The International Automobile Association issues a document called an International Driving Permit, not a license

The International Automobile Association (IAA) does not issue international driver licenses. What it issues is an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is a translation document that works alongside your valid U.S. driver license — never instead of it.

An IDP translates your name, address, photo, and driving record into ten languages. It is not a license itself and does not give you the right to drive anywhere. It is a convenience document that some rental car companies, police officers, and border officials in certain countries recognize as proof that you hold a valid U.S. license. You must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP together; carrying only the IDP will not let you drive legally.

The IAA is one of two organizations in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Association (AAA). Both issue the same document under the same international treaty, so there is no difference in what you receive — only in where you go to get it.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver license into ten languages, not a separate license or permit.
  • You must carry your valid U.S. driver license and the IDP together; the IDP alone does not allow you to drive.
  • The IAA and AAA are the only two U.S. organizations authorized to issue IDPs, and both issue the same document.
  • An IDP is useful in some countries for car rentals and police interactions, but many countries do not recognize it or require it.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it.

When an International Driving Permit is actually useful

An IDP helps most in countries where English is not widely spoken and where rental car companies or police may not recognize a U.S. license at first glance. It is most commonly used in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. Some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, though this is less common than it once was.

Many countries — including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand — do not recognize or require an IDP at all. If you are driving in an English-speaking country or a country with a strong tourism industry, you may not need one. Before you travel, check the specific country's driving requirements through its embassy website or tourism board, not through the IDP issuer.

An IDP is also not a substitute for an International Certificate of Competency, which some countries require for certain types of driving (such as commercial or professional driving). If you are planning to work as a driver abroad, you will need to research that country's specific requirements separately.

How to get an International Driving Permit from the IAA

The IAA issues IDPs in person at their office locations and by mail. To get one, you need a valid U.S. driver license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The cost is typically $15 to $20, though prices vary slightly by location.

If you explore in person, you will receive the IDP when ready. If you explore by mail, you will need to send your documents to the IAA office in your state and wait for processing, which usually takes one to two weeks. The IAA website lists office locations and mailing addresses by state.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires on the same date regardless of when your U.S. driver license expires, so you may need to renew it before your next trip even if your license is still valid. You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one.

How the IAA's International Driving Permit differs from the AAA version

Both the IAA and AAA issue the same internationally recognized IDP document under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic. The content, format, and validity period are identical. The only real differences are location, processing time, and membership requirements.

The AAA requires you to be a member to purchase an IDP, though membership is inexpensive and can be purchased at the time of process. The IAA does not require membership. If you are already an AAA member, getting an IDP from AAA may be faster or more convenient; if you are not, the IAA may be the simpler choice. Both organizations issue the document on the spot if you explore in person.

What an International Driving Permit does not do

An IDP does not change your driving record, insurance status, or legal standing in any country. It does not give you permission to drive in a country where you would otherwise be prohibited (for example, if you are under the legal driving age in that country). It does not cover you if you violate traffic laws abroad.

An IDP is not a visa, work permit, or residency document. If you are moving to another country or staying longer than a tourist visit, you will need to follow that country's separate licensing and residency rules. An IDP is strictly a translation document for short-term visitors who already hold a valid U.S. license.

Your U.S. auto insurance may not cover you when driving abroad, even with an IDP. Before you travel, contact your insurance company to ask whether your policy covers rental cars in the countries you plan to visit. Many policies do not, and you may need to purchase separate international coverage or a rental car company's insurance.

How to know if you actually need an International Driving Permit

The best way to know is to contact the rental car company you plan to use and the tourism or transportation authority in the country you are visiting. Many rental companies now accept a U.S. driver license alone, especially in popular tourist destinations. Some countries have changed their rules in recent years and no longer require an IDP.

If you are renting a car, ask the rental company directly before you book. If you are driving your own vehicle or a borrowed vehicle, check the country's official transportation or police website. The U.S. State Department's travel advisory pages for each country sometimes mention driving requirements, though they do not always.

If you are unsure and the cost is not a barrier, getting an IDP before you leave is the safer choice. It takes little time and costs under $20. If you do not end up needing it, you have lost only a small amount of money. If you need it and do not have it, you may face fines, rental refusal, or legal complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just an International Driving Permit and no U.S. license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your valid U.S. driver license. You must have both documents with you. If you only have the IDP, you are not legally permitted to drive in any country.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not renew automatically and does not extend if your U.S. driver license is still valid. You must explore for a new IDP if you need one after the expiration date.

What if the country I'm visiting doesn't recognize the International Driving Permit?

If a country does not recognize an IDP, you will need to follow that country's rules for foreign drivers. Some countries require you to obtain a temporary local license, an International Certificate of Competency, or a certified translation of your U.S. license from a specific translator. Check with the country's embassy or transportation authority before you travel.

Will my U.S. auto insurance cover me if I drive abroad with an International Driving Permit?

Most U.S. auto insurance policies do not cover driving in other countries, even with an IDP. Contact your insurance company before you travel to ask about coverage for rental cars or borrowed vehicles abroad. You may need to purchase separate international coverage or rely on the rental company's insurance.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only alongside a valid U.S. driver license. It is not a license itself and does not grant you the right to drive. An international license does not exist as a single document; driving rights come from your home country's license.