An International Driver Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or prove your driving status in foreign countries.

It is not a license itself — it does not replace your home license, and you cannot drive on an IDP alone. You must carry both your valid home license and the IDP together. The permit works in roughly 150 countries and is recognized by car rental companies, police, and border officials as proof that you hold a valid license at home.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by the country you plan to visit. If you are a U.S. driver, you get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). If you hold a license from another country, you contact that country's national automobile club or transport authority.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver Permit is a translation of your home license into multiple languages and must be carried together with your valid home license at all times.
  • You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association — for U.S. drivers, that is AAA or AATA — not from the country where you plan to drive.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and costs between $15 and $30 for U.S. applicants.
  • Car rental companies often require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandatory, so having one removes barriers to renting.
  • You do not need an IDP to drive in most European countries if your home license is valid, but rental companies may still ask for one.

Who Issues an International Driver Permit and Where to Get One

In the United States, two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document — there is no difference between them — so you can use whichever is more convenient. AAA has physical offices in most states; AATA issues permits by mail.

To get an IDP from AAA, visit a local branch office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (which AAA provides), and a passport-sized photo. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you leave with the permit the same day. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.

To get an IDP from AATA, mail your process, license copy, photo, and payment to their office. You can read the process from their website. Processing takes one to two weeks, and they mail the permit to you. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit.

If you hold a driver's license from a country outside the United States, contact your home country's national automobile association or transport ministry. The process and cost vary widely by country.

What Information an IDP Contains and Why It Matters

An International Driver Permit contains the same information as your home license — your name, date of birth, license number, the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive — but printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese. This translation allows police, rental agents, and border officials in any of those countries to read and verify your driving status without needing a translator.

The IDP does not contain your photo, which is why you must carry your home license alongside it. Together, the two documents prove both your identity and your driving authorization. If you are stopped by police or asked to show credentials at a rental counter, presenting both is standard.

The permit shows the date it was issued and the date it expires. A one-year IDP is valid for 12 months from the issue date; a three-year IDP is valid for three years. After expiration, the IDP is no longer valid, even if your home license is still current. You must obtain a new IDP if you plan to drive internationally again.

When You Need an IDP and When You Do Not

Whether an IDP is legally required depends on the country you are visiting and the specific rules of that country's transport authority. Many European countries do not legally require an IDP if your home license is valid and written in Latin characters. However, the requirement changes by country and can change over time.

Car rental companies often have stricter rules than the law requires. Many rental agencies worldwide ask for an IDP as a condition of renting, even in countries where it is not legally mandatory. If you plan to rent a car, check the rental company's policy before you travel — most state their IDP requirement on their website. Having an IDP removes this barrier and makes the rental process faster.

If you are driving your own vehicle that you have shipped to another country, or if you are driving someone else's car, the legal requirement depends on that country's rules. If you are only using public transportation or taxis, you do not need an IDP.

How Long an IDP Is Valid and When to Renew

When you purchase an IDP, you choose between a one-year and a three-year version. The one-year permit costs less upfront but requires renewal sooner if you travel internationally again. The three-year permit costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period.

An IDP is valid only as long as your home license is valid. If your home license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if the expiration date on the permit has not passed. If your home license is renewed, you do not automatically get a new IDP — you must purchase a new one if you plan to drive internationally again.

Plan ahead: if you know you will be traveling internationally within the next few months, purchase your IDP before you leave. Processing times range from same-day (AAA in-person) to two weeks (AATA by mail). Do not wait until the week before departure.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP When One Is Required

If you are stopped by police in a country where an IDP is legally required and you do not have one, you may face a fine. The amount varies by country — some charge a small administrative fee, others impose larger penalties. In some cases, police may impound your vehicle or refuse to let you continue driving until you produce the permit.

If you are renting a car and the rental company requires an IDP but you do not have one, the company will refuse to rent to you. You cannot complete the transaction. This is the most common practical consequence for travelers — not a legal penalty, but an inability to proceed with your plans.

If you are involved in an accident or traffic incident and cannot produce an IDP when one is required, your insurance claim may be denied or complicated. Insurance companies use the IDP as proof of valid driving status, and its absence can create disputes about coverage.

IDP Versus a Real ID or Passport: What Each Document Does

An International Driver Permit is not a travel document and does not replace a passport. It is a driving credential only. You still need a valid passport to cross international borders, pass through customs, and prove your citizenship. The IDP proves you are licensed to drive; the passport proves you are a citizen of your home country.

A Real ID is a U.S. domestic credential that meets federal security standards for identification. It is used for domestic air travel, federal building access, and other U.S. purposes. It is not recognized internationally and does not help you drive in other countries. You can have a Real ID, a valid passport, and an IDP all at the same time — they serve different purposes.

When traveling internationally to drive, bring all three: your passport (for border crossing), your home driver's license (for driving), and your IDP (for translation and proof of license validity). Do not assume any one of them replaces the others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country on just my home license without an IDP?

It depends on the country. Many countries accept a valid home license without an IDP if it is written in Latin characters. However, car rental companies often require an IDP regardless of local law. Check both the destination country's rules and your rental company's policy before you travel.

What if my home license is suspended or revoked?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if the expiration date on the permit has not passed. You cannot legally drive in any country on a suspended or revoked license, and presenting an IDP will not change that. You must restore your home license first.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico from the United States?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP for U.S. drivers with valid licenses. However, some car rental companies in those countries may ask for one. Check your rental company's policy. Your valid U.S. driver's license is usually sufficient for driving and police stops.

How much does an International Driver Permit cost?

For U.S. drivers, a one-year IDP costs $20 from AAA or $15 from AATA. A three-year IDP costs $30 from AAA or $20 from AATA. Costs vary by country for non-U.S. drivers. Processing is free; you pay only for the permit itself.

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

No. You must hold a valid, unsuspended driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and valid again.