What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

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 when driving abroad. The IDP tells police officers, car rental companies, and border officials in other countries that you hold a valid license at home.

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other company or website can legally issue one. Both organizations issue the same document under the same international treaty, so it does not matter which one you use — the choice comes down to which has an office near you or which process fits your schedule better.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It expires on the same date as your U.S. driver's license, whichever comes first. Once it expires, you will need to renew it through AAA or AATA again if you plan to drive internationally.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license when driving outside the country.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, non-suspended driver's license from any U.S. state to get an IDP.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA or AATA office, or you can mail in your process if no office is nearby.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is ready the same day if you explore in person, or within one to two weeks by mail.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it — check the specific country's driving rules before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to AAA or AATA

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and one form of identification with your photograph — a passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. You will also need to bring a completed process form, which you can fill out at the office or read and bring with you already filled in.

You do not need a new photograph taken. AAA and AATA use the photograph already on your driver's license. If you are explore by mail, you will need to include a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license and a photocopy of your photo ID.

Bring a payment method — cash, check, or credit card. The fee is typically $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit, though prices can vary slightly by location. Ask which length makes sense for your trip: if you are traveling for one month, a one-year permit is cheaper; if you plan multiple trips over the next few years, the three-year option may be better value.

explore in Person at an AAA or AATA Office

Find the nearest AAA or AATA office by visiting their websites and using the office locator tool. AAA has thousands of offices across the country; AATA has fewer locations but covers most major cities. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and ask how long the wait typically is during the time you plan to visit.

Walk in with your documents and payment. The staff will verify your driver's license is valid and not suspended, check your identification, and take your completed process. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your IDP on the spot, printed and ready to use.

If you need the IDP urgently and no office is near you, some AAA locations offer rush processing or can mail one to you within a few days for an extra fee. Call your nearest office to ask whether this option is available.

explore by Mail

If no AAA or AATA office is within reasonable distance, you can explore by mail. read the process form from the AAA or AATA website, fill it out completely, and mail it with photocopies of both sides of your driver's license, a photocopy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the fee.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the process form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the time the office receives your process. Your IDP will be mailed back to you at the address you provide. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon — do not wait until a week before your trip to mail in an process.

Keep a copy of your process and proof of mailing in case your IDP gets lost in transit. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the office where you sent it to confirm they received your packet.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

Some countries legally require you to carry an IDP along with your U.S. license; others accept it but do not require it; and a few do not recognize it at all. The rules change by country and sometimes by region within a country, so you must check the specific country's driving requirements before you travel.

Start by visiting the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page for your destination country. Many country pages include a section on driving requirements. You can also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting — they can tell you whether an IDP is required and whether there are any other documents you need.

Car rental companies often have their own policies. Some require an IDP even if the country does not; others do not require one. When you book your rental car, ask the company directly whether they need an IDP. If they do and you do not have one yet, you can still get one quickly through AAA or AATA before your trip.

How an IDP Differs From a Foreign License

An IDP is not the same as a foreign driver's license. A foreign license is issued by another country and allows you to drive there if you are a resident or have met that country's licensing requirements. An IDP is issued by the U.S. and is meant only for visitors — it translates your U.S. license so officials abroad can understand it.

If you move to another country permanently or plan to stay longer than a few months, you will need to get a driver's license from that country, not an IDP. The process for obtaining a foreign license varies by country and is handled by that country's transportation authority, not by AAA or AATA.

If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad and want to drive in the U.S., you can use your foreign license in most states for a limited time as a visitor. However, if you move back to the U.S. or plan to stay longer, you will need to get a U.S. driver's license from your state of residence.

What Happens if Your IDP Expires or Gets Lost

If your IDP expires, you can get a new one by going through the same process again — visit AAA or AATA with your current driver's license and payment. There is no penalty for letting it expire; you straightforward cannot use an expired IDP to drive internationally.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling, contact AAA or AATA as soon as you can. They can issue a replacement, though you may need to provide proof of your original process. If you are still abroad and cannot reach an office, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country — they may be able to help you get a temporary document or advise you on your options.

To avoid losing your IDP, keep it in the same place as your passport and driver's license. Make a photocopy and store it separately, just as you would with your passport. If you are renting a car, do not leave your IDP in the vehicle unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP by law, and your U.S. driver's license alone is usually enough to rent a car or drive. However, some car rental companies in those countries request an IDP, so check with your rental company before you travel. Having an IDP does not hurt and can make the rental process smoother.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's DMV first, then get your IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

How long does an IDP take to arrive if I explore by mail?

Processing takes one to two weeks from the time the office receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions. If you are mailing from far away, allow three to four weeks total. If you need it faster, visit an AAA or AATA office in person to get it the same day.

Can I use an IDP to drive in all countries?

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 international driving permit treaties, which includes most of Europe, Asia, and Latin America. However, a few countries do not recognize it, and some have additional requirements. Always check your specific destination before you travel.

What if I get pulled over while driving internationally and do not have my IDP?

If the country requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may face a fine or be told you cannot drive legally. If the country does not require one, your U.S. license alone may be enough, but police officers may have difficulty reading it. Carrying both your U.S. license and IDP together is always the safest approach.