What an International Driving Permit is and how to get one

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 together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is real and what class of vehicle you are licensed to drive.

You get an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, the federal government, or any other source. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, costs between $15 and $20, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country — some nations accept a U.S. license alone, while others require one. Before you book a rental car, check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit, because the requirement varies widely. If you are unsure, getting an IDP costs so little that most travelers get one anyway rather than risk a fine or being unable to rent.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times.
  • The process takes 15 minutes, costs $15 to $20, and you can get one in person at most AAA offices without an appointment.
  • Some countries require an IDP and some do not, so check your destination's rules before you travel.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years and does not replace your state license or extend its expiration date.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the easiest place to get an IDP if you are a member. Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license, a passport or other government ID, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Most offices do not require an appointment. If you are not a AAA member, you can still get an IDP there, but you may pay a slightly higher fee or be asked to join.

If you do not have a AAA office nearby or prefer not to use AAA, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) also issues IDPs. AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, but you can order an IDP by mail through their website. The mail process takes longer — usually one to two weeks — and requires you to mail in your documents, so plan ahead if you choose this route.

Some travel agencies and international driving permit websites claim to issue IDPs online, but these are not legitimate. The U.S. State Department recognizes only AAA and AATA. Any other source is either a scam or will issue you a document that is not valid abroad.

What documents you need to bring

Bring three things to the AAA or AATA office: your valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport, passport card, or state ID), and a passport-sized photograph that is 2 by 2 inches. The photo must be in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly. You cannot use a photo from your phone or a printout from home — it must be a physical photograph.

If you do not have a passport-sized photo, AAA offices can take one for you on the spot, usually for a small additional fee. This saves you a trip to a photo studio. If you are ordering by mail through AATA, follow their specific photo requirements on their website, as mail-in rules can differ slightly.

You do not need to bring proof of citizenship, a birth certificate, or any other documents beyond these three. The IDP office will not ask for your Social Security number or conduct a background check.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

When you get an IDP, you choose whether you want it valid for one year or three years. The one-year permit costs less, and the three-year permit costs more. Most travelers choose the three-year option because they may take multiple trips and do not want to get a new one each time.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on it, regardless of whether your U.S. driver's license expires before or after that date. If your U.S. license expires while your IDP is still valid, your IDP becomes invalid — you must have a current U.S. license to use an IDP abroad. If your U.S. license is renewed, your old IDP does not automatically renew; you must get a new IDP if you want one.

To renew an IDP, go back to AAA or AATA with the same documents (current license, government ID, and passport photo) and pay the fee again. There is no grace period — once it expires, it is no longer valid, so renew before you travel if your IDP is close to expiration.

Cost and time to get an IDP

The fee for an IDP through AAA is typically $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit, though prices may vary slightly by location. If you are not an AAA member, you may pay an additional membership fee or a small surcharge. AATA charges similar fees. These prices are set by the organizations, not by individual offices, so you will pay roughly the same amount whether you go to AAA in California or New York.

The in-person process at AAA takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. You hand over your documents, they verify your license, take or scan your photo, print the permit, and you leave with it in hand. You do not have to wait for anything to be mailed. If you order by mail through AATA, allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery, plus time for your documents to reach them.

Payment is usually cash or card at AAA offices. Check with your local office about their payment methods before you go.

Countries that require an IDP versus those that do not

Whether you need an IDP depends entirely on the country you are visiting. Some countries accept a U.S. driver's license alone, some require an IDP, and some require both plus an International Driving Permit Card or other documents. The rules change and vary by rental car company as well, so there is no single list that applies everywhere.

Before you book a rental car, contact the rental company directly and tell them you are a U.S. citizen with a U.S. license. Ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. Most major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget) have this information on their websites or can tell you by phone. Some countries that commonly require an IDP include Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Mexico, but this is not a complete list and requirements change.

If you are traveling to multiple countries, check each one separately. A country that requires an IDP for car rental may not require one for driving a personal vehicle, or vice versa. When in doubt, getting an IDP is inexpensive insurance against being unable to rent a car or facing a fine.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling

If you lose your IDP abroad, you cannot get a replacement while you are out of the country. AAA and AATA only issue IDPs in the United States. If you still have your U.S. driver's license, you can usually continue to drive or rent a car depending on the country's rules, but check with your rental company when ready.

When you return to the United States, you can get a new IDP by going back to AAA or AATA with your documents. There is no penalty for losing one — you straightforward pay the fee again and get a new permit. If you are traveling for an extended period and worried about losing your IDP, keep a photo of it on your phone as backup, though this photo is not a legal replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state's DMV first. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting a country for a few days?

It depends on the country and whether you plan to rent a car. If you are not driving, you do not need an IDP. If you are renting a car, check with the rental company — some require an IDP even for short trips, others do not. Getting one costs so little that most travelers get one anyway if there is any chance they will drive.

Can I use an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses, so an IDP is not required by law. However, some car rental companies in Mexico recommend or require an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book. In Canada, your U.S. license alone is usually sufficient.

What if my passport photo is older than six months?

AAA and AATA require a photo taken within the last six months. If your photo is older, you will need a new one. Most AAA offices can take a new photo for you on the spot for a small fee, so you do not have to go to a photo studio separately.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Driver's License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An International Driver's License is not a real document recognized by the U.S. State Department or most countries. If a website offers to sell you an "International Driver's License," it is a scam. Get an IDP from AAA or AATA only.