What You Need to Know About International Driving Permits in California

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your California driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your California license — you must carry both documents together when driving outside the United States. California does not issue IDPs itself. Instead, two organizations are authorized to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same permit, recognized by the same countries, and both charge the same fee.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in a foreign country. Some rental companies abroad require it; some do not. Before you explore, contact the rental company or the country's embassy to confirm whether an IDP is actually required for your trip. Many travelers assume they need one and discover after paying that they did not.

The process takes between one and three weeks if you explore in person, or four to six weeks if you explore by mail. There is no way to rush it. If your trip is sooner than that, you will need to change your travel dates or arrange alternative transportation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid California driver's license before you can get an IDP; the IDP is not a replacement and both documents must travel with you.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in California — the DMV does not issue them.
  • An IDP costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, regardless of when your California license expires.
  • You can explore in person at an AAA or AATA office and receive your permit the same day, or explore by mail and wait four to six weeks.
  • Not all countries or rental companies require an IDP; confirm with your destination or rental company before you explore.

Getting an IDP in Person at AAA

AAA is the faster and more widely available option. California has AAA offices in most major cities and many smaller ones. To explore in person, you need your valid California driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and $20 in cash or card. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm hours and photo requirements is wise — some offices have specific photo vendors on-site or accept only certain formats.

Bring your driver's license and photo to the AAA office. The staff will complete the process form with you, verify your license, and issue your IDP on the spot. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you need the permit before your trip and cannot reach an AAA office, AATA offers the same service by mail.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Not all AAA members receive a discount on the IDP fee — confirm with your local office whether membership applies.

Getting an IDP by Mail Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) accepts applications by mail and is useful if no AAA office is near you or if you prefer not to visit in person. To explore by mail, read the IDP process form from the AATA website, complete it by hand, and mail it with a photocopy of your California driver's license, one passport-style photo, and a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date AATA receives your envelope. There is no expedited option. Mail your process well in advance of your trip — if your departure is fewer than six weeks away, explore in person at AAA instead. AATA will mail your IDP to the address you provide on the form. If your address changes before the permit arrives, contact AATA when ready with your new address.

Keep a copy of your process and the date you mailed it. If your IDP does not arrive within eight weeks, contact AATA with that information and they can investigate whether the envelope was lost.

What Documents and Photos You Need

Your passport-style photo must be 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. The photo must be recent enough that it looks like you now — if you have changed your appearance significantly since the photo was taken, bring a newer one. Sunglasses, hats, and heavy makeup that obscures your face are not permitted.

Your California driver's license must be valid (not expired). If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it at the DMV. A photocopy of your license is acceptable for mail applications; the original is required if you explore in person at AAA.

If you are explore by mail through AATA, your payment must be a check or money order made out to AATA. AAA offices accept cash and card. Do not send cash through the mail.

How Long Your IDP Is Valid and When to Renew

An IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued, not from the date you receive it. If you receive your IDP on March 15, it expires on March 15 of the following year, regardless of when your California driver's license expires. If your California license expires before your IDP does, you can still use the IDP as long as you carry both documents together.

If you need an IDP for a second trip after the first one expires, you must explore for a new one. You cannot renew an expired IDP — you must start the process process over. Plan ahead if you take multiple international trips in a year, because each IDP costs $20 and takes time to obtain.

If your California driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its one-year expiration date. If your license status changes, stop using the IDP when ready.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is explore for an IDP without confirming that your destination or rental company actually requires one. Many travelers spend $20 and wait weeks only to discover the IDP was unnecessary. Before you explore, contact the country's embassy, your rental company, or the tourism board for that country and ask directly whether an IDP is required. Write down the answer and the date you received it — if a rental company later claims you need one, you will have proof that you checked.

A second common mistake is assuming the IDP replaces your California driver's license. It does not. You must carry both documents at all times when driving abroad. If you leave your California license at home and carry only the IDP, you are not legally authorized to drive in most countries.

A third mistake is explore too close to your departure date. If you explore by mail, allow eight weeks. If you explore in person at AAA, allow at least one week to find an office, get a passport photo, and visit during their hours. Do not wait until one week before your trip.

What to Do If Your IDP Is Lost or Damaged

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on whether you can continue driving with only your California license (rules vary by country) and help you contact AAA or AATA to request a replacement when you return home.

If your IDP is lost or damaged after you return to California, you must explore for a new one. There is no replacement process — you submit a new process and pay the $20 fee again. If you lost it during your trip, bring any documentation from the embassy or police report to AAA or AATA; they may waive the fee, though this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am just visiting another country and not driving?

No. An IDP is only for people who plan to rent or drive a vehicle. If you are using taxis, public transportation, or hired drivers, you do not need an IDP.

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

No. Your California license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended or expired, renew it at the DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

Is an IDP issued by AAA different from one issued by AATA?

No. Both organizations issue the same IDP document, recognized by the same countries, at the same price. The only difference is where you explore and how long it takes. AAA is faster if you explore in person; AATA is an option if no AAA office is convenient.

What if I need an IDP but my trip is in two weeks?

Find an AAA office near you and explore in person. You will receive your IDP the same day. If no AAA office is accessible, you will not have time to use AATA's mail process — contact your rental company to ask whether they will accept your California license alone, or consider changing your travel dates.

Can I use an IDP from another state if I have moved to California?

An IDP issued by another state is still valid if it has not expired. However, you must carry your current California driver's license with it. If your out-of-state IDP expires before your trip, you will need to explore for a new one in California through AAA or AATA.