What an International Driving Permit Is and How to Get One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. You get an IDP through specific organizations in your home country, not through any international body or foreign government.

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one online or by mail from a government office. You must visit a physical AAA or AATA office in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card, and pay a fee (typically $20 to $30, though this varies by location and changes over time).

The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase. It expires on a set date, not based on when your underlying driver's license expires. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless — you need both documents to drive legally abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA can issue U.S. International Driving Permits; you must explore in person at one of their offices with your valid driver's license and passport.
  • An IDP is a translation document only and must be carried with your actual driver's license at all times when driving in another country.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, and you should check the expiration date against your license expiration to avoid carrying an expired document.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs or have specific rules about which documents they accept, so you should research your destination country's requirements before traveling.
  • If you lose your IDP abroad, you can contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance, but you cannot replace it while outside the U.S.

Where to explore for an IDP in the United States

AAA has thousands of offices across the country. You can find your nearest office on the AAA website by entering your zip code. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though some offices accept appointments. You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA, primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. If you are not near an AAA office and AATA does not serve your area, you may need to travel to the nearest office or check whether either organization offers service in a neighboring state.

Processing time is usually same-day or within a few hours. You will walk out with your IDP in hand if you explore in person. There is no waiting period or mail delivery involved.

Documents You Need to Bring

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

You also need proof of citizenship or legal residency. A U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book all work. A birth certificate alone is not sufficient. If you do not have a passport, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP.

Bring a completed process form. AAA and AATA provide these forms at their offices, or you can read them ahead of time from their websites. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and signature. It takes a few minutes to complete.

Cost and Payment Options

The fee for a one-year IDP is typically $20, and a three-year IDP typically costs $30. These prices vary slightly by location and may change. Call your local AAA or AATA office to confirm the current fee before you visit.

Both organizations accept cash and credit or debit cards. Some offices may have minimum card purchase amounts, so bringing cash is safest if you want to avoid any surprises. Ask when you call to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

There are no additional hidden fees. The price you are quoted is the total amount you pay. You do not pay for processing, shipping, or any other service.

How Long an IDP Is Valid and When to Renew

A one-year IDP expires exactly one year from the date of issue. A three-year IDP expires three years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of the document. Check this date before you travel — if it has passed, the IDP is no longer valid.

Your IDP can expire while your driver's license is still valid, or your license can expire while your IDP is still valid. Either way, you need both documents to drive legally in another country. If one has expired, you cannot use the pair.

To renew, return to an AAA or AATA office with your expired IDP, your current driver's license, and your passport. The process is the same as getting a new one. You will receive a new IDP with a new expiration date. There is no grace period — once the date passes, the document is expired.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP While Traveling

If you lose your IDP abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can provide guidance on what to do, but they cannot issue a replacement IDP. You will need to either return to the United States to get a new one from AAA or AATA, or stop driving in that country until you return home.

Some countries allow you to drive on your U.S. license alone if you have lost the IDP, but this varies widely. Ask the local police or your rental car company what the rules are in the specific country where you are traveling. Do not assume your license alone is sufficient.

To avoid this situation, make a photocopy of your IDP and store it separately from the original. Some travelers also photograph both their license and IDP and store the images in cloud storage. If you lose the physical document, you have a record of the number and expiration date.

Countries That Recognize IDPs and Those That Do Not

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize IDPs. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and many others. However, some countries do not recognize them, and some have specific rules about what documents they accept.

Before you travel, research your destination country's requirements. Contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States, or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country. Some nations require an IDP plus your license; others accept only your license; still others require an official translation of your license obtained through a different process.

China, Russia, and several other countries do not recognize U.S. IDPs. If you plan to drive in these countries, you may need to obtain an official translation of your license through a certified translator, or you may not be permitted to drive at all as a visitor. Check well before your trip — these requirements can change and vary by region within a country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

It depends on the country. Most rental car companies in Europe and Canada require an IDP even for short trips. Some countries have laws that require it; others do not, but the rental company may refuse to rent to you without one. Check with your rental company and the country's rules before you book.

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

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. If it is revoked, you must go through your state's process to get a new license before you can get an IDP.

What if my passport is expired but my driver's license is current?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired passport. You need a valid passport or passport card. Renew your passport through the U.S. State Department before you visit AAA or AATA. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if your passport is expiring soon.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your existing license. An international license is a separate document issued by some countries that serves as a standalone driving credential. The U.S. does not issue international licenses — only IDPs. If another country requires an international license, you cannot get one from the U.S.

Can I get an IDP for someone else, or do they have to explore in person?

The person who holds the driver's license must explore in person. AAA and AATA require the applicant to sign the form and present their license and passport themselves. You cannot explore on behalf of someone else.