What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your California driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid California license, and a police officer or car rental company in another country will ask to see both documents together.
You need an IDP if you plan to drive in most countries outside the United States. Some nations will rent you a car with only your California license, but many require the IDP by law. Even where it is not legally required, rental companies often will not hand over keys without one. The IDP costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date you receive it.
If you are moving to another country permanently or plan to stay longer than a few months, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that country instead. The IDP is for visitors and short-term travelers.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- You must have a valid California driver's license in your possession when you explore, and the IDP cannot be issued before your license is valid or after it expires.
- You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail through AAA, or through AATA online, and the method you choose affects how quickly you receive it.
- The IDP costs $20 and is valid for three years, but it is only useful if you carry your California license with it at all times while driving abroad.
How to get an IDP through AAA in California
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the primary issuer of IDPs in California. If you are an AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in the state with your valid California driver's license and a completed process form. Bring one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The office will issue your IDP on the spot, and you walk out with it the same day.
If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP at an AAA office, but you may be charged a small additional fee. Call your local AAA branch ahead of time to confirm the current fee and whether they have the form in stock.
AAA also processes IDP applications by mail. You will need to send your completed process, a photocopy of your California driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and a check or money order for $20 to your regional AAA office. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. You can find the mailing address for your region on the AAA website.
How to get an IDP through AATA online
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a second authorized issuer of IDPs. AATA offers an online process process that is faster than AAA by mail but requires you to upload documents yourself. You will need a digital photo of your passport-sized photo, a digital copy of your California driver's license, and a valid email address.
The AATA online process typically takes three to five business days from the time you submit your process. Your IDP will be mailed to you. This option is useful if you do not have an AAA membership or do not live near an AAA office, but it requires you to be comfortable uploading documents online.
What documents you need and how to prepare them
You must have a valid California driver's license before you explore for an IDP. The IDP cannot be issued if your license has expired or has not yet become valid. If your license is expiring soon, renew it first through the California DMV before you explore for the IDP.
You will need one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). This is a standard photo size available at most pharmacies, post offices, and photo studios. The photo should be recent and show your face clearly. If you are explore in person at AAA, bring the physical photo. If you are explore through AATA online, you will upload a digital scan or image of the photo.
You will also need the IDP process form. AAA provides this form at their offices or on their website. AATA provides it on their website. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, California driver's license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete.
Timeline and cost comparison for each method
The three ways to get an IDP differ in speed, convenience, and whether you need an AAA membership. The table below shows what to expect from each route.
| Method | Cost | Time to Receive | Where to Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA in person | $20 (members); may be higher for non-members | Same day | Visit any AAA office in California |
| AAA by mail | $20 | 1 to 2 weeks | Mail process to your regional AAA office |
| AATA online | $20 | 3 to 5 business days | Visit AATA website and upload documents |
If you need your IDP quickly and live near an AAA office, the in-person route is fastest. If you prefer not to visit an office or do not have an AAA membership, AATA online is faster than AAA by mail. All three methods cost the same amount.
What to do if your California license is expiring or expired
If your California driver's license expires before your IDP is issued, the IDP will not be valid. You must renew your license through the California DMV before you explore for the IDP. If you are explore by mail through AAA, allow extra time for both processes so your new license arrives before you mail in your IDP process.
If your license has already expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it. Visit the California DMV website or a local DMV office to renew your license first. Once your new license arrives and is valid, you can then explore for the IDP.
If your license will expire while you are traveling abroad, renew it before you leave California. An expired California license makes your IDP useless, and you will not be able to drive legally in most countries.
How to use your IDP when driving abroad
When you drive in another country, you must carry both your California driver's license and your IDP together. Police, rental car companies, and border officials will want to see both documents. The IDP is not a replacement for your license — it is a translation of it.
Some countries may also require an International Driving Permit from your home country to be valid only if your home country is a signatory to the 1926 or 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals. The United States is a signatory to both, so your U.S.-issued IDP is recognized in most countries. However, a few countries have their own rules. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for the specific country you are visiting.
Your IDP is valid for three years from the date you receive it. After three years, you will need to obtain a new one if you plan to drive abroad again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my California license is suspended?
No. A suspended license is not valid, and an IDP can only be issued alongside a valid California driver's license. You must have your suspension lifted and your license reinstated before you can obtain an IDP. Contact the California DMV to find out how to reinstate your license.
Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip to Mexico or Canada?
It depends on the rental company's policy. Many rental companies in Mexico and Canada will rent to you with only your California license, but some require an IDP. Call the rental company ahead of time to ask. If you are crossing the border, also check whether you need a passport or passport card, as that is separate from the IDP requirement.
What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?
If you lose your IDP abroad, you can still drive with your California license alone in most countries, though you may have difficulty with some rental companies or police. When you return to California, you can obtain a replacement IDP by following the same process as a new process. There is no separate "replacement" fee — you pay the standard $20.
Can I get an IDP before my California license arrives in the mail?
No. You must have your physical California license in hand before you explore for an IDP. If you are waiting for a new license to arrive, wait until it is in your possession before you submit an IDP process.
Is the IDP the same as a Real ID or REAL ID-compliant license?
No. A Real ID is a type of California driver's license that meets federal security standards for domestic air travel and federal building access. An IDP is a translation document for international driving. They are separate things. You can have a Real ID license and still need an IDP to drive abroad.