An International Driver's Permit is a document that translates your valid home driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car or prove your identity abroad

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is not a license itself — it is a translation booklet issued by your home country that works alongside your actual driver's license. When you travel outside the United States, some car rental companies, police officers, or border officials may ask to see it. It shows your name, photo, license number, and driving record information in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish.

You need a valid U.S. driver's license to get an IDP. The permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, and you cannot get one online. You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office, bring your valid license and a passport-style photo, and pay a fee.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires whether you use it or not. You cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one if you travel again after it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver's Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages, required or requested by some car rental companies and authorities outside the United States.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office with a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment — you cannot get one by mail or online.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, and it is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue.
  • An IDP does not replace your home license and does not give you permission to drive in another country — you still need your actual license with you at all times.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs, and some car rental companies do not require them, so check the rules for your specific destination before you travel.

When you actually need an IDP versus when it is optional

Whether an IDP is required depends on the country you are visiting and the car rental company you use. Most European countries do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. license, but many car rental companies in Europe will not rent to you without one. Some companies treat it as proof that your license is legitimate and not suspended or revoked in your home state.

In countries like Italy, Spain, and France, an IDP is strongly recommended even if not legally required, because police may ask for it during a traffic stop and may be skeptical of a license they cannot read. In some countries — including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America — an IDP is either required by law or required by nearly all rental companies.

The safest approach is to contact the car rental company you plan to use and ask directly whether they require an IDP for your destination. If they say yes, get one before you leave. If they say no but you are traveling to a country where English is not widely spoken, getting one anyway costs little and removes a potential friction point with police or rental staff.

How to get an International Driver's Permit from AAA or AATA

To get an IDP, you must visit an AAA office or AATA office in person. You cannot mail in an process or order one online. Bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (usually 2 by 2 inches), and payment.

AAA charges $15 for an IDP if you are an AAA member and $20 if you are not. AATA charges $20 regardless of membership. The process takes about ten minutes. The staff will verify your license, check your photo, fill out a form, and issue the permit on the spot. You walk out with the booklet in hand.

To find an AAA office near you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. To find an AATA office, visit aataidp.com. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so call ahead or check online to confirm the location you plan to visit offers the service.

What to bring and what the photo requirements are

You need a passport-style photo — a color or black-and-white headshot taken against a plain background, showing your face clearly and straight on. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches. You can get one taken at most AAA offices, at CVS, Walgreens, or other pharmacies, or at a professional photographer. If you have a recent passport, the photo on it meets the requirement.

Bring your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. The license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired but you have a renewal notice showing you applied for a new one, some offices may accept that, but call ahead to confirm.

Bring a form of payment — cash, debit card, or credit card. AAA and AATA both accept all three. You do not need to bring your passport, though it is helpful to have it if you are traveling soon and want to double-check your name spelling.

How long an IDP lasts and what happens when it expires

An International Driver's Permit is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically, and you cannot extend it. When the year is up, the permit is no longer valid, even if you have not used it.

If you plan to travel again after your IDP expires, you must explore for a new one. There is no waiting period — you can explore for a new IDP the day after the old one expires if you need to. Each process costs the same fee ($15 to $20) and requires a new photo and a new in-person visit to an AAA or AATA office.

If you are a frequent international traveler, you may want to get a new IDP every year or every other year, depending on how often you rent cars abroad. Some people get one just before each trip and do not bother if they are not traveling that year.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP is a translation document only. It does not give you permission to drive in another country, does not replace your home license, and does not prove you are a safe driver. It straightforward translates the information on your U.S. license into languages that officials and rental staff in other countries can read.

You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP when you drive abroad. If a police officer stops you, you show both documents together. The IDP alone is not enough — you need the original license it translates.

An IDP does not affect your driving record, your insurance, or your license status at home. It is purely a travel document. If your U.S. license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP, and if your license is suspended or revoked while you hold an IDP, the permit becomes invalid.

Countries that do not recognize IDPs and what to do instead

Some countries do not recognize International Driver's Permits at all. These include Canada, Mexico, and several others. In those places, your U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient to rent a car and drive legally, as long as your license is valid and you are of legal driving age in that country.

If you are traveling to a country that does not recognize IDPs, you do not need to get one. However, you may still want to carry a certified translation of your license if you are concerned about language barriers. You can get a certified translation from a professional translator in your state — this is different from an IDP and costs more, but it is a legal translation of your license into the local language.

Before you travel, check the government website for your destination country or contact the car rental company you plan to use. They will tell you whether an IDP is recognized and whether it is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driver's Permit if my license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired to get an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it at your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. If you have a renewal notice showing you applied for a new license, some AAA offices may accept that as proof, but you should call ahead to confirm.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico do not recognize International Driver's Permits. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient in both countries. However, some car rental companies may ask for an IDP anyway out of habit, so check with your rental company before you book.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You can still drive with your U.S. license alone, though you lose the translation benefit. When you return home, you can explore for a new IDP at an AAA or AATA office. There is no penalty for losing one — you straightforward pay the fee and get a replacement.

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. AAA and AATA only issue IDPs in person at their offices. You must visit an office, bring your license and photo, and pay the fee face-to-face. No online or mail-in service is available.

Does an IDP help if I get a traffic ticket abroad?

An IDP helps a police officer read your license information, but it does not protect you from traffic tickets or fines. If you are stopped for speeding or another violation, the IDP straightforward makes it easier for the officer to understand your license. You are still subject to the traffic laws of the country you are in.