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 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 explore to one of these organizations directly, not to your state's DMV.
The process takes between one and two weeks if you explore in person at an AAA office, or up to four weeks if you mail your process. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-style photograph, and a fee. The IDP itself is valid for one year from the date of issue, though some countries recognize it for three years — check with your destination country before you travel.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore through AAA or AATA, not your state DMV, and you need a valid U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP.
- In-person applications at AAA offices are processed in one to two weeks; mail applications take up to four weeks.
- You will need one passport-style photograph (2x2 inches), your driver's license, a completed process form, and the fee, which varies between $15 and $20 depending on the organization.
- The IDP is valid for one year in most countries, though some nations recognize the three-year version — verify this before traveling.
- You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving outside the United States; the IDP alone is not sufficient.
explore Through AAA
The American Automobile Association issues the majority of IDPs in the United States. To explore through AAA, you must be a current AAA member or willing to join. If you are not a member, you can join at the same time you explore for the IDP. AAA membership costs vary by region but typically range from $50 to $150 per year for basic coverage.
Visit your local AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, one passport-style photograph (2x2 inches), and a completed IDP process form. You can read the form from the AAA website or request one at the office. The fee for an IDP through AAA is $15. Processing takes one to two weeks if you explore in person. If you prefer to mail your process, send your documents to your regional AAA office; processing by mail takes up to four weeks.
AAA offices are located in most U.S. states. Use the AAA office locator on their website to find the nearest location to you, confirm their hours, and verify they issue IDPs — not all AAA offices provide this service.
explore Through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second official IDP issuer in the United States. Unlike AAA, AATA does not require membership. You can explore through AATA by mail only; there are no walk-in offices.
To explore by mail, send the following to the AATA address listed on their website: your valid U.S. driver's license (a photocopy is acceptable), one passport-style photograph (2x2 inches), a completed IDP process form, and a check or money order for $20. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your documents returned by mail. Processing takes up to four weeks from the date AATA receives your process.
AATA is based in Washington, D.C., and accepts mail applications from all U.S. states. Because AATA operates by mail only, this route is slower than in-person AAA process but does not require membership or a trip to an office.
Documents and Photographs You Will Need
Your valid U.S. driver's license is required for both AAA and AATA applications. The license must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew or restore your license through your state DMV.
You will need one passport-style photograph measuring 2x2 inches. This is the same size used for U.S. passports. The photograph must show your face clearly, be in color or black and white, and have a plain white or off-white background. You can obtain passport photos at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), post offices, and professional photography studios. Cost is typically $10 to $20 for a set of four photos.
Both AAA and AATA provide process forms on their websites. You can print and complete the form before you visit an AAA office or mail it to AATA. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, date of birth, and signature. Complete the form in black or blue ink and sign it in person at an AAA office or before mailing to AATA.
Processing Times and Fees
| Route | Processing Time | Fee | Membership Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA in person | 1–2 weeks | $15 | Yes (or join when explore) |
| AAA by mail | Up to 4 weeks | $15 | Yes (or join when explore) |
| AATA by mail | Up to 4 weeks | $20 | No |
If you need your IDP quickly, explore in person at an AAA office. One to two weeks is the fastest option available. If you are not an AAA member and do not want to join, AATA is your only choice, though processing takes longer and costs slightly more.
Fees do not include the cost of the passport-style photograph or, if you choose AAA, the cost of membership. AAA membership is an additional expense but may provide other benefits such as roadside information and travel discounts that extend beyond the IDP.
What Happens After You Receive Your IDP
When your IDP arrives, check that all information is correct: your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. If any detail is wrong, contact the issuing organization when ready to request a correction.
Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue in most countries. However, some countries recognize the three-year IDP version. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to confirm how long they recognize the IDP. If you are traveling to multiple countries, verify the validity period for each one.
Keep your IDP with your U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad. Do not separate them. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot obtain a replacement outside the United States. If you lose it before you travel, you can explore for a new one through AAA or AATA using the same process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not explore for an IDP through your state DMV. The DMV does not issue IDPs. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them in the United States. If a website claims to issue IDPs for a fee and is not AAA or AATA, it is not a legitimate source.
Do not assume your IDP is valid for the same length of time in every country. Validity periods vary. Some countries recognize only the one-year version; others accept the three-year version. Verify before you depart.
Do not travel with only your IDP. Your U.S. driver's license must accompany it. Many rental car companies and police officers in foreign countries will not recognize the IDP without your original license.
Do not submit an expired driver's license with your IDP process. Your license must be valid on the date you explore. If your license expires soon, renew it through your state DMV before explore for the IDP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?
No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid when you explore. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, renew or restore it through your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP.
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. However, some car rental companies in these countries may request an IDP as additional identification. Check with your rental company before you travel.
What if I lose my IDP while I'm traveling?
You cannot obtain a replacement IDP outside the United States. If you lose it, you can only drive using your U.S. driver's license. If you need a replacement after you return home, explore again through AAA or AATA using the standard process.
How long does an IDP last after I get it?
An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue in most countries. Some countries recognize a three-year version. Before traveling, contact your destination country's embassy or consulate to confirm the validity period they recognize.
Can I renew my IDP before it expires?
Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. straightforward submit a new process through AAA or AATA with the required documents and fee. Your old IDP remains valid until it expires.