What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one in Texas

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual Texas driver's license, and only in countries that recognize it. If you plan to rent a car or drive outside the United States, some car rental companies and certain countries require or strongly prefer an IDP to go with your U.S. license.

You do not need an IDP to drive in Texas or anywhere else in the United States. It has no legal standing in the U.S. and will not help you if you are stopped by police here. The IDP exists solely to help foreign authorities and rental agencies understand that your Texas license is valid.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going. Some countries treat an IDP as optional; others make it mandatory. Many car rental companies will rent to you with just your U.S. license, while others refuse to rent without an IDP. Before you travel, contact your rental company and check the entry requirements for the specific country you plan to visit.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works only with your valid Texas driver's license and only outside the United States.
  • You can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized to issue them in the U.S.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person; you cannot get one by mail or online.
  • Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed if you plan to drive internationally again after that year ends.
  • Check with your destination country and rental company before you travel, because some do not recognize IDPs or have other requirements.

Where to get an International Driving Permit in Texas

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). In Texas, AAA is far more widely available. You can visit any AAA office in the state to request an IDP in person.

To find the AAA office nearest you, go to AAA.com and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the site will show you addresses, hours, and phone numbers. Call ahead if you want to confirm they have IDP applications in stock, though most offices do.

The AATA is less common but also operates in Texas. You can find AATA member organizations through their website at AATA.org. Some travel agencies and auto clubs partner with AATA to issue permits, so if you cannot reach AAA, AATA may have a location near you.

What you need to bring and what it costs

Bring your valid Texas driver's license and a government-issued photo ID (your license counts as both). You will also need to bring two passport-sized photos — 2 by 2 inches — taken within the last six months. If you do not have photos ready, some AAA offices can take them on-site for an additional fee, usually around $10 to $15.

The IDP itself costs between $15 and $20, depending on which organization issues it and whether you use their photo service. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount. Payment is cash or card, and the process takes about 15 minutes. You walk out with your permit the same day.

Do not mail in your process or try to order online. IDPs must be issued in person, and no legitimate organization offers them by mail or through a website.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. After that year, it expires and has no legal standing anywhere. If you plan to drive internationally again after the expiration date, you must obtain a new one by visiting an AAA or AATA office again.

Some countries and rental companies will not accept an IDP that is within a few months of expiration, so check the expiration date on your permit before you travel. If it is close to expiring and your trip is more than a few months away, you may want to renew it early rather than risk being turned away at a rental counter.

Keep your IDP in a safe place while traveling — if it is lost or stolen, you cannot replace it while you are abroad. Some travelers keep a photo of it on their phone as a backup.

What an International Driving Permit does and does not do

An IDP translates your license information into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Greek, Swedish, and Japanese. It shows your name, address, license number, and the classes of vehicles you are licensed to drive in Texas. A foreign police officer or rental agent can read this information without needing to interpret your Texas license.

An IDP does not extend your driving privileges, change what you are allowed to drive, or override any restrictions on your Texas license. If your Texas license is suspended or revoked, an IDP is worthless — you cannot drive legally anywhere. If your license has restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), those restrictions still explore when you drive internationally.

An IDP also does not replace your license. You must carry both documents together. If you are stopped by police in another country, you must show both your Texas driver's license and your IDP. Showing only the IDP is not sufficient.

International driving rules and insurance when you travel

Driving laws, speed limits, road signs, and vehicle requirements vary widely by country. Before you travel, research the specific rules of the country where you plan to drive. Some countries require headlights on during the day, others require a reflective vest in the car, and some have different age restrictions for drivers. Your IDP does not tell you any of this — it only translates your license.

Your U.S. auto insurance may not cover you when you drive outside the country. Contact your insurance company before you travel and ask whether your policy extends to the countries you plan to visit. If it does not, you may need to purchase international coverage or a separate policy from a local insurer in that country. Some car rental companies include basic coverage, but you should verify this before you rent.

Some countries require an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Insurance (also called a "green card"), which proves you have liability coverage. This is different from an IDP. Ask your insurance company whether you need one for your destination.

Countries that recognize International Driving Permits and those that do not

Most countries recognize an IDP, but not all. The IDP is most widely accepted in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. However, some countries — including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Middle East — do not recognize IDPs at all. A few countries accept them but also require additional documents, such as a certified translation of your license or a local driving permit.

The rules change, and some countries update their requirements without much notice. Before you book a rental car or travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and ask what documents they require for a U.S. driver to operate a vehicle. Also contact your rental company directly — they often have more current information than government websites and can tell you exactly what they will accept.

If a country does not recognize your IDP, you may still be able to drive with just your Texas license, or you may need to obtain a temporary local permit. The rental company can usually guide you through this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. IDPs must be issued in person at an AAA or AATA office. You cannot order one online, by mail, or through any website. If a website claims to issue IDPs remotely, it is not legitimate. Visit a local AAA office in Texas to obtain yours.

What if my Texas driver's license is expired or suspended?

You cannot get an IDP if your Texas license is not valid. Your IDP is only a translation of your license — if the license itself is expired or suspended, the IDP has no value. Renew or restore your Texas license first, then visit AAA to request an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses, so an IDP is not required by law. However, some car rental companies in those countries prefer or require an IDP. Contact your rental company before you travel to find out what they will accept.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA or AATA office. You walk out with your IDP the same day. There is no waiting period or processing time — it is issued on the spot.

What should I do if my International Driving Permit is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

You cannot replace an IDP while you are abroad. If it is lost, you can still drive with just your Texas license in most countries, though some rental companies may refuse to rent to you. To prevent this, keep your IDP in a safe place and consider carrying a photo of it on your phone as a backup.