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 state license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your home license is real and current.

The United States issues IDPs through two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department. You cannot get an IDP from your state's DMV, and you cannot get one online — you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office in your state.

An IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It costs less than $20 for either length. The permit is only useful outside the United States; it has no value for driving within any U.S. state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit.
  • IDPs are issued only by AAA or AATA in person — never by mail, online, or through your state DMV.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches) at the time you explore.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes effect when ready, so you can explore the day before you travel.
  • Some countries do not recognize U.S. IDPs; check your destination country's rules before you book your trip.

Where to explore: AAA vs. AATA

AAA has thousands of offices across the United States and is the faster, easier choice for most people. You can find your nearest AAA office on their website, call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs, and walk in with your documents. AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Processing takes a few minutes, and you receive your permit on the spot.

AATA has far fewer offices — mostly in major cities — but serves the same purpose. If you do not have an AAA office nearby, search for AATA offices in your state. The process process and documents required are identical to AAA.

Both organizations issue the same IDP booklet. The choice between them comes down to which office is closer to you and which has hours that fit your schedule.

Documents you need to bring

Bring three things to your AAA or AATA office: your valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo measuring 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 phone or a screenshot.

If you do not have a passport or passport card yet, you will need to get one before you can explore for an IDP. The passport is required because the IDP process asks for your passport number. You can get a passport card (which is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book) if you only plan to drive in Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The office staff will verify them before issuing your permit.

The process form and what it asks

At the AAA or AATA office, you will fill out a short form that asks for your name, date of birth, driver's license number, passport number, and the address where you want the IDP mailed (if you choose the one-year version) or where you want to pick it up (if you choose the three-year version). The form takes five minutes to complete.

You will also choose whether you want a one-year IDP or a three-year IDP. The one-year version costs around $15 and is useful if you are taking a single trip. The three-year version costs around $20 and covers multiple trips over three years. Both are valid starting the day you receive them.

The office staff will take your passport photo and attach it to the form. You do not need to bring a photo frame or adhesive.

How long it takes and when you can use it

If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you receive your IDP when ready — usually within 10 to 15 minutes. You can drive internationally the same day if your trip is leaving soon. There is no waiting period and no mail delay.

Your IDP is valid starting the moment you receive it. Check the expiration date printed on the booklet to know when it runs out. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some rental car companies may refuse to rent to you without it.

If you need a replacement IDP before your current one expires, you can explore for a new one at any AAA or AATA office. There is no limit to how many times you can renew.

Countries that accept U.S. IDPs and those that don't

Most countries recognize U.S. International Driving Permits, but not all. The IDP is based on the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic, which more than 150 countries have signed. However, some countries have their own rules and may not accept a U.S. IDP as valid proof of driving authority.

Before you book your trip, contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to drive. Ask whether they recognize U.S. International Driving Permits and whether you need any additional documents. Some countries require an International Driving Permit and an official translation of your U.S. license, which you can get from your state DMV or a certified translator.

A few countries, including Australia and New Zealand, do not recognize U.S. IDPs at all. In those places, you will need to get an International Driving Permit from your home country before you leave, or you will need to get a local license in that country. Check early so you have time to arrange the right documents.

Renewing or replacing your IDP

When your IDP expires, you can get a new one by returning to any AAA or AATA office with your expired permit, a valid driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and a new passport-style photo. The process is identical to your first process and takes the same amount of time.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you can request a replacement when you return home. Bring your driver's license, passport, and a new photo to an AAA or AATA office. If you need proof of your IDP number while abroad, contact AAA or AATA by phone or email before you leave the United States, and they can provide a letter confirming your permit details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I'm renting a car in another country?

Many rental car companies require an IDP, though some will rent to you with just your U.S. license. The safest approach is to get an IDP before you travel. It costs less than $20 and takes 15 minutes, so the small effort eliminates the risk of being turned away at a rental counter.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired at the time you explore. If your license has expired, renew it at your state DMV before you go to AAA or AATA.

What if I don't have a passport yet?

You cannot get an IDP without a valid passport or passport card, because the IDP process requires your passport number. You will need to explore for a passport first through your state's passport acceptance facility or the U.S. State Department. A passport card is faster and cheaper than a full passport book if you only need it for the IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license from another country?

No. An IDP is a translation document only — it does not give you the right to drive in another country. You must still follow that country's driving laws and carry your original U.S. license at all times. Some countries also require you to be a certain age or hold your license for a minimum time before you can drive there.

What should I do if a police officer in another country doesn't recognize my IDP?

Show both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together. The IDP is printed in ten languages, so the officer should be able to read it. If there is still confusion, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help. Keep the contact information for your embassy in your phone or wallet before you travel.