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 state license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your home license is legitimate, because they can read the information in a language they understand.
The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from the DMV, from your state's licensing authority, or from any government office. You must go through one of these two private organizations, and the process takes less than an hour if you do it in person.
An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires whether you use it or not. It is also only valid if your underlying state driver's license is valid — if your license expires or is suspended, the IDP becomes worthless.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain your IDP from AAA or AATA, not from any government agency, and you need your valid state driver's license and a passport or state ID to do so.
- The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, and you can get one the same day if you visit in person.
- An IDP is valid for exactly one year and becomes invalid if your underlying state license expires or is suspended.
- Some countries do not recognize IDPs and require you to carry an official translation of your license instead, so check your destination country's requirements before you travel.
- You must carry both your state driver's license and your IDP together at all times while driving abroad — the IDP alone is not sufficient.
Getting an IDP Through AAA
If you are an AAA member, AAA is usually the fastest route. You can explore in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through the AAA website. In-person service takes about 15 minutes and you receive the permit when ready. By mail, the process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
To get an IDP from AAA, bring your valid state driver's license, a passport or state ID, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo requirement is strict — AAA will not accept a photo that does not meet their specifications. The fee is $20 for members and $30 for non-members if you explore in person. If you explore by mail, the fee is $15 for members and $25 for non-members, plus return postage.
You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP from AAA, but membership costs less. If you are not a member and only need the IDP, paying the non-member fee is usually cheaper than joining AAA for a year. Check your local AAA office's hours and location before you go, because not all offices offer IDP service.
Getting an IDP Through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not have physical offices — you must explore by mail or through their website. Mail applications take 1 to 2 weeks. Online applications are processed faster, sometimes within 3 to 5 business days.
To get an IDP from AATA, you need your valid state driver's license, a passport or state ID, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The fee is $15 for mail applications and $20 for online applications. AATA accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card depending on the method you choose.
AATA is a good option if you do not have an AAA office nearby or if you prefer to handle everything by mail. The trade-off is that you wait longer and cannot walk out with the permit the same day. If you need the IDP urgently, AAA in-person service is faster.
Documents You Need Before You explore
You must have three things before you can get an IDP from either AAA or AATA: a valid, unexpired state driver's license; a passport or state ID; and one passport-sized photo that is 2 by 2 inches.
The photo requirement is specific. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Sunglasses, hats, and heavy filters disqualify the photo. If you do not have a passport-sized photo, you can get one taken at AAA offices, at most pharmacies with photo services, or at passport acceptance facilities. A single passport photo usually costs $10 to $15.
Your state driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it at your state DMV. Your passport or state ID is used only to verify your identity — the IDP itself is based on the information in your driver's license.
Timeline and Fees at a Glance
| Method | Organization | Processing Time | Fee (Member/Non-Member) |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person | AAA | Same day (15 minutes) | $20 / $30 |
| By mail | AAA | 2–3 weeks | $15 / $25 (plus postage) |
| Online | AATA | 3–5 business days | $20 |
| By mail | AATA | 1–2 weeks | $15 |
What to Do If Your Destination Country Does Not Recognize IDPs
Some countries do not accept IDPs and require an official translation of your driver's license instead. This is rare but does happen. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for your specific destination country through the U.S. State Department website or by contacting the country's embassy or consulate in the United States.
If your destination requires a translation instead of an IDP, you will need to get an official translation of your driver's license from a certified translator. This is different from an IDP and takes longer to obtain. Some countries accept translations from AAA or AATA; others require a translator licensed in that specific country. Start this process at least four weeks before your trip.
A few countries require both an IDP and a translation, or they require a translation certified by their own government. The rules vary widely. Do not assume your IDP will work everywhere — verify before you book your flight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is waiting until the day before travel to get an IDP. If you need it by mail, you will miss your trip. Order it at least two weeks in advance, or go to AAA in person if you need it when ready.
The second mistake is getting an IDP and then not carrying your state driver's license with it. The IDP is only valid alongside your actual license. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your license at a rental car counter, the IDP alone will not satisfy them.
The third mistake is not checking whether your destination country recognizes IDPs. Some countries have specific rules about what documents they accept, and showing up with only an IDP can create problems at the border or with a rental car company.
The fourth mistake is explore for an IDP after your state license has expired or been suspended. The IDP becomes invalid the moment your underlying license is no longer valid. Renew your state license first, then get the IDP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IDP from the DMV or my state licensing office?
No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one. If someone tells you the DMV can provide an IDP, they are mistaken.
Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car abroad?
Most rental car companies require either an IDP or an official translation of your license. Check with your rental company before you book. Some companies in major tourist destinations accept just your state license, but this is not may provide. Having an IDP removes the risk.
What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
An expired IDP is not valid. If you are traveling for longer than one year, you will need to obtain a new IDP before your current one expires. Plan ahead if you are taking an extended trip.
Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended?
No. Your license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. Once your suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated, you can then get an IDP.
Is an IDP the same as a license to drive in other countries?
No. An IDP is a translation document only. It does not give you permission to drive in another country. You still must follow that country's driving laws and rules. Some countries have additional requirements like an International Driving Permit Card or a national driving license from that country.