What you need to know about getting an IDP in New York City

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your New York driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid New York license, and you must carry both together when driving abroad. In New York City, you cannot get an IDP from the DMV itself. Instead, you must go through one of two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and both have offices in Manhattan.

The process is straightforward: you bring your valid New York driver's license, proof of citizenship or lawful residency, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form to either organization, pay the fee, and walk out with your IDP the same day. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so you will need to renew it if you plan to drive internationally again after that year ends.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid New York driver's license before you can get an IDP — the permit cannot replace it.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations in New York authorized to issue IDPs; the DMV does not issue them.
  • You need your driver's license, proof of citizenship or residency, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form.
  • Most AAA and AATA locations in Manhattan issue IDPs on the same day you explore, with no appointment needed at many locations.
  • Your IDP expires one year from the date of issue and must be renewed if you plan to drive internationally again.

Where to get an IDP in New York City

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has multiple locations throughout New York City, with several in Manhattan. The main AAA office is located at 1415 Broadway (at 39th Street) in Midtown. You can walk in without an appointment at most AAA locations, though calling ahead to confirm hours is wise. AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, though members may receive a small discount on the fee.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) also has a New York City location. You can find their office address and hours on their website or by calling their national line. Like AAA, AATA does not require membership to issue an IDP. Both organizations charge a fee for the IDP — typically between $15 and $20 — though prices can vary slightly between locations and may change over time.

If you cannot reach a physical location in person, some AAA branches offer mail-in IDP service. You would mail your process, documents, and payment to the AAA office, and they mail your IDP back to you. This takes longer than in-person service — usually one to two weeks — but works if you cannot visit in person.

Documents you need to bring

Before you visit AAA or AATA, gather these four things: your valid New York driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency, a passport-style photo, and a completed IDP process form.

For proof of citizenship or residency, you can bring a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a green card, or a visa. The organization will tell you which documents they accept when you call or visit.

The passport-style photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Many AAA locations have photo services on-site if you do not have a photo ready, though you will pay an extra fee for this service.

The IDP process form is called the Form DS-11 equivalent for IDPs, though the exact name varies slightly between AAA and AATA. Both organizations provide the form on their websites, or you can fill it out when you arrive at their office. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, date of birth, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

Your IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. If you received your IDP on March 15, 2024, it expires on March 15, 2025. After that date, it is no longer valid for driving abroad, even if your New York driver's license is still good.

You do not need to renew your IDP through the DMV or any government office. Instead, you straightforward return to AAA or AATA, bring the same documents you brought the first time, pay the fee again, and receive a new IDP valid for another year. Many people renew their IDP shortly before an international trip to make sure it does not expire while they are abroad.

If your New York driver's license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid even though it technically has time left. The IDP is only useful when paired with a current, valid New York license.

What to do if you have a foreign license instead of a New York license

If you hold a driver's license from another country and want to drive in New York, you do not need an IDP. Instead, you may be able to drive on your foreign license for a limited time, depending on your visa status and the country that issued your license. Most visitors can drive on a valid foreign license for up to one year, though some states have shorter windows.

If you plan to stay in New York longer than one year or become a resident, you will need to get a New York driver's license. You can do this by visiting a DMV office with your foreign license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. The DMV will give you a written test and a road test, just as they do for first-time drivers in the U.S.

Once you have a New York license, you can then get an IDP from AAA or AATA if you plan to drive abroad again.

IDP versus a New York license: what each one does

Your New York driver's license is your legal proof that you are permitted to drive in the United States and in most countries abroad. It shows your name, photo, address, and driving record status. When you drive internationally, you must carry it at all times.

Your International Driving Permit is a translation document only. It restates the information from your New York license in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not add any new permissions or change what you are allowed to do. Some countries' police or rental car companies prefer to see an IDP alongside your U.S. license because it makes your information easier to read, but the IDP itself grants no driving rights.

You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. Carrying only the IDP without your New York license is not enough. If you lose your IDP while traveling, your New York license alone is still valid for driving in most countries, though you may have more difficulty renting a car or explaining your status to police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP from the DMV in New York?

No. The New York DMV does not issue IDPs. You must go to AAA or AATA. Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department and have offices in New York City. The DMV can tell you where the nearest AAA or AATA office is if you call them.

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

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may ask to see an IDP as well, so bringing one does not hurt. Check with your rental company before you travel.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?

Your New York driver's license remains valid even if your IDP expires. You can still drive and show your license to police or rental companies. An expired IDP is straightforward not useful anymore, but it does not invalidate your underlying license. If you plan to travel again after your IDP expires, renew it before you leave.

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

No. You must have a valid, full New York driver's license to get an IDP. A learner's permit is not enough. Once you pass your road test and receive your full license, you can then go to AAA or AATA to get an IDP.

How much does an IDP cost?

The fee is typically between $15 and $20 at both AAA and AATA, though the exact amount may vary by location and can change over time. Call the office you plan to visit to confirm the current price. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount.