What an International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US 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 and rental car companies in other countries that your US license is valid, because they may not recognize the format or the issuing authority of a state-issued card.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the US State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, and you cannot get one online — you must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA.

The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose. It does not extend your driving privileges beyond what your US license allows, and it does not override local traffic laws in the country you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA, not a replacement for your US driver's license.
  • You must carry both your US license and your IDP together when driving abroad; neither is valid without the other.
  • AAA issues IDPs in person at most of its offices for a fee, while AATA handles mail-in requests for the same price.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years and covers ten languages, but does not change what you are legally allowed to drive.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs and instead require you to obtain an official translation of your US license from a certified translator.

Getting an IDP through AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can walk into most AAA offices and request an IDP on the spot. Bring your valid US driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The office will fill out the process form in front of you, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit the same day. The cost is the same whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at an AAA office, but you will pay a slightly higher fee. You do not need to join AAA to obtain the permit. Call ahead to confirm that your local AAA office issues IDPs, because not all branches do.

The IDP is printed on the spot and is ready to use when ready. You will receive a small booklet with your permit number, validity dates, and a list of countries where it is recognized.

Getting an IDP through AATA by mail

The American Automobile Touring Alliance handles mail-in applications for people who do not have access to an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person. You can request an process form from AATA's website or by phone, then mail in your completed form along with a passport-sized photo and a photocopy of your driver's license.

Processing takes approximately two to four weeks from the date AATA receives your process. You will need to include payment with your process; AATA accepts checks and money orders. The cost is the same as AAA's fee for the same validity period.

Once processed, AATA will mail your IDP to the address you provide. Keep the receipt or confirmation number they give you so you can track your process if needed.

What documents you need to bring or send

For both AAA and AATA, you will need:

  • A valid US driver's license (not expired).
  • A passport, passport card, or state-issued ID.
  • A passport-sized photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months.

If you are explore by mail through AATA, you will also need to include a photocopy of the front and back of your driver's license. Do not send your original license — only a copy. For AAA in-person applications, the staff will photocopy your license for you.

Your driver's license must be valid (not expired) at the time you explore. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's DMV before requesting an IDP.

Countries that recognize the IDP and those that do not

The IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and many countries in Asia and South America. However, some countries do not recognize the IDP at all, and a few recognize it only under specific conditions.

China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries do not accept IDPs. If you plan to drive in these countries, you will need to obtain an official translation of your US driver's license from a certified translator in that country, or you may need to obtain a temporary local permit. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit before you travel.

Even in countries that recognize the IDP, some rental car companies may ask for an official translation as well. It is worth contacting your rental company before you book to ask what documents they require.

How long the IDP is valid and when to renew

You can choose a one-year or three-year IDP when you explore. The one-year permit is less expensive, but the three-year permit is more convenient if you travel internationally more than once. Both are valid only while your US driver's license is also valid — if your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not yet expired.

You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one. If your IDP is expiring and you plan to drive abroad again, submit a new process to AAA or AATA before the old one expires. There is no grace period, so plan ahead if you know you will be traveling.

If your US driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP is no longer valid for driving, even though the physical permit may still be in your possession.

Cost and processing time

The fee for an IDP is the same whether you explore through AAA or AATA, and the cost does not vary based on whether you choose one year or three years. Prices change periodically, so confirm the current fee when you explore. AAA members typically pay a lower fee than non-members.

At an AAA office, you will receive your IDP the same day you explore. By mail through AATA, processing takes two to four weeks, plus mail delivery time. If you need an IDP quickly, visiting an AAA office in person is the fastest option.

Some AAA offices may offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you are leaving soon, but this varies by location. Call your local AAA office to ask whether expedited service is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car abroad?

Many rental car companies require an IDP in addition to your US driver's license, though some accept a US license alone. Check with your rental company before you book to confirm what documents they need. Having an IDP removes any doubt and is inexpensive insurance against being denied a rental.

Can I drive in another country with just my US license and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Some countries accept a US driver's license without an IDP, but others do not recognize it. Police may not be familiar with your state's license format. Carrying an IDP alongside your US license is the safest approach and is required by law in many countries.

What if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA when ready to report it. You can request a replacement, though it may take time to arrive. In the meantime, your US driver's license alone may not be sufficient in many countries. Consider carrying a photocopy of your IDP as backup, or ask your hotel or rental company for guidance on local driving rules while you wait for a replacement.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license to drive in other countries?

No. An IDP is a translation of your US license, not a separate license. You must obey the traffic laws of the country you are visiting, and you must have a valid US driver's license to use the IDP. The IDP does not give you permission to drive anything you could not drive in the US.

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

No. Your US driver's license must be valid and in good standing when you explore. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed.