What an International Driving Permit Does in Utah

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Utah driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your Utah license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your Utah license is valid, because they can read what it says.

Utah does not issue IDPs itself. Instead, you get one through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose, and costs the same whether you plan to drive in Mexico for a week or Europe for a month.

You need an IDP if you are renting a car, driving your own car, or riding a motorcycle in another country. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental companies often will not hand over keys without one. If you are only flying and using taxis or public transit, you do not need an IDP.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA in Utah, not by the state, and must be carried together with your valid Utah driver's license.
  • You can get a one-year or three-year IDP in person at most AAA offices in Utah, and the cost is the same for either length.
  • You need a valid Utah driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo to get an IDP.
  • An IDP takes effect when ready when you receive it and does not require a written test, road test, or renewal of your Utah license.

Getting an IDP Through AAA in Utah

AAA is the fastest and most common way to get an IDP in Utah. AAA has offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and other cities across the state. You can walk in during business hours, bring your documents, and walk out with your permit the same day — no appointment needed at most locations, though calling ahead is wise.

Bring your valid Utah driver's license, a passport or U.S. passport card, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have it taken at AAA, at a pharmacy, or at a photo studio; AAA can also take one for you on the spot if you do not have one.

You will fill out a short form (the State Department's form DS-11, though AAA handles most of it). The staff member will verify your documents, take your photo if needed, and process your payment. You walk out with your IDP when ready. There is no test, no waiting period, and no need to renew your Utah license.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the other authorized issuer. AATA does not have physical offices in Utah the way AAA does. Instead, you order an IDP by mail or online through their website. You send in your process, a copy of your driver's license, a copy of your passport, and a passport-style photo.

AATA typically takes one to two weeks to process and mail your IDP to you. This is slower than AAA, but it works if you do not have an AAA membership or prefer to handle it by mail. The cost is the same as AAA. You can find AATA's process and mailing address on their website.

Cost and How Long Your IDP Lasts

Both AAA and AATA charge the same price for an IDP, though the exact amount can shift year to year. As of recent years, a one-year permit and a three-year permit cost the same. This means a three-year permit is the better value if you think you might travel internationally more than once in the next few years.

Your IDP is valid starting the day you receive it. It expires one or three years from that date, depending on which you chose. When it expires, you can get a new one by going through the same process again. Your Utah driver's license does not need to be renewed to get an IDP, and getting an IDP does not affect your license in any way.

What to Do Before You Travel

Check the specific country or countries you plan to visit. Some nations require an IDP by law; others do not. Some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not require it. A quick call to your rental company or a search for "[country name] driving requirements" will tell you whether you need one.

Get your IDP at least a week or two before you leave if you are going through AAA in person, or several weeks ahead if you are ordering by mail through AATA. Do not wait until the last minute. Once you have it, keep it with your passport and your Utah driver's license — all three should travel together.

Your Utah license must be valid (not expired) when you get your IDP, and it must still be valid when you travel. If your license expires while you are abroad, your IDP becomes invalid too. Renew your Utah license before your trip if it is expiring soon.

Driving in Utah With a Foreign License

If you are visiting Utah from another country and want to drive here, you can use your valid foreign driver's license for a short visit — usually up to 12 months, depending on your visa status. You do not need an IDP to drive in Utah; your home country's license is enough. However, an IDP can be helpful because it translates your license into English and other languages, making it easier for police or rental companies to understand.

If you are moving to Utah permanently or becoming a resident, you will need to get a Utah driver's license within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days). At that point, your foreign license is no longer valid for driving in the state. You will take the written test and road test required for a Utah license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada does not require an IDP, but your Utah license alone may not be recognized by rental companies or police. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but many rental companies will not rent to you without one. Check with your rental company before you book. An IDP is inexpensive and solves the problem, so most people get one anyway.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my Utah license is expired?

No. Your Utah driver's license must be valid (not expired) when you get your IDP. If your license is expired, renew it at the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles first, then get your IDP. Your IDP is only valid as long as your underlying Utah license is valid.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA (whichever issued yours) as soon as you can. They can issue a replacement, though it may take time to reach you if you are abroad. In the meantime, your valid Utah driver's license is still legal to drive with in most countries, though it may not be recognized as readily. Keep a photo or scan of your IDP in your email or phone as backup.

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

If you go to an AAA office in person in Utah, you get your IDP the same day. If you order through AATA by mail, it typically takes one to two weeks. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit before it expires?

Yes. You can get a new IDP anytime, even if your current one has not expired yet. straightforward go through the process again with AAA or AATA. This is useful if you are about to travel and your current IDP is close to expiring.