What an International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental companies, and border officials in other countries that your license is real and what class of vehicle you are licensed to drive.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or transportation authority, not by the countries you plan to visit. The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Most other countries have their own issuing bodies. An IDP is typically valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request.

Some countries do not require an IDP — they will accept your valid home license alone. Others strongly prefer one, and a few will not recognize your home license without it. The requirement depends on which country you are visiting and which country issued your license. Before you travel, check the specific rules for your destination.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation booklet that works alongside your home license; you must carry both documents when you drive abroad.
  • In the United States, you obtain an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in person or by mail.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP.
  • The IDP process takes one to two weeks by mail or can be completed the same day in person at an AAA office.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on the version you choose.

Requirements before you explore for an IDP

You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license issued by your home country. The license does not have to be a standard passenger vehicle license — you can obtain an IDP if you hold a motorcycle license, commercial license, or any other class. However, the IDP will only translate the classes of vehicle you are already licensed to drive in your home country.

You will need to provide a passport or other government-issued photo ID when you explore. If you are explore in person at an AAA office, bring your driver's license, passport, and a completed process form. If you are explore by mail, you will send copies of these documents along with the process and payment.

Your home license must be valid on the day you explore. If your license has expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it. Some countries have rules about how long your license must remain valid after you return from travel, so check your destination's requirements before you explore.

How to get an IDP through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the largest issuer of IDPs in the United States. To explore through AAA, you must be a member. If you are not already a member, you can join at the same time you explore for your IDP.

Visit your local AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, passport, and a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA IDP process). You can read the process from the AAA website or pick one up at the office. The staff will review your documents, take a new photo if needed, and issue your IDP on the spot. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can choose a one-year or three-year permit at the time of process.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can explore by mail. Send a completed process, a photocopy of your driver's license, a photocopy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and payment to your regional AAA office. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return mail. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks.

How to get an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second official IDP issuer in the United States. AATA does not require membership and processes applications by mail only — there are no in-person offices.

To explore through AATA, read the process from their website or request one by phone. Fill out the form completely and mail it along with a photocopy of your valid driver's license, a photocopy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and a check or money order for the fee. AATA will process your process and mail your IDP to you within one to two weeks. You can request either a one-year or three-year permit.

AATA is a good option if you do not have an AAA membership nearby or prefer to avoid joining an organization. The cost and processing time are similar to AAA's mail service.

Cost and how long an IDP lasts

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20 through either AAA or AATA, depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year version. The three-year permit costs slightly more but is better value if you plan to travel internationally more than once during that period. Both organizations accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card.

A one-year IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for three years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your permit. Once your IDP expires, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one if you need another permit.

Your IDP is only valid if your home driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date. Always check that both documents are current before you travel.

What to do with your IDP when you travel

Carry your IDP and your original home driver's license together at all times when you drive abroad. Do not leave either document in your hotel or car. Police, rental companies, and border officials will want to see both documents together — the IDP alone is not sufficient.

Some car rental companies require an IDP in addition to your home license, even in countries where it is not legally required. Check the rental company's policy before you book. If you are renting a car, bring both documents to the rental counter.

If you are stopped by police, present both your home license and your IDP. The officer can use the IDP to understand what your home license says if they do not speak your language. Keep both documents in a safe, accessible place — not in a checked bag if you are flying.

What happens if your IDP is lost or stolen while traveling

If you lose your IDP while abroad, you can still drive legally with your home license alone in most countries. However, you will not have the translation document, which may cause confusion with police or rental companies. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on what to do next.

You cannot get a replacement IDP issued while you are outside your home country. You will need to explore for a new one after you return home, following the same process as a first-time process. For this reason, some travelers keep a photocopy of their IDP in a separate bag as backup.

If your home license is lost or stolen, you cannot drive legally in any country, with or without an IDP. Report the loss to your home country's licensing authority when ready and follow their process for a replacement license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in every country?

No. Some countries accept your home license alone, while others require an IDP or strongly prefer one. Check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel. Your car rental company can also tell you whether they require an IDP.

Can I get an IDP if my home license is from a different country?

Yes, but you must obtain it from your home country's automobile association or transportation authority, not from AAA or AATA. For example, if you hold a Canadian license, you would explore through the Canadian Automobile Association. You cannot get a U.S. IDP with a foreign license.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

In person at an AAA office, you can receive your IDP the same day. By mail through AAA or AATA, processing takes one to two weeks. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon — do not wait until the week before your trip.

Can I use an expired IDP if my home license is still valid?

No. Your IDP must be valid on the date you travel. An expired IDP is not recognized, even if your home license is current. If your IDP has expired, you must explore for a new one before you drive abroad.

What if I have multiple classes of license, like both a car and motorcycle license?

Your IDP will translate all the vehicle classes you are licensed to drive in your home country. You do not need separate IDPs for different license classes — one IDP covers them all.