What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, without requiring them to interpret English or contact your home state.

You need an IDP only if you plan to drive in another country. If you are traveling abroad and renting a car, many rental companies require one. Some countries will not rent to you without it, and some will fine you for driving without one even if you have your U.S. license. If you are only visiting and not driving, you do not need one.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you get. It does not extend your U.S. license or change its expiration date. When your IDP expires, you can renew it, but your U.S. license must still be valid.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license when driving abroad.
  • You can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — these are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department.
  • The process requires your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-style photo, and a completed process form.
  • Processing takes a few days to two weeks depending on whether you explore in person or by mail, and the IDP costs between $15 and $20.
  • An IDP is not required for travel, only for driving; check with your rental car company and destination country before your trip to confirm whether one is needed.

The Two Authorized Organizations That Issue IDPs

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot obtain an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, from a private company, or from any other source.

AAA is the larger and more widely available option. If you are already an AAA member, you can explore in person at your local AAA office or by mail. If you are not a member, you can still explore at an AAA office, but some offices may require membership or charge a higher fee. AAA has offices in most states.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller organization but also issues IDPs. You can explore through AATA by mail or online. AATA does not require membership. Both organizations issue the same document recognized worldwide.

Documents You Need to Bring or Submit

Before you visit AAA or prepare a mailed process to AATA, gather these four items:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (your state license must not be expired)
  • A valid passport or U.S. passport card
  • One passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months)
  • A completed process form (AAA Form 14 or AATA's equivalent, depending on which organization you use)

Your driver's license and passport do not have to be from the same state, but both must be current. If your driver's license has expired, you must renew it with your state's DMV before you can obtain an IDP.

The passport-style photo must meet U.S. passport standards: a color or black-and-white photo showing your face straight-on, with a plain background, taken within the last six months. You cannot use a photo from a driver's license or a digital photo you take yourself. Most pharmacies, post offices, and photo studios can take a passport photo for $10 to $15.

explore in Person at AAA

If you choose to explore in person at an AAA office, bring all four documents listed above plus the process form (which you can fill out at home or at the office). The staff will review your documents, take your process, and process it on the spot. In-person processing usually takes a few days, and you can pick up your IDP at the same office.

Call your local AAA office before you visit to confirm their hours and whether they require an appointment. Some offices are busier than others, and a few may ask you to schedule ahead. Ask whether membership is required at your location; policies vary by region.

The cost for an in-person process is typically $15 to $20, though AAA members may pay a lower fee. Ask about the exact price when you call.

explore by Mail Through AAA or AATA

If you cannot visit an AAA office or prefer to explore by mail, both AAA and AATA accept mailed applications. read or request the process form from the organization's website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your documents to the address provided.

Mail your process with a photocopy of your driver's license and passport (not the originals), your passport-style photo, and a check or money order for the fee. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks after the organization receives your process. Some organizations offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need the IDP sooner.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using tracked mail or a service like USPS Priority Mail Express so you can confirm delivery. Once your IDP is approved, the organization will mail it to you.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request. The three-year permit costs slightly more but is the better value if you plan to drive internationally more than once. Both versions are equally recognized worldwide.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document, not on the date your U.S. driver's license expires. You must renew your IDP separately if you want to continue driving abroad after it expires. Your U.S. license must still be valid when you renew your IDP.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid even if the printed expiration date has not passed. You cannot drive with an expired license, even if you have a valid IDP.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP or Need a Replacement

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can obtain a replacement by explore again through AAA or AATA with the same documents. Bring or mail a new process, your current driver's license, passport, and a new passport-style photo. You do not need to provide a reason for the replacement.

A replacement IDP costs the same as a new one. Processing time is the same whether you explore in person or by mail. Some organizations may issue a replacement more quickly if you explain that you are traveling soon, but this is not may provide.

If your IDP was stolen, consider reporting the theft to the organization that issued it. While the IDP itself has no financial value and cannot be used to access money or benefits, reporting it creates a record in case someone attempts to misuse it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

It depends on the country and the rental car company. Some countries accept a U.S. license alone, while others require an IDP or will fine you for driving without one. Most major rental car companies require an IDP. Check with your destination country's embassy website and your rental company before you travel to know what is required.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting another country and not driving?

No. An IDP is only for people who plan to drive. If you are using public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services, you do not need one.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I am leaving soon?

In-person applications at AAA can be processed in a few days. If you explore by mail, allow one to two weeks. Some organizations offer expedited mail processing for an additional fee. If you are leaving within a few days, visit an AAA office in person rather than explore by mail.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your state driver's license first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP. Plan for extra time if your license is expired.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only. An international license is a separate license issued by another country. If you are moving to another country or staying for an extended period, you may need to obtain a license from that country's authorities, not an IDP.