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 current, because they can read it in their own language.

You get an IDP from an authorized issuer in your home country, not from the country you are visiting. If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you explore through one of two U.S. organizations. If you hold a license from another country, you explore through your home country's equivalent authority — usually your national motor vehicle department or a designated travel organization.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which type you request. It expires on a fixed date, not on the date you stop traveling. You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must explore for a new one if you need it again.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your original license at all times.
  • In the United States, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country before you can obtain an IDP.
  • The IDP is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, and you cannot renew it — you must reapply when it expires.
  • If you hold a license from outside the United States, contact your home country's national motor vehicle authority or tourism board to find the authorized issuer.

Where to get an IDP if you hold a U.S. license

The two authorized U.S. issuers are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same official IDP document. The main difference is location and how you explore — AAA has physical offices nationwide, while AATA operates primarily by mail.

AAA issues IDPs at local AAA club offices. You walk in with your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and payment. The process takes about 15 minutes. You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP, though membership may lower the cost. Check the AAA website to find the nearest office and confirm their hours, because not all AAA locations issue IDPs.

AATA issues IDPs by mail. You send in a completed process form, a photocopy of your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and payment. Processing takes one to two weeks. AATA's mailing address and process form are on their website. This route is useful if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person.

What you need to bring or send

For both AAA and AATA, you need the same core documents. First, a valid, unexpired driver's license from any U.S. state or territory. The license must not be suspended or revoked. Second, a passport-sized photograph — typically 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. Third, payment — the cost varies by issuer and whether you want a one-year or three-year permit, but typically ranges from $15 to $30.

If you are explore in person at AAA, bring the original license and photo. If you are explore by mail through AATA, send a photocopy of your license (not the original) and the photo. You will also need to complete an process form, which AATA provides on their website or by request.

Bring or include proof of your current address if the issuer requests it. Some offices or mail applications ask for this to confirm you are a U.S. resident, though it is not always required.

How long the process takes and when to explore

If you explore in person at AAA, you typically receive your IDP the same day or within a few days. If you explore by mail through AATA, expect one to two weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time in both directions. Add extra time if you are explore during peak travel season, when processing may slow.

explore at least two to three weeks before you travel, even if you choose the faster in-person route. This gives you time to receive the document and confirm it arrived without errors. If you are traveling soon and cannot wait, AAA's in-person service is your fastest option.

Remember that your IDP is valid for one or three years from the date it is issued, not from the date you travel. If you plan to travel multiple times over the next few years, a three-year permit may save you money and time compared to reapplying each trip.

Getting an IDP from outside the United States

If you hold a driver's license from a country other than the United States, you cannot use AAA or AATA. Instead, contact your home country's national motor vehicle authority or department of transportation. Many countries also authorize travel organizations or automobile clubs to issue IDPs — similar to how AAA operates in the U.S.

Start by searching "[your country] International Driving Permit" or visiting your country's official government website for transportation or motor vehicles. The authorized issuer will tell you what documents you need, what the cost is, and how long processing takes. Processing times and requirements vary widely by country.

If you are unsure which organization is authorized in your country, contact your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. They can direct you to the correct issuer or tell you how the process works from abroad if you are already traveling.

What happens if you do not have an IDP

Many countries do not require an IDP if you carry your valid home license. However, some countries do require it, and others strongly recommend it because police and rental companies may not read licenses in languages they do not speak. Without an IDP, you risk being unable to rent a car, facing fines, or having your license confiscated temporarily.

Before you travel, check the entry requirements for each country on your itinerary. Your country's foreign affairs ministry or the destination country's tourism board can tell you whether an IDP is required or recommended. If you are renting a car, contact the rental company in advance — many require an IDP even if the country does not.

If you arrive without an IDP and need one, some countries allow you to obtain one at the border or through a local motor vehicle office, though this is slower and less reliable than obtaining one before you leave.

Renewing or replacing an IDP

IDPs cannot be renewed. When your IDP expires, you must explore for a new one through the same issuer. If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact the issuer's customer service to report it. Some issuers can issue a replacement by mail to your home address, though this may take several weeks.

If you lose your IDP and need a replacement urgently while abroad, contact your country's embassy or consulate. They may be able to direct you to a local authority that can issue a temporary document or confirm the validity of your home license in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I already have a valid driver's license?

It depends on where you are traveling. Many countries accept a valid home license alone, but some require an IDP. Before you travel, check the requirements for each country you plan to visit. Rental car companies often require an IDP even if the country does not, so confirm with them when you book.

Can I use an IDP without my original driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your license, not a replacement. You must carry both documents together. If you lose your home license while traveling, the IDP alone will not be valid.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The cost varies by issuer. Through AAA or AATA, a one-year IDP typically costs $15 to $20, and a three-year IDP costs $20 to $30. Costs may differ by location or membership status. Contact your issuer directly for current pricing.

What if my driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP is only valid if your home license is valid. If your home license expires during your trip, your IDP becomes invalid at the same time. Renew your home license before you travel if it will expire during your trip.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. You must have a valid, unexpired license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is reinstated and valid again.