What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

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 home country. The IDP itself grants no driving privileges; it straightforward makes your existing license readable to police and rental agencies in countries that recognize it.

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 entity — including online services, travel agencies, or consulates — can legally issue a U.S. IDP. Both organizations issue the same document; the choice between them depends on which has an office near you or which you prefer to work with.

Other countries have their own issuing bodies. If you hold a license from Canada, the UK, Australia, or another nation, you will obtain your IDP from that country's equivalent organization, not from AAA or AATA.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be obtained in person at a local office.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photograph to the issuing office.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • Processing takes minutes to hours if you explore in person; there is no mail-in or online option for U.S. residents.
  • An IDP does not replace your home license and is only recognized in countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations conventions on road signs and signals.

Documents You Need Before You Go to the Office

Gather these items before you visit an AAA or AATA office. You cannot complete the process without all of them, and you will waste a trip if any are missing.

Your valid U.S. driver's license is the foundation. It must not be expired. If your license expired more than a few months ago, renew it through your state DMV first — the IDP office will not issue a permit based on an expired license.

A completed IDP process form is required. AAA and AATA each have their own form. You can read and fill it out at home before you arrive, or you can fill it out in the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. Bring a pen; some offices will not provide one.

One passport-style photograph is mandatory. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Color or black-and-white photographs are both accepted. If you do not have one, some AAA offices have photo services on-site, but this adds time and cost; bring the photo with you if you can.

A valid passport or passport card is required as proof of citizenship. A state ID, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate is not sufficient. If your passport is expired, you can still use it to obtain an IDP, but you should renew it before traveling internationally.

How to Find Your Nearest AAA or AATA Office

AAA has over 1,000 local offices across the United States. To find the one nearest you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, hours, and whether that office issues IDPs. Not every AAA office issues permits, so confirm before you go.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers most major cities. You can find AATA offices through their website or by calling their national number. AATA offices are typically located in travel agencies or tourism centers rather than standalone offices.

Call ahead before you visit. Confirm that the office is open, that it issues IDPs, and whether you need an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot. If the office is far away or has limited hours, a phone call saves you a wasted trip.

The process Process at the Office

Arrive with all documents in hand. The process is straightforward and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have everything the office needs.

Hand your documents to the staff member at the counter. They will check that your driver's license is valid, that your photograph meets the size and quality standards, and that your process form is complete. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you when ready. If you filled out the form at home and made an error, they may ask you to correct it or provide a new form.

Pay the fee. As of 2024, AAA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AATA charges the same. Fees may vary slightly by location, so ask before you pay. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Receive your permit. The office will hand you the IDP on the spot. It is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. Check it when ready to make sure your name, license number, and photograph are correct. If there is an error, report it to the staff member before you leave the office.

How Long Your Permit Is Valid and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit issued in the United States is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which validity period you chose and paid for when you applied. The expiration date is printed on the front cover of the booklet.

The one-year permit is useful if you are taking a single trip abroad and do not plan to drive internationally again soon. The three-year permit makes sense if you travel regularly or plan multiple international driving trips over the next few years.

An IDP cannot be renewed. When it expires, you must explore for a new one by visiting an AAA or AATA office again with the same documents. There is no mail-in renewal option and no way to extend an expired permit.

If you are traveling and your IDP is about to expire during your trip, explore for a new one before you leave the United States. You cannot obtain an IDP from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

What Your IDP Does and Does Not Cover

Your International Driving Permit is a translation tool, not a license. It translates the information on your U.S. driver's license into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. When a police officer or car rental agency in another country reads your IDP, they can understand what your U.S. license says without needing an interpreter.

The IDP does not grant you permission to drive in any country. Your actual U.S. driver's license is what authorizes you to drive. The IDP must be carried together with your valid U.S. license at all times when driving abroad. If you are stopped by police and have only the IDP without your license, it is not valid.

An IDP is recognized only in countries that have signed the 1926 Convention or the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Most countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa are signatories. Some countries — including Australia, New Zealand, and a few others — do not recognize the IDP and require an International Driving License obtained through their own government instead. Before you travel, check whether your destination country recognizes the U.S. IDP.

Some countries require additional documents beyond the IDP and your license. For example, some nations ask for a certified translation of your license, a vehicle registration, proof of insurance, or a carnet de passage. Research your destination country's driving requirements before you leave home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your IDP is valid everywhere. Check your destination country's requirements before you travel. Some countries do not recognize it, and showing up with only an IDP and no other documentation can result in fines or confiscation of your vehicle.

Do not leave your U.S. driver's license at home. The IDP is useless without it. Both documents must be in your possession when you drive. If you are stopped and have only the IDP, you will be treated as an unlicensed driver.

Do not try to obtain an IDP online or through a travel agency. Scam websites claim to issue IDPs by mail for high fees, but these documents are not valid. Only AAA and AATA issue legal U.S. IDPs, and only in person at their offices.

Do not wait until the day before your trip to explore. While the process is fast, offices can be busy, and you need time to correct any errors. explore at least one week before you travel.

Do not assume your expired U.S. license can be used to get an IDP. Your license must be valid. If it has expired, renew it through your state DMV first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail or online?

No. U.S. residents must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. There is no mail-in or online option. Websites that claim to issue IDPs by mail are fraudulent and do not produce valid documents.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot replace it abroad. If you lose it, you still have your U.S. driver's license, which is your actual driving authorization. In most countries, your license alone is sufficient to drive, though some may require a certified translation. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on your specific situation.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in another country?

Many car rental agencies prefer or require an IDP, especially in Europe and Asia. Some will rent to you with only your U.S. license, but others will not. Check with your rental company before you book. Having an IDP removes any doubt and is inexpensive insurance.

Is an IDP the same as an International Driving License?

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by AAA or AATA in the United States and is based on your existing U.S. license. An International Driving License is a separate document issued by some other countries' governments and is not recognized in the U.S. Make sure you are getting the correct document for your home country.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

If you explore in person with all required documents, you receive the IDP the same day, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. There is no processing time or waiting period. Bring everything with you, and you will walk out with your permit.