some insurance policies require it for coverage abroad. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you request, and you can renew it before it expires without getting a new U.S. license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP, and both documents must travel together — the IDP alone is not legal proof of driving authority.
  • Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States; no other organization or online service can provide one.
  • In-person issuance at an AAA office takes minutes and costs between $15 and $20, while mail-in requests take one to two weeks and require a completed form, a passport-style photo, and a check.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years and can be renewed before expiration without renewing your state license.
  • Not all countries recognize the IDP, so check your destination country's requirements before you travel.

Getting an IDP in Person at an AAA Office

The fastest way to get an IDP is to visit a local AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card. Bring your license and one of those documents — that is all you need. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member you want an International Driving Permit and specify whether you want it valid for one year or three years.

The staff member will verify your license, take your information, and issue the permit on the spot. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit as of the most recent published rates, though prices may vary slightly by location. You will walk out with the IDP in hand the same day. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP; membership is not required.

To find an AAA office near you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code and select the office closest to you. Call ahead if you want to confirm they have stock on hand, though most offices keep IDPs available.

Getting an IDP by Mail Through AAA

If no AAA office is near you or you prefer not to travel, you can request an IDP by mail. read the IDP process form from the AAA website or request one by phone. You will need to complete the form, provide a passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches), include a photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license, and enclose a check for the permit fee.

Mail the completed packet to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date AAA receives your packet. AAA will mail the IDP to the address you provide on the form. The cost is the same as in-person issuance: $15 for one year or $20 for three years, plus any postage fees if you request expedited return mail.

Keep a copy of the form and your check number for your records in case the packet is lost in transit. If you do not receive your IDP within three weeks, contact AAA customer service with your process details.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second official IDP issuer in the United States. AATA does not have physical offices, so you must request an IDP by mail or through their website. Visit the AATA website, complete their online process, upload a digital passport-style photograph, and pay the fee by credit card or check.

Processing time through AATA is typically one to two weeks. The fee structure is similar to AAA: $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AATA will mail the completed IDP to your address. If you prefer to mail a paper process instead of using their online form, you can request one by phone and follow the same process as AAA's mail-in route.

What Documents You Need and What to Bring

For in-person issuance at AAA, bring only two items: your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card. That is all the staff member will ask for. You do not need to bring proof of address, vehicle registration, or any other document.

For mail-in requests through either AAA or AATA, you will need to provide the following: a completed IDP process form (available from their websites or by phone), a passport-style photograph measuring 2 by 2 inches, a photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license (front and back), and payment by check or credit card. Do not send original documents — only copies and photographs.

Your U.S. driver's license must be valid (not expired) at the time you request the IDP. If your license is expired or will expire before your planned travel, renew your state license first, then request the IDP.

IDP Validity, Renewal, and Expiration

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issuance, depending on which term you request. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. You must carry both your IDP and your U.S. driver's license together — the IDP is not valid on its own.

If your IDP expires before your U.S. license does, you can renew the IDP without renewing your state license. straightforward request a new IDP from AAA or AATA using the same process as your first one. If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid because it is tied to your home license. You will need to renew your state license and then request a new IDP.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad. Contact AAA or AATA by phone or email and request an emergency replacement to be mailed to your home address. In the meantime, your valid U.S. driver's license alone may be sufficient in some countries, though this varies by destination.

Countries That Recognize the IDP and Where to Check Requirements

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize the IDP. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. However, some countries do not recognize it, and a few require additional documents alongside the IDP.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for your destination country. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or check their official tourism or transportation website. Some countries require an IDP plus an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance, and a few require an official translation of your license in addition to the IDP. Knowing this before you leave prevents problems at a rental counter or with police.

The IDP is not a substitute for a valid U.S. driver's license, and it does not grant you the right to drive in any country. It is only a translation document. Each country has its own rules about who can drive, what age you must be, and what documents you must carry. The IDP straightforward makes your U.S. license readable to authorities and rental companies abroad.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is getting an IDP and then leaving it at home. The IDP is only valid when carried together with your U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police or asked by a rental company and you have only the IDP, it will not be accepted. Pack both documents in the same place and check for them before you leave your hotel each day.

A second mistake is assuming the IDP is valid in every country. It is not. Some countries do not recognize it, and some require additional documents. Checking your destination's requirements before you travel takes ten minutes and prevents a rental denial or legal trouble at a checkpoint.

A third mistake is requesting an IDP with an expired or soon-to-expire U.S. driver's license. Your IDP is only valid as long as your home license is valid. If your license expires in three months and you request a three-year IDP, the IDP will become invalid in three months. Renew your state license first if it will expire within your travel window.

Finally, do not order an IDP from any website or service other than AAA or AATA. Scam sites exist that claim to issue IDPs online for a higher fee. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them in the United States. If a website promises an IDP in 24 hours or charges more than $25, it is not legitimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. Reinstate or renew your state license first, then request the IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

It depends on the rental company. Most major rental companies in Canada and Mexico accept a U.S. driver's license alone, but some require an IDP. Call the rental company before you book to confirm their requirements. Having an IDP eliminates any doubt and is inexpensive insurance.

What if my IDP gets damaged or torn while I am traveling?

A damaged IDP may not be accepted. If it is still readable, most authorities and rental companies will accept it. If it is unreadable, you cannot replace it while abroad. Contact AAA or AATA by email and request an emergency replacement to your home address. In the meantime, your valid U.S. driver's license may be sufficient depending on your location.

Can I get an IDP for someone else, like a family member?

No. Each person must request their own IDP using their own valid U.S. driver's license. You cannot request one on behalf of another person, even a spouse or child. Each driver must go to AAA in person or submit their own mail-in process.

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

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date AAA or AATA receives your completed process. Mailing time to and from their office adds another three to five business days depending on your location. Plan for two to three weeks total from the date you mail your process to the date you receive the IDP.