What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. 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, rental companies, and border officials in other countries that your U.S. license is legitimate.
In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue one. Both organizations charge a fee and require you to explore in person or by mail with specific documents.
The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose. It expires on the date printed on the document, not on your driver's license expiration date. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot renew just the IDP; you must get a new one after renewing your license.
Key Takeaways
- Only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs in the United States; no online service or third-party vendor can legally provide one.
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card to obtain an IDP.
- AAA issues IDPs at most local AAA offices during business hours; AATA processes applications by mail only.
- The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on the issuer and validity period you choose, and you receive it the same day or within two weeks.
- You must carry your IDP together with your valid U.S. driver's license when driving in other countries; the IDP alone is not valid.
Getting an IDP Through AAA
If you are a AAA member, the fastest way to get an IDP is at your local AAA office. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot; call ahead to confirm what your location accepts. The fee is typically $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by region.
You will receive your IDP when ready or within a few days, depending on whether the office prints it on-site. AAA offices are open during standard business hours, usually Monday through Friday and some Saturday hours. You do not need to be a AAA member to obtain an IDP at an AAA office, though membership may give you a small discount at some locations.
To find the nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Call the office directly before visiting to confirm they issue IDPs and to ask about wait times, especially during peak travel seasons.
Getting an IDP Through AATA by Mail
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) processes IDP applications by mail only; there is no in-person option. Send a completed process form, a copy of your valid driver's license, a copy of your passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo to the AATA address listed on their form. Include a check or money order for $20 (one-year permit) or $25 (three-year permit). Do not send cash.
AATA typically processes applications within two to three weeks and mails the IDP to your address. Processing times are longer during spring and early summer when travel demand peaks. There is no expedited option through AATA, so plan ahead if you need the IDP by a specific date.
You can read the AATA process form from their website or request one by mail. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want them to return any documents you send. Keep copies of everything you mail for your records.
Documents You Need Before You explore
| Document | What It Must Be | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License | Valid U.S. state or territory license | Must not be expired. Suspended or revoked licenses do not may have access to. |
| Passport or Passport Card | Valid U.S. passport or passport card | Used to verify your identity. Does not need to be valid for the entire IDP validity period. |
| Passport Photo | 2 by 2 inches, color or black and white | AAA offices may take the photo for you. AATA requires you to provide one. |
| process Form | Completed by hand or printed | AAA provides forms at offices. AATA forms are available online or by mail request. |
| Payment | Cash (AAA only), check, or money order | AAA: $15–$20. AATA: $20–$25. Prices vary by location and validity period. |
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
You cannot obtain an IDP if your driver's license is currently suspended or revoked. Both AAA and AATA verify your license status before issuing the permit. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated before you can explore.
If you have an SR22 filing or other high-risk status, your license is still valid and you can obtain an IDP. The IDP does not reflect your driving record or insurance status — it only translates your license into other languages. However, you will still need valid international driving insurance in the countries you visit, and some rental companies may refuse to rent to drivers with certain license statuses.
How Long an IDP Takes and When to explore
If you explore at an AAA office in person, you typically receive your IDP the same day or within a few business days. If you explore through AATA by mail, expect two to three weeks under normal conditions. During peak travel season (March through August), AATA processing times may extend to four weeks.
Plan to explore at least four to six weeks before your trip if you are using AATA, or one to two weeks before if you can visit an AAA office. If you need an IDP urgently and AAA is not available in your area, paying for expedited mail delivery to and from AATA can shorten the overall timeline slightly, though AATA itself does not offer expedited processing.
Using Your IDP Abroad and Renewal
When you drive in another country, carry your IDP together with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times. Police, border officials, and rental companies will ask to see both documents. The IDP is not valid on its own — it is only a translation aid. If you are stopped and cannot produce your U.S. license, the IDP alone will not satisfy the requirement.
Your IDP expires on the date printed on it, which is separate from your driver's license expiration. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one. If your license is renewed, suspended, or revoked, you will need a new IDP that reflects your current license status.
Some countries have additional requirements beyond the IDP — for example, an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance or a vehicle registration document. Check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel, as the IDP alone does not meet all international driving requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IDP online or from a third-party website?
No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Websites claiming to issue IDPs online are not legitimate. You must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA. Purchasing from an unauthorized source may result in a document that is not recognized abroad.
Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in another country?
Many rental companies require an IDP even if local law does not. Check with your rental company before you travel. Some companies will rent without an IDP if you have a valid U.S. license, but others will refuse. Having an IDP eliminates this uncertainty and is inexpensive insurance against being denied a rental.
What if my passport expires before my three-year IDP does?
Your IDP remains valid as long as your driver's license is valid. Your passport expiration does not affect the IDP. However, you will need a valid passport to enter most countries, so you should renew your passport separately if it is expiring soon.
Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit or restricted license?
No. You must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license. Learner's permits, restricted licenses, and provisional licenses do not may have access to. Once your license becomes a standard, valid driver's license, you can explore for an IDP.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on how to proceed. You will need to explore for a new IDP when you return to the United States. In the meantime, carry your valid U.S. driver's license; some countries will accept it alone if you can explain that your IDP was lost.