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 recognized by the United Nations. It does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

You obtain an IDP by visiting an AAA or AATA office in person with your valid driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and the required fee. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you leave with the permit that day. No mail-in option exists; you must explore face-to-face at a physical location.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue if you are under 18, or three years if you are 18 or older. It is recognized in more than 150 countries and territories, though some nations have their own separate requirements. Always check the specific country's entry rules before you travel, because an IDP alone does not may provide you can drive there.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an AAA or AATA office in person; there is no online or mail-in route to obtain an IDP.
  • Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches), and payment in cash or card.
  • An IDP is valid for three years if you are 18 or older, or one year if you are under 18, and must be carried with your state license at all times.
  • The fee is typically $20 for AAA members and $30 for non-members, though prices vary slightly by location.
  • An IDP is not a substitute for a valid driver's license and does not override any country's specific driving rules or vehicle registration requirements.

Documents and Information You Need Before You Go

Gather these items before you visit an AAA or AATA office. You will not be able to complete your process without them, and you cannot explore by mail or online.

Your valid U.S. driver's license is required. It must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored and current.

A completed IDP process form is the second requirement. AAA and AATA both provide the form on their websites, and you can print it and fill it out at home before you arrive. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. You can also fill it out at the office if you prefer, though arriving with it completed saves time.

One passport-sized photograph measuring 2 inches by 2 inches is mandatory. The photo must be in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly. You cannot use a digital photo on your phone; you must bring a printed copy. Many AAA offices have photo services on-site if you need one taken, though this adds to the cost and time.

Payment is the final requirement. AAA members pay $20, and non-members pay $30. Some offices accept cash, card, or check, but policies vary by location. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts.

Finding an AAA or AATA Office Near You

AAA has more than 1,000 offices across the United States. To find the nearest one, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. You can also search for "AAA near me" in a search engine and filter by location.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers most major cities. Visit the AATA website and use their office finder, or call their main number to locate an office in your area. Some AATA offices are co-located with AAA offices, so you may see both names at the same address.

Hours vary by office. Many AAA locations are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offering Saturday hours. AATA offices typically operate during standard business hours as well. Call or check the website before you visit to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to book a time slot in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

The process Process at the Office

When you arrive at the AAA or AATA office, bring all four items: your driver's license, the completed process form, your passport photo, and your payment. The staff member will review your documents to confirm your license is valid and your photo meets their standards.

The staff will then affix your photo to the process form and process your information into their system. They will ask you to sign the form in front of them. This step takes about 10 to 15 minutes total. You will receive your IDP when ready, printed on a small booklet-style document that fits in your wallet.

Keep your receipt. It serves as proof of purchase and shows the expiration date of your IDP. If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on replacement.

Understanding IDP Validity and Expiration

An IDP issued to you at age 18 or older is valid for three years from the date of issue. An IDP issued to someone under 18 is valid for one year. The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP booklet.

Your IDP expires on a fixed date regardless of whether your state driver's license expires before or after that date. If your state license expires before your IDP does, you must renew your state license. If your state license is still valid but your IDP has expired, you must obtain a new IDP. The two documents operate on separate timelines.

An expired IDP is not recognized by any country. If you are traveling and your IDP has expired, you will not be able to use it, even if your state license is current. Check the expiration date on your IDP at least one month before any international trip and renew it if necessary.

What Countries Recognize the IDP and What They Require

More than 150 countries and territories recognize the IDP as a valid translation of your U.S. driver's license. However, recognition does not mean you can automatically drive there. Each country has its own rules about who can drive, what documents are required, and whether an IDP alone is sufficient.

Most European countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan recognize the IDP and allow U.S. visitors to drive with a valid state license and IDP together. Some countries, such as Germany and France, also require you to carry a certified translation of your license in addition to the IDP, or they may have minimum age requirements higher than your home state's requirement.

Other countries, including China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern nations, do not recognize the IDP at all and require you to obtain a separate driving permit or international license issued by that country's government. Some countries require both the IDP and a separate permit. Before you book your trip, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and ask specifically what documents you need to drive there. Do not assume the IDP is sufficient.

Renewing Your IDP Before It Expires

To renew your IDP, follow the same process as obtaining a new one: visit an AAA or AATA office in person with your valid driver's license, a completed process form, a new passport-sized photo, and payment. You do not need to bring your expired IDP, though you can if you wish.

Renewal takes the same 10 to 15 minutes as an initial process. You receive your new IDP when ready. If you are renewing more than one month before your current IDP expires, your new IDP will be valid for the full three years (or one year if you are under 18) from the date of the new process, not from the expiration date of the old one.

Plan to renew at least four weeks before your IDP expires if you have international travel scheduled. This buffer prevents delays if your local office is busy or if you need to travel to a different location to find an office.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common mistake is arriving at an AAA or AATA office without a passport-sized photo. Many people assume they can use a digital photo from their phone or that the office will take one for free. Neither is true. Bring a printed 2x2-inch photo, or plan to pay extra for the office to take one on-site.

A second frequent error is carrying an expired IDP while traveling. Check your expiration date before you leave the country. An expired IDP will not be accepted by rental car companies, police, or border officials, even if your state license is valid.

Do not assume the IDP is a substitute for your state driver's license. You must carry both documents together at all times while driving abroad. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient in any country.

Finally, do not assume the IDP grants you the right to drive in every country. Always verify the specific country's requirements before you travel. Some nations require additional permits, have different age minimums, or do not recognize the IDP at all. A 15-minute phone call to the country's embassy can save you from being unable to rent a car or drive once you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their physical offices. You must visit an office with your documents and payment. There is no mail-in or online option.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired driver's license. Your state license must be current and valid. Renew your state license first, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car abroad?

Most car rental companies in Europe, Canada, Australia, and other major destinations require an IDP along with your valid U.S. driver's license. Some companies will rent to you without one, but they may charge a higher rate or refuse to rent certain vehicle classes. Check with your rental company before you book.

How much does an IDP cost?

AAA members pay $20, and non-members pay $30. Some offices may charge slightly different amounts, so call ahead to confirm the exact fee at your local office.

What happens if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can provide guidance on obtaining a replacement or a temporary document. Keep your receipt from the AAA or AATA office at home as proof of purchase. You cannot obtain a replacement IDP while abroad; you must wait until you return to the United States.