What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one in NYC

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your home country or state. In New York City itself, you do not need an IDP to drive. New York State recognizes foreign licenses from most countries, and the NYPD does not require an IDP for traffic stops within the city.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in countries outside the United States. Some car rental companies in other nations ask for one, and a few countries' police will accept it more readily than a foreign license alone. If you are visiting NYC and plan to drive only within New York State, your home country's license is sufficient.

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 cannot get an IDP from the New York State DMV or any government office.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by the DMV, and it costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use.
  • You must have a valid driver's license from your home country or state before you can get an IDP; the IDP is a translation document, not a license itself.
  • AAA locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens can issue an IDP the same day if you explore in person with your license and a passport-style photo.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not renew automatically; you must explore again if you need one after it expires.
  • You do not need an IDP to drive in New York City or New York State, only if you plan to drive in other countries or rent a car abroad.

Getting an IDP through AAA in New York City

The fastest way to get an IDP in NYC is through an AAA office. AAA has locations in Manhattan (at 1881 Broadway near 62nd Street), Brooklyn (at 1000 Flatbush Avenue), and Queens (at 56-02 Northern Boulevard in Elmhurst). You can walk in during business hours with your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo, and most locations will issue the IDP the same day.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. You do not have to be a member to get an IDP, but membership costs extra. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Bring your license and photo; AAA will not accept digital photos or selfies. If you do not have a photo, some AAA locations have a photo service on-site for an additional fee, or you can bring one from a pharmacy or photo shop.

AAA also accepts mail-in applications if you cannot visit in person. You mail your license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order to the AAA address. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail. You can read the process form from the AAA website or ask for one at any AAA office.

Getting an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not have walk-in offices in New York City, but you can explore by mail. Send your valid driver's license, a completed AATA process form, a passport-style photo, and payment to their office in Maryland. Processing takes two to three weeks.

The cost is $15. AATA's mail-in process is slower than AAA's in-person service, so if you need an IDP quickly, AAA is the better choice. AATA is useful if you prefer not to visit an AAA office or if you are outside the city and want to avoid travel.

What documents and photos you need

You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country or state. The license must be in your name and must not be suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it with your home country's licensing authority.

You also need a passport-style photo: 2 by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. Glasses are allowed if you normally wear them. The photo must show your current appearance. Selfies, digital photos, and photos from social media are not accepted.

Bring your passport or national ID as proof of identity when you explore in person at AAA. A driver's license alone is not enough for identity verification. If you are explore by mail, you do not need to send your passport, but AATA and AAA may ask for a copy of the photo page if there is any question about your identity.

How long an IDP lasts and what happens when it expires

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically. When it expires, you must explore for a new one if you still need it. There is no grace period — an expired IDP is not accepted by rental companies or police in other countries.

Your home country's license does not expire when your IDP expires. The IDP is straightforward a translation of your license, so if your license is still valid, you can get a new IDP at any time. You do not have to wait for your current IDP to expire.

If you are traveling and your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it outside the United States. You must wait until you return to the U.S. and explore through AAA or AATA again.

Driving in New York with a foreign license (with or without an IDP)

New York State law allows you to drive with a valid foreign license for up to one year if you are a visitor. You do not need an IDP to do this. Police in New York will accept your home country's license as proof that you are allowed to drive. An IDP is useful only if you plan to rent a car in another country or if you want an extra layer of documentation, but it is not required by New York.

If you are moving to New York and plan to stay longer than one year, you must get a New York State driver's license. You can take the written and road tests, or in some cases exchange your foreign license for a New York license without testing. Contact your local DMV office for the requirements based on your home country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in New York City with just an IDP and no other license?

No. An IDP is only a translation document and is not a license by itself. You must have a valid driver's license from your home country or state. Police will ask for both your home license and your IDP if you are stopped.

How much does an IDP cost and how long does it take?

AAA charges $15 for members and $20 for non-members. In-person applications at an AAA office in NYC are usually processed the same day. Mail-in applications take one to two weeks. AATA charges $15 and takes two to three weeks by mail.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your license with your home country's licensing authority first. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in New York State?

No. Car rental companies in New York accept a valid foreign driver's license. An IDP is only needed if you are renting a car in another country outside the United States.

Can I get an IDP online?

No. AAA and AATA do not issue IDPs online. You must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail. Some websites claim to issue international permits online, but these are not recognized by the U.S. State Department and will not be accepted by rental companies or police abroad.