What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

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 documents together when driving outside the United States — the IDP alone is not valid. The permit is issued by two organizations in the U.S.: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document; the difference is only where you go to get it.

The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is required or strongly recommended by most car rental companies abroad. Some countries will not recognize your U.S. license without it, even if you speak the language. The permit costs between $15 and $20, takes 15 minutes to an hour to obtain in person, and is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit must be obtained from AAA or AATA before you travel; it is not issued by the DMV or any government agency.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to get an IDP.
  • The permit costs $15 to $20 and is valid for three years, but you must carry it with your actual license at all times when driving abroad.
  • AAA issues IDPs at most local AAA offices during business hours; AATA issues them by mail only and takes longer to process.
  • An IDP does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where your age or license type would normally disqualify you.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the fastest and most accessible route. If you are a AAA member, you can walk into most local AAA offices and receive an IDP on the spot. If you are not a member, you can still get one at AAA offices, but you may pay a small additional fee or be asked to join. AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide; you can find your nearest office and confirm they have IDP service by searching the AAA website.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the alternative. AATA issues IDPs by mail only. You must read the process form from the AATA website, fill it out, mail it with your documents and payment, and wait for processing. AATA typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to return your permit by mail. AATA does not charge membership fees and is often slightly cheaper than AAA, but the slower turnaround makes it less practical if you are leaving soon.

Do not attempt to get an IDP from your state DMV. The DMV does not issue International Driving Permits. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them in the United States.

Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. Bring your passport or passport card as proof of citizenship. Some offices will accept a state ID or birth certificate, but a passport is the safest choice and is what most offices expect.

Bring a passport-style photo: 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. You must be facing the camera directly, with a neutral expression and no sunglasses or hats. If you do not have a photo, AAA offices can take one for you on-site for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.

Bring payment in cash or card. AAA charges $15 to $20 depending on the office and membership status. AATA charges $15 to $20 as well. Some AAA offices may charge extra if you are not a member.

The Step-by-Step Process at AAA

Walk into a local AAA office during business hours with your license, passport, and photo. Tell the staff you need an International Driving Permit. They will hand you a short form to fill out — it takes about 5 minutes and asks for your name, address, license number, and passport number.

Hand the completed form, your documents, and payment to the staff member. They will verify that your license is valid and not suspended. They will check that your photo meets the requirements. If everything is in order, they will print your IDP on the spot. The entire process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You will receive your IDP when ready. Check it before you leave to make sure your name, license number, and photo are correct. Keep it with your driver's license at all times when driving outside the United States.

The Step-by-Step Process by Mail Through AATA

Visit the AATA website and read the International Driving Permit process form. Print it and fill it out completely. You will need to provide your name, address, driver's license number, passport number, and date of birth.

Gather your documents: your valid driver's license (a photocopy is acceptable), your passport or passport card (a photocopy is acceptable), and a passport-style photo. Enclose a check or money order for $15 to $20 made payable to AATA. Do not send cash.

Mail the completed process, photocopies, photo, and payment to the AATA address listed on their website. Keep a copy of everything you send. AATA will process your process and mail your IDP back to you within 2 to 4 weeks. If you need it faster, AATA does not offer expedited processing, so plan accordingly.

What Your International Driving Permit Covers and Does Not Cover

Your IDP translates your license information — your name, license number, license class, and restrictions — into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not change what you are allowed to drive or where you are allowed to drive. If your U.S. license restricts you to automatic transmission or daylight driving only, those restrictions explore to your IDP as well.

An IDP does not extend your driving privileges. If you are under the minimum driving age in a country you visit, the IDP will not allow you to drive there. If your license is suspended or revoked in the United States, the IDP is not valid. If you are not insured to drive in a particular country, the IDP does not provide that coverage.

The IDP is a translation document only. It is not a license to drive in countries where you would not otherwise be permitted to drive. Always check the driving laws of the country you plan to visit before you travel.

Validity, Renewal, and Expiration

Your International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date it is issued. It expires on the date printed on the front of the permit. You do not need to renew it if you are staying in the United States — it is only useful when you travel abroad.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP expires, your IDP is no longer valid. You must have a current, valid U.S. license to use an IDP. If you renew your license, you will need to get a new IDP as well, because the IDP is tied to your specific license number.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact AAA or AATA when ready. AAA can issue a replacement if you return to the United States. AATA can issue a replacement by mail. You will need to pay the full fee again.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is assuming the IDP is a separate license. It is not. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your license at a rental counter, you must produce both documents. Carrying only the IDP will not satisfy the requirement.

Another common mistake is getting an IDP too close to your travel date. If you plan to use AATA, allow at least 4 to 6 weeks for processing and mail delivery. If you use AAA, you can get it the same day, but some offices may be busy during peak travel seasons. Do not wait until the day before you leave.

A third mistake is not checking whether the country you are visiting actually requires or recognizes an IDP. Some countries do not recognize it at all. Others require additional documents like an International Certificate of Competency or a certified translation of your license. Research the specific requirements of each country before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

Most major car rental companies require an IDP or will charge you extra if you do not have one. Some companies in certain countries will rent to you with only your U.S. license, but this is not may provide. It is safer to get an IDP before you travel. Check with your rental company before you book to confirm their requirements.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP. If your license has expired, you must renew it at your state DMV before you can get an IDP.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA as soon as possible. If you are still abroad, you may be able to get a replacement through the U.S. embassy or consulate, though this is not may provide. When you return to the United States, you can get a replacement from AAA or AATA by paying the full fee again and providing your documents.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An International License is a separate document issued by some countries to their own citizens. The United States does not issue an International License. If you are a U.S. citizen, you need an IDP, not an International License.

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

At AAA, you can get one the same day in 15 minutes to an hour. Through AATA by mail, it takes 2 to 4 weeks plus mail delivery time. If you need one quickly, go to AAA in person. If you are planning ahead, either option works.