An International Driving Permit translates your US license into ten languages so you can rent a car and drive legally in most countries outside the US

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) that shows your US driver's license information in multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid US license, and you must carry both documents when you drive abroad.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize a US license on its own. A police officer in France, Japan, or Mexico may not be able to read English, and rental car companies in those places often will not rent to you without proof they can verify your driving record. The IDP solves both problems: it translates your name, license number, and driving status into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country — Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand accept a US license alone — but you do need one if you plan to rent a car in most of Europe, Central America, South America, or Asia. Some countries technically do not require it but strongly recommend it, and rental companies almost always ask for one anyway.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be carried together with your valid US driver's license.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office; it is valid for three years from the date of issue.
  • You cannot get an IDP by mail, online, or through any other organization — only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them in the US.
  • Most car rental companies outside the US will not rent to you without an IDP, even if the country does not legally require one.
  • An IDP does not replace your US license and has no value inside the United States.

Who issues an IDP and where to get one

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is by far the more common source — it has offices in most cities and many suburban areas. AATA is smaller and less widely available but offers the same document.

You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. You cannot order an IDP online, by mail, or by phone. To find the nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. AATA locations are listed at aata.org.

The process takes about 15 minutes. You will fill out a short form, show your valid US driver's license and a passport or other government-issued ID, and pay the fee. AAA and AATA will photograph you on the spot or use the photo from your driver's license. You walk out with the IDP the same day.

Cost and how long an IDP lasts

An IDP costs $15 to $20, depending on whether you are an AAA member. AAA members typically pay $15; non-members pay $20. AATA pricing is similar. This is a one-time fee for a single IDP.

An IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued. After three years, it expires and is no longer recognized by rental companies or police. If you plan to drive internationally again after that, you will need to get a new one. There is no renewal process — you must explore in person again.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

Bring three things to an AAA or AATA office: your valid US driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), and the fee in cash or card. That is all. You do not need proof of address, proof of citizenship, or any other documents.

If you are not yet a US citizen but hold a valid US driver's license, you can still get an IDP. Your license is the only proof of driving status the organization needs.

How to use an IDP when you travel

Always carry both your US driver's license and your IDP together. The IDP alone is not valid — it is a translation document, not a license itself. If you are stopped by police or asked by a rental company, present both documents at the same time.

When you rent a car abroad, give the rental company both your US license and your IDP. They will likely photocopy or scan both. Some companies may ask you to sign an additional form acknowledging that you understand local traffic laws, but the IDP and license are the core documents they need.

If you are driving in a country where you do not speak the language, the IDP helps police understand your license status without needing a translator. It also protects you if there is a traffic accident — the other party's insurance company can verify your driving record through the translated information.

Countries that accept an IDP and those that do not

Most countries outside North America and Oceania either require or strongly prefer an IDP. This includes most of Europe, Central America, South America, Mexico, and most of Asia. A few countries have specific rules:

  • Canada, Mexico, and the UK accept a US license alone, though an IDP does not hurt.
  • Australia and New Zealand accept a US license alone.
  • Japan, South Korea, and Thailand technically do not require an IDP but rental companies almost always ask for one.
  • Most European countries (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.) do not legally require an IDP but rental companies will not rent without one.
  • Some countries, including China and Russia, do not recognize either a US license or an IDP — you must get an official translation or an international license from that country.

Before you travel, check the rental company's website or call them directly to ask what documents they need. This is faster and more reliable than checking the country's laws, because rental companies set their own rules and those rules are what will actually stop you from renting a car.

IDP vs. getting a license in another country

An IDP is different from obtaining a driver's license in another country. If you move abroad or plan to stay longer than a few months, you may need to get a local license instead. Some countries allow you to drive on a US license for a limited time (often 3 to 12 months) before requiring you to convert it to a local license.

An IDP does not count toward that time limit — it is purely for short-term travel and car rental. If you are relocating, research the specific country's licensing requirements before you move. Most countries have a process to exchange a US license for a local one, but the rules vary widely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit or a suspended license?

No. You must have a valid, unrestricted US driver's license to get an IDP. A learner's permit is not valid, and neither is a license that is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be current on the day you explore.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico accept a US driver's license alone. However, an IDP does not hurt and may be useful if you plan to rent a car in Mexico, since some rental companies ask for one even though it is not required by law.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are abroad when it expires, you can still drive on your US license alone in most countries, but rental companies may refuse to rent to you. Plan ahead and get a new IDP before your trip if yours will expire soon.

Can I get an IDP for someone else, or does the person have to explore in person?

The person must explore in person. AAA and AATA will not issue an IDP to anyone who is not present at the office. This is because they need to verify your identity against your driver's license and take a photo.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An international license is a separate license issued by another country's government. Some countries issue their own international licenses to their citizens; the US does not. An IDP is the US equivalent.