What an International Driver's Permit Is and Who Issues It

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license, and it has no legal standing on its own. If you are stopped by police abroad, you must show both documents together.

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No government agency issues them. Both organizations issue the same document under the same international treaty, so it does not matter which one you use — the choice comes down to which has an office near you and what their fees are.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed; you must obtain a new one if you need it again after that year ends. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid for the entire time you hold the IDP, or the permit becomes worthless.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA can issue International Driver's Permits in the United States, and you must visit one of their offices in person with your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use, and it is valid for exactly one year from the date you receive it.
  • You cannot obtain an IDP by mail or online; both AAA and AATA require you to appear in person and sign the process on site.
  • An IDP is only useful if you are driving a rental car or your own vehicle abroad — it has no purpose for domestic U.S. driving and is not accepted as a form of identification within the United States.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to AAA or AATA

Before you visit an AAA or AATA office, gather these documents: your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport or passport card, and one passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a digital photo or a photo from your phone; it must be a printed photograph.

You will also need to bring payment. AAA charges $15 for an IDP if you are a member and $20 if you are not. AATA charges a flat $20. Both organizations accept cash and credit cards. Some AAA offices may charge slightly different amounts, so call ahead to confirm the exact fee at the location you plan to visit.

Bring your own pen. You will fill out a short process form by hand at the office, and the staff will ask you to sign it in front of them. This is why the process cannot be done by mail or online — the issuing organization must witness your signature.

How to Find an AAA or AATA Office Near You

AAA has hundreds of offices across the United States. To find the one closest to you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you nearby locations, their hours, and their phone numbers. Not every AAA office issues IDPs on the same schedule, so call ahead before you go — some offices issue them only on certain days or by appointment.

AATA has far fewer offices than AAA. You can find AATA locations on their website, which lists offices by state. AATA offices tend to be in larger cities, so if you live in a rural area, AAA is more likely to have a location within reasonable driving distance.

If you are an AAA member, you may find it faster to use AAA straightforward because there are more offices. If you are not a member and do not want to join, AATA is your only option, though you may need to travel further to reach an office.

The process Process at the Office

When you arrive at the AAA or AATA office, tell the staff member that you need an International Driver's Permit. They will hand you a short process form. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and passport number. Fill it out in pen, using the same name that appears on your driver's license.

The staff member will check that your driver's license is valid and not expired. They will also look at your passport to confirm your identity. They will examine your photograph to make sure it meets their standards — if it is too old, too small, or does not show your face clearly, they may ask you to bring a different one and come back.

Once everything is in order, you will sign the process in front of the staff member. They will take your payment, attach your photograph to the form, and give you your IDP on the spot. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will walk out with your permit in hand — there is no waiting period or mailing process.

What Your IDP Covers and What It Does Not

An IDP translates your driver's license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. When you are stopped by police in another country, the officer can read your license information in their own language without needing an interpreter.

An IDP does not change the rules of the road in the country you are visiting. It does not override local traffic laws, and it does not give you permission to drive if you are too young or too old under that country's rules. It does not cover you if you do not have the right class of license for the vehicle you are driving. It straightforward translates your existing U.S. license so that foreign authorities can understand what it says.

Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for each country on your itinerary. Many countries require an International Driving Permit and an official translation of your driver's license from a certified translator. Some require neither. A few require one or the other but not both. The rules vary widely, and getting this wrong before you leave can leave you unable to rent a car or drive legally.

When Your IDP Expires and What to Do Next

Your IDP expires exactly one year after the date printed on it. You cannot renew it — you must obtain a new one if you need it again. If you travel internationally every year, you will need to visit an AAA or AATA office once a year to get a fresh permit.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its one-year expiration date. The two documents must be valid at the same time. If you renew your driver's license, you will need a new IDP as well if you plan to drive abroad again.

Keep your IDP in a safe place while you travel — ideally in your wallet or travel documents, separate from your license but close enough that you can produce both together if asked. If your IDP is lost or stolen, you cannot get a replacement while you are abroad. You will need to return to the United States and visit an AAA or AATA office to obtain a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driver's Permit to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Many countries and rental agencies require or strongly recommend an IDP alongside your U.S. license. Some rental companies will refuse to rent to you without one. Check with your rental company and the country's driving authority before you book. Having an IDP removes any doubt and takes only 15 minutes to obtain.

Can I get an International Driver's Permit online or by mail?

No. Both AAA and AATA require you to visit an office in person, bring your original documents, and sign the process in front of a staff member. There is no online or mail-in option. You must appear in person to receive your permit.

What if I do not have a passport-style photo?

You will need to get one before you visit the office. Passport photos are available at most drugstores, pharmacies, and photo studios for $10 to $20. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Do not use a digital photo or a photo from your phone.

Is an International Driver's Permit the same as an international driving license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your U.S. driver's license. An international driving license is a separate license issued by some countries to their own citizens. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can only obtain an IDP, not an international driving license.

What countries accept an International Driver's Permit?

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 international driving permit conventions accept IDPs. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and many others. However, some countries do not recognize them, and a few require additional documents like a certified translation. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel.