How to Get an International Driver's License in Maryland
If you're a Maryland driver planning to travel abroad, you've likely come across the term International Driving Permit (IDP). Understanding what it is, how it works, and how Maryland residents typically obtain one can help you prepare for driving in foreign countries — without confusing this document with something issued by the Maryland MVA or any other government agency.
What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone license. It's a translation document — a standardized booklet recognized in over 150 countries that translates your existing driver's license information into multiple languages. It works alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, not in place of it.
The IDP is governed by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention, which established the international framework for recognizing foreign driving credentials. Because the U.S. is a signatory to these agreements, American-issued IDPs carry legal weight in participating countries.
One important clarification: The U.S. Department of State authorizes only two organizations to issue IDPs to American drivers:
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)
No government agency — including the Maryland MVA — issues IDPs. Any website or service offering a government-issued IDP is not legitimate.
Who Can Apply for an IDP in Maryland
To obtain an IDP as a Maryland resident, you generally need to meet the following baseline criteria:
- Hold a valid U.S. driver's license (Maryland or otherwise)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Plan to use the IDP for international travel, not domestic driving
Your Maryland driver's license must remain valid for the duration of your trip abroad. An IDP issued alongside an expired or suspended license serves no legal purpose in foreign countries.
How the Application Process Generally Works 🌍
Because AAA and AATA handle IDP issuance — not the Maryland MVA — the process looks different from a standard license transaction. Here's how it generally works through either authorized issuer:
| Step | What's Typically Involved |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Your valid U.S. driver's license |
| Passport-style photos | Usually two recent photos meeting size requirements |
| Completed application | Provided by AAA or AATA |
| Fee payment | Fees vary by issuer and may change; verify directly with the issuer |
| In-person or mail application | AAA offices often allow in-person processing; mail options may be available |
Processing is generally straightforward and does not involve a written test, road test, or MVA appointment. The IDP is typically issued on the same day if you apply in person at a AAA branch.
How Long an IDP Remains Valid
An IDP issued in the U.S. is generally valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you must apply for a new one when it expires. If your trip spans more than a year or you travel frequently, that renewal timeline is worth tracking.
Your underlying Maryland driver's license must remain valid throughout. An IDP doesn't extend your driving privileges — it translates them.
Where an IDP Is and Isn't Required
Not every country requires an IDP, and requirements vary significantly by destination. Some countries:
- Require an IDP alongside your U.S. license (e.g., Japan, Thailand, Italy)
- Accept a U.S. license directly without an IDP (e.g., Canada, Mexico for short stays)
- Have additional requirements regardless of IDP status, such as local insurance or vehicle registration documentation
Researching the specific entry and driving requirements for each destination country is essential before relying solely on an IDP. The U.S. Department of State and individual country consulates are the appropriate sources for country-specific requirements.
What an IDP Does Not Cover
There are common misconceptions worth addressing directly:
- An IDP does not replace your Maryland driver's license
- It does not grant driving privileges beyond what your current license authorizes
- It does not function as identification for domestic U.S. purposes (airports, federal buildings, etc.)
- It does not affect your Maryland MVA record, points, or license status
If your Maryland license is restricted, suspended, or limited to certain vehicle classes, those restrictions carry over. An IDP translates your credentials — it doesn't upgrade them.
The Variable That Shapes Everything
Whether an IDP meets your needs depends on where you're traveling, how long you'll be there, and whether the destination country participates in the relevant international conventions. Some countries have bilateral agreements with the U.S. that operate differently from the standard IDP framework. Long-term stays — such as living abroad for work or study — often fall outside the scope of an IDP entirely, requiring a locally issued license instead.
The mechanics of obtaining an IDP in Maryland are relatively consistent since it flows through AAA or AATA rather than the MVA. What varies is everything that happens once you arrive at your destination. 🗺️
