What an International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home country's license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental companies, and border officials in other countries what your home license says, without them needing a translator.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or government motor vehicle department. In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other website, service, or company can legally issue a U.S. IDP, no matter what they claim.

The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which type you request. It expires on a fixed date, not based on when you use it. If your home driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — the two documents must both be current.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States; no online service can issue one without going through one of these organizations.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state before you can get an IDP.
  • AAA and AATA both offer online ordering, but you will need to mail in your process, passport photo, and payment — nothing is fully online.
  • The IDP takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail after AAA or AATA receives your completed process.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your original driver's license; the IDP alone is not valid.

How to order through AAA online

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the largest issuer of IDPs in the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can start your order on their website. Non-members can also order, but the process is slightly different.

Visit the AAA website and search for "International Driving Permit." You will find a page where you can select your state and choose between a one-year and three-year permit. The form will ask for your name, address, driver's license number, and passport information. You will also need to upload or prepare a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches).

After you complete the online form, AAA will give you instructions to print and mail your process, along with your passport photo, a copy of your driver's license, and payment. AAA accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards. Once AAA receives your mailed packet, processing takes about one to two weeks. They will mail the finished IDP to your address.

How to order through AATA online

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. Their process is similar to AAA's. You can begin your order on the AATA website by selecting your state and permit duration.

AATA's online form collects the same information: your name, address, driver's license details, and passport information. You will need the same passport photo. Like AAA, AATA requires you to mail in your process packet with your photo, a copy of your driver's license, and payment. AATA also accepts multiple payment methods.

Processing time is comparable — one to two weeks after AATA receives your mailed materials. The finished permit arrives by mail at your home address. AATA also issues one-year and three-year permits at different price points.

Why you cannot get an IDP entirely online

No legitimate IDP can be issued entirely through a website. The reason is straightforward: both AAA and AATA must verify your identity and confirm that your driver's license is valid and current. They do this by reviewing your actual documents — your passport photo, your driver's license, and your signature on the process form.

Websites that claim to issue an IDP online without mailing anything are not authorized by the U.S. government. Some sell documents that look official but have no legal standing. If you use a fake IDP abroad, you risk fines, vehicle impoundment, and legal trouble in the country where you are caught.

The mailing step is not a delay — it is the security measure that makes the IDP trustworthy. When you cross a border with an IDP issued by AAA or AATA, officials know it came from a verified source.

What documents you need before you order

Before you start an online process with AAA or AATA, gather these items: a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state; a valid passport or passport card; and a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months). Some AAA locations can take the photo for you on the spot if you visit in person, but if you are ordering online, you will need to provide your own photo.

You will also need to know your driver's license number and the exact expiration date. Have your payment method ready — a credit card, check, or money order. If you are a AAA member, have your membership number available, as it may affect the fee.

Fees and how long it takes

AAA and AATA charge different fees depending on whether you order a one-year or three-year permit. Prices vary slightly between the two organizations and may change. As of recent years, a one-year permit costs roughly $20 to $25, and a three-year permit costs roughly $30 to $35, but you should check the current price on their websites.

The timeline breaks into two parts: the time to complete your online form and mail your documents (your responsibility), and the time for AAA or AATA to process and mail back the finished permit (one to two weeks). If you mail your process quickly after completing the online form, you can expect the IDP to arrive within two to three weeks total.

If you need the IDP urgently, some AAA locations offer in-person service where you can walk in, complete the process, provide your documents, and sometimes receive the permit the same day or within a few days. Check whether your local AAA branch offers this option.

What happens if your driver's license expires

Your IDP is only valid as long as your driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot renew just the IDP — you must first renew your driver's license through your state's motor vehicle department, then order a new IDP.

This is why many people choose the three-year IDP: it lasts longer and reduces the chance that your license will expire first. However, if you know your license will expire in less than three years, a one-year permit may be the better choice to avoid waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an IDP without my original driver's license?

No. The IDP is a translation document only. You must carry both your original driver's license and the IDP together. If a police officer or border official asks to see your license, you show both documents. An IDP alone proves nothing.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist as a single document. Some countries issue their own versions of a permit similar to the IDP, but the U.S. IDP is specific to American drivers. If you are a foreign national living in the U.S., you may need a different document — check with your home country's automobile association.

What countries recognize the U.S. IDP?

The IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 international driving permit conventions. This includes most of Europe, Asia, Australia, and many others. However, a few countries do not recognize it. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements — some may require an additional document or a certified translation of your license.

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. AAA and AATA verify the status of your license as part of the process process.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and rental company. Many rental agencies in Europe and other regions require an IDP along with your home license. Some do not. Check with your rental company before you travel. Having an IDP is safer than not having one — it removes any question about whether your license is valid.