What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid home license and is recognized in about 150 countries. You need one if you plan to rent a car or drive in a foreign country and want proof that your license is legitimate.
Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it by law; others do not. Car rental companies often require one even when the country does not. The safest approach is to get one before you leave, since it costs little and takes a few days to obtain.
An IDP does not replace your home license, does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not allowed to drive, and does not override local traffic laws. It straightforward proves to a police officer or rental agent that your home license is real.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's automobile association and costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you live.
- You must have a valid driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP — the permit cannot stand alone.
- The process takes 3 to 10 business days by mail or can be done in person at an office in one visit, depending on your country.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and you should check your destination country's rules before you travel.
- Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so research your specific destination before assuming the permit will work there.
How to get an IDP in the United States
In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You cannot get one from the DMV or any government office.
To get an IDP from AAA, you need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent, depending on your location). Bring two passport-sized photos (2x2 inches). You can explore in person at any AAA office — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. If you mail your process, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
AATA offers the same service at a similar price and timeline. Both organizations issue the same IDP document; the choice is straightforward which office is closer to you. Check the AAA or AATA website to find a local office and confirm current fees, as prices vary slightly by region.
How to get an IDP in Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries
Each country has its own authorized issuer. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs for $20 CAD and processes them in 5 to 10 business days by mail or same-day in person. You need a valid Canadian driver's license and a completed process.
In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) and the RAC (Royal Automobile Club) both issue IDPs for £5.50 to £6 and take 5 to 7 working days by post. You need a valid UK photocard license.
In Australia, the NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) and the RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria) issue IDPs for $20 to $25 AUD, with processing in 5 to 10 business days. You need a valid Australian driver's license.
In all cases, contact your country's national automobile association — they maintain the official list of authorized issuers and current fees. Processing times and requirements are similar across countries: a valid home license, a completed form, and sometimes a passport photo.
What documents you need and what to bring
| Document | Why you need it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid driver's license from your home country | The IDP translates this license; you cannot get an IDP without one | Must not be expired; some countries require it to be valid for at least 6 months after your trip |
| Passport or passport card | Proof of identity and citizenship | Required by most issuers; check with your local office |
| Passport-sized photo (2x2 inches) | Goes on the IDP document | Usually two photos required; color or black and white accepted |
| Completed process form | Provides your information to the issuer | Available online or at the office; takes 5 minutes to fill out |
How long an IDP takes and when to explore
If you explore in person at an office, you can walk out with your IDP the same day in most cases. Processing takes 15 to 30 minutes once you hand in your documents.
If you mail your process, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus 2 to 5 days for mail delivery each way. This means 10 to 20 days total from the time you mail your process to the time you receive your IDP. Some issuers offer expedited mail service for an extra fee (usually $10 to $15), which cuts the timeline to 5 to 7 business days.
explore at least two weeks before your trip if you are mailing your process. If your trip is sooner, find a local office and explore in person. If you are leaving within a few days and cannot get to an office, some countries allow you to drive on your home license alone in certain circumstances — check your destination country's rules before you assume you need an IDP.
How long an IDP is valid and when to renew
When you explore, you choose between a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP. The one-year version costs less ($20 in the U.S.) and is useful if you travel once and do not plan to drive internationally again soon. The three-year version costs more ($30 in the U.S.) but covers multiple trips.
An IDP expires on the date printed on the document. You cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one. Some countries will not recognize an expired IDP, even if your home license is still valid, so check the expiration date before you travel.
Your home license must also be valid when you travel. If your home license expires during your trip, your IDP becomes useless because the IDP only translates a valid license. Renew your home license before you leave if it is expiring soon.
Countries that do and do not accept IDPs
Most countries in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa recognize IDPs. However, some do not. China, Russia, India, and Japan do not recognize IDPs — you must have an official translation of your home license or obtain a local license to drive legally. A few countries recognize IDPs only if they were issued within a certain timeframe (usually within the past year), so an old IDP may not work.
Before you book a rental car or plan to drive, check the specific rules for your destination country. Contact the country's embassy or tourism board, or ask your car rental company whether they accept an IDP. Some rental companies will not rent to you without one, even in countries where it is not legally required, so confirm this before you travel.
If your destination does not recognize IDPs, you will need to obtain an official translation of your home license from a certified translator, or in some cases explore for a temporary local driving permit. These processes vary widely by country and can take weeks, so research early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in another country with just my home license and no IDP?
It depends on the country. Some countries legally accept a home license without an IDP; others require one. Car rental companies often require an IDP even when the country does not. Check your destination's rules before you travel. If you cannot get an IDP in time, ask the rental company whether they will rent to you with just your home license.
What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
Your IDP is no longer valid once it expires, even if you are still on your trip. If you are traveling for longer than your IDP's validity period, explore for a longer-term IDP (three years instead of one year) before you leave. If your IDP expires mid-trip, you may not be able to rent a car or drive legally, depending on the country.
Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?
Most car rental companies require an IDP regardless of how long you rent. Check with your rental company before you book. Some companies in countries that do not legally require an IDP may rent without one, but this is rare. It is safer to get an IDP before you travel.
Can I get an IDP if my home license is expired?
No. Your home license must be valid to get an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it first, then explore for the IDP. This adds extra time to your preparation, so check your license expiration date early if you are planning an international trip.
Is an IDP the same as a local driver's license in another country?
No. An IDP is a translation document only — it does not give you the right to live or work in another country, and it does not replace a local license. If you are moving to another country or staying longer than a tourist visit, you will need to obtain a local license through that country's licensing authority.