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

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 Texas driver's license — you must carry both documents together to be legal. The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize a U.S. license alone, even though your Texas license is your actual proof of driving authority.

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving. If you are renting a car or driving in most European countries, Canada, Australia, or Mexico, your Texas license alone is usually sufficient. However, some countries — including parts of Central America, South America, and Asia — may require an IDP before they will rent you a vehicle or accept your license at a traffic stop. Check with your rental car company and the specific country's embassy or consulate before you travel; they can tell you whether an IDP is required for your destination.

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 Texas Department of Public Safety or any government office.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried together with your valid Texas driver's license at all times.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location in Texas; you cannot explore by mail or online.
  • You will need your valid Texas driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches).
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on the issuing organization and is valid for one or three years depending on your choice.
  • An IDP does not extend your driving privileges in Texas or any U.S. state — it is only for driving outside the United States.

How to get an IDP from AAA in Texas

AAA is the larger and more widely available option in Texas. To get an IDP from AAA, you must visit a local AAA office in person — there is no online or mail process. Find the nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP.

Bring three things to your appointment: your valid Texas driver's license, a valid passport or U.S. passport card, and one passport-style photograph (2 inches by 2 inches). The photo must be recent, in color or black and white, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have a passport photo taken at most AAA offices, Walgreens, CVS, or UPS stores if you do not already have one.

The IDP costs $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AAA membership is not required. You will receive your IDP when ready or within a few minutes — it is not mailed to you later. The three-year option is usually the better value if you travel internationally more than once every three years.

How to get an IDP from AATA in Texas

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, but you can explore by mail if there is no AATA office near you. To find an AATA office in Texas or to request a mail process, visit aata.org or call 1-800-622-7070.

If you explore in person at an AATA office, bring the same documents as you would for AAA: your valid Texas driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and one 2x2-inch passport photo. The cost is the same — $15 for one year or $20 for three years — and you receive the permit when ready.

If you explore by mail, AATA will send you an process form. You complete it, include a photocopy of your driver's license and passport, attach your passport photo, and mail everything back with a check or money order. Mail applications take two to three weeks to process. AATA charges a small additional fee (usually $2 to $5) for mail processing.

What documents you need and how to prepare them

Your Texas driver's license must be valid — not expired and not suspended. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at the Texas Department of Public Safety before you can get an IDP.

Your passport or passport card must also be valid. A passport card is acceptable and costs less than a full passport if you do not already have one, but it takes four to six weeks to receive from the U.S. State Department. If you need an IDP quickly and do not have a passport yet, a full passport is faster to obtain in some cases — check the State Department's website for current processing times.

The passport-style photo is the most common reason applications are rejected. The photo must be exactly 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your full face against a plain white or off-white background. Sunglasses, hats, and head coverings (except for religious reasons) are not allowed. If you have a passport, you can use the same photo you used for that, as long as it still meets these requirements.

How long an IDP lasts and when you need to renew it

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which option you choose when you explore. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. You must renew your IDP before it expires if you plan to drive internationally again.

Renewal requires the same process as the original process: you must visit an AAA or AATA office in person (or mail an process to AATA), bring your valid driver's license, passport, and a new passport photo, and pay the fee again. You cannot renew an IDP by mail through AAA — you must visit an office.

If your Texas driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not expired. You must renew your driver's license first, then renew your IDP if you still need it.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP does not give you any driving privileges you do not already have. It is purely a translation document. Your Texas driver's license is what actually authorizes you to drive — the IDP straightforward explains that authorization in other languages. If you are not allowed to drive in Texas (for example, if your license is suspended), an IDP will not change that.

An IDP is only valid outside the United States. You cannot use it to drive in Texas or any other U.S. state. If you are stopped by police in Texas, only your Texas driver's license matters — the IDP is irrelevant.

An IDP does not affect your insurance. Your Texas auto insurance policy covers you the same way whether you have an IDP or not. However, some countries require you to carry an IDP as a condition of renting a car, so check your rental agreement before you travel.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are outside the United States, you cannot get a replacement abroad. You will need to continue driving with only your Texas driver's license. Some countries will accept this; others will not. If you are in a country that requires an IDP and you no longer have one, you should not drive and should contact your car rental company or embassy for guidance.

When you return to Texas, you can explore for a replacement IDP by visiting an AAA or AATA office with your valid driver's license, passport, and a new passport photo. There is no additional fee — you pay the standard $15 or $20 depending on how long you want the new permit to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a passport?

No. You must have a valid U.S. passport or passport card to get an IDP. A driver's license alone is not sufficient proof of citizenship. If you do not have a passport, you will need to explore for one through the U.S. State Department before you can get an IDP.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Mexico or Canada?

Most of the time, no. Mexico and Canada generally accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in Mexico may require an IDP, so check your rental agreement. If you are unsure, contact the rental company or the country's consulate before you travel.

What if my Texas driver's license is suspended?

You cannot get an IDP if your Texas driver's license is suspended. An IDP is only issued to people with a valid, unsuspended license. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension with the Texas Department of Public Safety first.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

An IDP costs $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit through either AAA or AATA. There are no additional government fees. If you explore by mail through AATA, there is a small processing fee of $2 to $5 on top of the permit cost.

Can I renew my IDP online?

No. Both AAA and AATA require you to renew in person at an office, except for AATA's mail option. You cannot renew online, by phone, or by email. Plan ahead if your IDP is expiring and you need it for an upcoming trip.