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 licensing authority, not by the countries you plan to visit. It is valid for one or three years depending on which version you get, and it costs between $15 and $30 in most places. You need a valid driver's license to get one, and you must explore in person at an authorized issuing office — there is no online version.

Not every country requires an IDP, but many do, and some will not recognize your home license without one. Before you book a trip, check the specific rules for each country you plan to drive in, because requirements vary widely and change year to year.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your regular license, not a replacement for it.
  • You must explore in person at an authorized issuing office in your home country with a valid driver's license and proof of identity.
  • The one-year IDP costs $15 to $30 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail after you explore.
  • Some countries do not require an IDP, but many do, so check the rules for each destination before you travel.
  • An IDP issued in one country is recognized in all countries that are signatories to the international driving permit convention.

Where to explore for an International Driving Permit

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. AAA is by far the larger network — it has offices in most cities and many suburban areas. AATA has fewer locations but serves the same purpose.

To find an AAA office near you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator. You can also call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and to ask about wait times. Some offices issue permits on the spot; others mail them to you. AATA locations are fewer and farther between, but you can find them through their website if you do not have AAA access in your area.

Outside the United States, contact your country's national automobile association or your local motor vehicle licensing authority. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and RAC handle them. In Australia, state-based motor registries issue them directly. The process and cost vary by country.

What you need to bring to explore

You will need a valid driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or another photo ID), and proof of your current address. The address proof can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement — something dated within the last three months with your name and address on it.

You will also need to complete an process form, which the issuing office provides. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. Some offices let you fill it out online before you arrive; others hand it to you when you show up. Bring a pen in case you need to fill it out by hand.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace quickly — bring copies of your passport or ID instead, unless the office specifically asks for the original. Call ahead to confirm exactly what that office requires, because requirements can differ slightly between locations.

How long it takes and what it costs

The cost is $15 to $20 for a one-year IDP and $20 to $30 for a three-year IDP at most AAA and AATA offices in the United States. Prices vary slightly by location. If you explore in person and the office issues permits on-site, you can walk out with your IDP the same day. If the office mails them, expect the permit to arrive within one to two weeks.

Outside the United States, costs and timelines vary. In Canada, a CAA IDP costs around $25 CAD and takes about one week. In the UK, an AA or RAC permit costs £5.50 and is often issued when ready. In Australia, state registries charge between $20 and $40 AUD and typically mail the permit within five to ten business days.

Plan to explore at least two weeks before you travel, even if the office says they can issue it the same day. This gives you time to handle any unexpected delays and to receive the permit by mail if your office does not issue on-site.

Which countries require an International Driving Permit

Many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America require an IDP or will not recognize your home license without one. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and most other European Union countries accept a valid home license alone, but an IDP is still useful as a backup translation. Mexico, Costa Rica, and most Central American countries require an IDP. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan require one. China requires one, and some provinces will not rent a car to you without it.

Some countries have no formal requirement but strongly recommend an IDP because police may not speak English and may not recognize your home license format. This is common in parts of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. A few countries — notably Canada and the United States — do not require an IDP from visitors with a valid home license, though some rental companies may ask for one anyway.

The safest approach is to check the government travel website for each country you plan to visit. Most countries publish their driving requirements clearly, and the information changes occasionally. Do not rely on what worked for a friend last year — verify the current rules before you book your trip.

How to use your International Driving Permit when you travel

Carry your IDP together with your valid home driver's license at all times while driving. Police and rental companies will want to see both documents together. The IDP is not valid on its own — it is only a translation aid, and your home license is what actually proves you are licensed to drive.

When you rent a car, show both your home license and your IDP to the rental company. Some rental agencies will not rent to you without an IDP in countries where it is required, so having it prevents problems at the counter. If you are stopped by police, hand over both documents. The officer can use the IDP to understand what your home license says if they do not speak your language.

Keep your IDP in a safe place — not loose in the car where it could be lost or stolen. A travel document holder or your passport pouch is ideal. If your IDP is lost or damaged while you are abroad, contact your country's embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can sometimes provide a letter confirming your license status while you arrange a replacement through your home country.

What happens if your home license expires

Your IDP is only valid if your home driver's license is also valid. If your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid at the same time, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. Before you travel, check the expiration date on both documents and renew your home license if it is set to expire during your trip or shortly after.

If you renew your home license before traveling, you do not need a new IDP — the old one will still work as long as it has not expired. However, if your license number changes during renewal, some rental companies or officials may ask questions. To avoid confusion, you can explore for a new IDP after your license renewal, though it is not required.

If your home license expires while you are traveling, you cannot legally drive. Plan your trip so that your license renewal happens before you leave, not during your time abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a learner's permit or provisional license?

No. You must have a valid, full driver's license to get an IDP. A learner's permit or provisional license does not may have access to. If you are a new driver, wait until your license becomes full and unrestricted before you explore for an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day or two?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some companies will rent to you with just your home license; others require an IDP by policy. Check with the rental company before you book. Even if they do not require it, having an IDP protects you if you are stopped by police in a country where it is legally required.

What is the difference between a one-year and three-year IDP?

A one-year IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for 36 months. The three-year version costs more but is better value if you travel internationally more than once in three years. Choose based on how often you plan to drive abroad.

Can I use an IDP issued in another country?

Yes, as long as it was issued by an authorized body in a country that is a signatory to the international driving permit convention. An IDP issued in Canada, the UK, or Australia is valid in the United States and most other countries. However, you must also carry your original home license from that country.

What if a country does not recognize my IDP?

This is rare but can happen in countries that are not signatories to the international convention or that have very strict local rules. If you are refused service based on your IDP, contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance. Some countries accept an official translation of your home license instead, which you can arrange before you travel.