How to Get an International Driver's License (IDP): What You Actually Need to Know

If you're planning to drive abroad, you've probably heard you need an "international driver's license." That phrase is slightly misleading — what most countries recognize is an International Driving Permit (IDP), not a separate license. Understanding what it is, how it works, and what it takes to get one will save you confusion before you travel.

What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An IDP is a translation document, not a standalone license. It converts your valid U.S. driver's license into a format recognized across more than 150 countries — rendering your name, license class, and driving privileges in multiple languages so foreign authorities can read and verify them.

You must carry your U.S. driver's license alongside the IDP at all times when driving abroad. An IDP is invalid without it. It does not replace your domestic license, and it does not grant any driving rights beyond what your home-state license already allows.

IDPs are issued under two international treaties:

• 1949 Geneva Convention — accepted in most of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas
• 1968 Vienna Convention — required in some countries, particularly in parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East

Some countries accept both; others specify one. Checking which treaty applies to your destination matters before you travel.

Who Issues IDPs in the United States 🌍

In the U.S., only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs:

• AAA (American Automobile Association)
• AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)

No other organization, website, or agency is authorized to issue a legitimate U.S. IDP. Third-party websites that sell "international driver's licenses" are not issuing valid documents — and in many cases are operating fraudulently. Foreign authorities can and do reject these.

Basic Requirements to Apply

The requirements to obtain a U.S. IDP are relatively consistent, since AAA and AATA follow federal guidelines. Generally, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a valid U.S. driver's license with at least 6 months remaining before expiration
• Submit two passport-style photos
• Complete an application form
• Pay the application fee (fees vary by issuing organization and may change; verify directly with AAA or AATA)

Applications can typically be submitted in person at an AAA branch or by mail. Some AAA locations process same-day requests; mail applications may take longer. Your state of residence and the issuing office's location can affect processing timelines.

How Long an IDP Is Valid

A U.S. IDP is generally valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one when the previous one expires. If your trip extends past that window, plan accordingly.

Your underlying U.S. license must also remain valid for the IDP to be usable. If your domestic license expires or is suspended while you're abroad, the IDP loses its legal basis.

What the IDP Does — and Doesn't — Cover

Some countries have additional requirements for long-term stays — typically 30 to 90 days or more — after which you may need to obtain a local license regardless of your IDP. Regulations vary by country and are set by foreign governments, not U.S. agencies.

Variables That Affect Your Situation

While the IDP process is more standardized than most DMV procedures, several factors still shape your experience:

Your home-state license class. The IDP reflects whatever privileges your current license grants. If your U.S. license carries restrictions — corrective lenses, daytime driving only, automatic transmission — those carry over. Foreign authorities may enforce them.

Your destination country's rules. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require drivers to obtain a local permit. Others require the 1968 Vienna Convention version specifically. A few countries have bilateral agreements with the U.S. that simplify the process further.

Your license expiration date. Most issuing organizations require your U.S. license to be valid for at least six months. A license close to expiration may complicate or delay issuance.

Age. Minimum age requirements exist for IDP issuance (generally 18), but some destination countries impose their own minimum age requirements for foreign drivers — which may differ from what your IDP reflects.

Commercial or CDL holders. If you hold a commercial driver's license and plan to operate commercial vehicles abroad, the IDP alone is almost certainly insufficient. International commercial driving involves a separate layer of regulations, country-specific permits, and often employer or carrier documentation. 🚛

The Piece Only You Can Fill In

Getting an IDP in the U.S. is one of the more straightforward international travel logistics — two authorized issuers, a clear document checklist, and a one-year validity window. But how it applies to your specific trip depends on your destination country's current rules, your license class, any restrictions on your domestic license, and how long you plan to stay.

Those variables are yours to verify — through your destination country's embassy or consulate, the U.S. State Department's travel resources, and whichever issuing organization you use.