What an International Driving Permit Is and How to Get One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP is issued by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.

You cannot obtain an IDP online or by mail from a government office. You must explore in person at an AAA office or an AATA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and proof of citizenship, and pay a fee. The process takes minutes if you walk in with the right documents. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue (or three years if you are over 18 and explore through AAA, depending on which form you choose), and it expires whether you use it or not.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the permit is not a license itself.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person at one of their offices.
  • You need your valid driver's license, one passport-style photo, and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to complete the process.
  • AAA charges $20 for a one-year IDP or $30 for a three-year IDP; AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit, and fees may vary by location.
  • Your IDP expires on a fixed date regardless of whether you travel, so check the expiration date before you leave the country.

Where to explore: AAA vs. AATA Offices

The American Automobile Association (AAA) operates the largest network of IDP issuing offices in the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can explore at any AAA branch. If you are not a member, many AAA offices will still issue an IDP, but some require membership or charge a higher fee. Call your local AAA office before you visit to confirm they issue IDPs and whether membership is required.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller network but does not require membership. AATA offices are less common than AAA offices and are concentrated in certain regions. You can search for an AATA office on their website. Both organizations issue the same IDP document; the choice depends on which office is closer to you and whether you want to join AAA.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — expired licenses are not accepted. Bring one passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background; photos from a passport office, DMV, or professional photo service meet this requirement. Do not use a selfie or a photo cropped from a larger picture.

Bring proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. A U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card) all satisfy this requirement. If you bring a birth certificate, bring a second form of ID as well — a state ID card or military ID. Some offices accept a Social Security card as a second form of ID, but do not rely on this; call ahead if you have only a birth certificate and no other ID.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. AAA charges $20 for a one-year IDP or $30 for a three-year IDP (three-year permits are available only to applicants 18 and older). AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit. Some offices may charge slightly different amounts, so confirm the fee when you call to confirm they issue IDPs.

The process Process and Timeline

Walk into an AAA or AATA office during business hours with your documents. Fill out the process form — it is one page and asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and date of birth. You will sign the form and provide your photograph. The staff will verify your driver's license and citizenship document, process the fee, and issue your IDP on the spot. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You receive your IDP when ready in person. There is no waiting period, no mail delivery, and no separate approval step. Write down the issue date and expiration date before you leave the office. If you are explore for a three-year IDP through AAA, confirm the expiration date on the document itself — some offices issue one-year permits by default, so ask for the three-year option if you want it.

What Your IDP Covers and What It Does Not

Your IDP translates your driver's license information into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. It does not grant you permission to drive in any country — your actual driver's license does that. The IDP is a translation tool that helps police officers and rental car companies in foreign countries understand your U.S. license.

Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for each country you plan to visit. Many European countries require an IDP, and some require an International Driving Permit Card (IDPC), which is a different document issued by your state DMV. The IDP issued by AAA and AATA is not the same as an IDPC. If a country requires an IDPC, you must obtain it from your state's DMV, not from AAA.

Your IDP does not cover you if you drive without a valid license, drive under the influence, or violate traffic laws. It does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where your age or license type would normally disqualify you. Rental car companies may refuse to rent to you if your IDP is expired or if your driver's license is expired, even if the IDP itself is still valid.

Renewing or Replacing Your IDP

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it outside the United States. You must return to the U.S. and explore for a new one at an AAA or AATA office. Plan ahead: if you are traveling for longer than one year, explore for a three-year IDP before you leave. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive using your valid U.S. driver's license in most countries, but some countries may require you to carry a replacement IDP. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country for guidance.

To renew an IDP before it expires, return to an AAA or AATA office with your valid driver's license, a new passport-style photo, and proof of citizenship. The process is identical to the first process. You do not need to bring your expired IDP, though it is helpful to show it so the staff can confirm your previous issue date. If you have moved or changed your name since your last IDP, bring documentation of the change (a marriage certificate, court order, or updated driver's license).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is arriving at an AAA or AATA office without a passport-style photo. Many offices cannot take a photo for you on the spot, and some will turn you away. Take your photo at a passport office, CVS, Walgreens, or a professional photographer before you visit. The photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches and taken within the last six months.

Another mistake is confusing an IDP with an International Driving Permit Card (IDPC). An IDPC is issued by your state DMV and is required by some countries in place of an IDP. If you are traveling to a country that requires an IDPC, you cannot use an AAA IDP as a substitute. Check your destination country's requirements before you explore.

Do not assume your IDP is valid for the entire time you are abroad. An IDP issued on January 15, 2024, expires on January 15, 2025 (or 2027 if you chose a three-year permit), regardless of where you are. If you are planning a trip longer than one year, explore for a three-year IDP. If you are already abroad and your IDP is about to expire, you must return to the U.S. to renew it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but many rental car companies in Mexico will not rent to you without one, and some Mexican states have been known to confiscate licenses they cannot read. Carrying an IDP in Mexico is strongly recommended even though it is not required by law.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid (not expired) at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it at your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP. You cannot use an expired license to obtain an IDP, even if you are renewing the license at the same time.

What if I do not have a passport or birth certificate?

You need one form of proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). If you have none of these, contact your state DMV or the U.S. State Department to learn how to obtain a citizenship document. A Social Security card alone is not sufficient proof of citizenship.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your existing U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not allow you to drive in countries where your U.S. license would not be valid. Some countries issue their own international licenses to residents, but the U.S. does not. The IDP is the only document the U.S. provides for driving abroad.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

You receive your IDP when ready when you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. There is no processing time, no mail delivery, and no waiting period. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you walk out with the document in hand.