An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a booklet issued by your home country that translates your current driver's license into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Portuguese, and Japanese. It works alongside your actual license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and territories that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. Some countries require it; others accept it as helpful documentation. A few nations do not recognize it at all. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which type you request and which country issues it.
In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You cannot get one directly from your state DMV. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.
- You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before you can request an IDP; the permit cannot extend the life of an expired license.
- The one-year IDP costs around $20 and the three-year IDP costs around $30, though prices vary slightly by location and may change.
- In-person applications at AAA offices are usually processed the same day; mail applications typically take one to two weeks.
- Some countries do not recognize the IDP, so you should confirm whether your destination requires or accepts one before you travel.
Who Issues IDPs and Where to Request One
In the United States, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) hold the authority to issue International Driving Permits. No state DMV issues them, and no other organization is legally authorized to do so. If you see a website or service claiming to issue an IDP outside these two organizations, it is not legitimate.
AAA has physical offices in most states and accepts applications in person and by mail. AATA operates primarily by mail and online. Both organizations verify that your U.S. driver's license is valid and current before issuing the permit. If your license has expired or is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored.
To find the nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator. If you are not an AAA member, you can still request an IDP; membership is not required. AATA accepts applications through their website and by mail; they do not have walk-in offices.
Documents and Information You Need to Provide
Before you contact AAA or AATA, gather the following:
- Your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license (the original, not a copy).
- A completed process form (AAA and AATA each have their own; both are available online or in person).
- One passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Some AAA offices can take the photo on-site for a small fee.
- Payment for the permit (cash, check, or card, depending on the office or method).
- Your signature on the process.
You do not need a separate background check, medical exam, or written test. The issuing organization straightforward verifies that your license is valid and current in your state's DMV system. If you are explore by mail, include a photocopy of your license (front and back) along with the original photograph.
Processing Time and Fees
The cost and timeline depend on how you explore and which organization you choose.
| Method | Organization | Processing Time | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at AAA office | AAA | Same day or within a few hours | $20–$30 |
| By mail to AAA | AAA | 1–2 weeks | $20–$30 |
| By mail or online | AATA | 1–2 weeks | $20–$30 |
Prices vary slightly by state and location. AAA offices in some regions charge slightly more or less than others. Call your local AAA office or check AATA's website for the exact fee in your area. Both organizations accept cash, check, and credit or debit card.
If you need the permit urgently, in-person process at an AAA office is the fastest route. Some offices can issue the permit while you wait. If you explore by mail, allow at least two weeks and send your process well before your travel date.
What Happens After You Receive Your IDP
Once you receive your IDP, store it in a safe place and bring it with you every time you drive abroad. The permit is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which type you requested. Check the expiration date on the front cover.
You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. Neither document is valid without the other when you are driving in a foreign country. If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country; they may be able to issue a replacement or provide guidance on how to proceed.
If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not yet expired. You cannot renew an IDP separately; you must request a new one once your license is renewed or restored.
Countries That Require or Recognize the IDP
The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and territories that signed the 1926 or 1968 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, recognition does not always mean the country requires it. Some nations make it mandatory; others accept it as optional but helpful; a small number do not recognize it at all.
Most European countries, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan recognize the IDP. Some countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia do not. A few nations require an IDP in addition to your U.S. license; others accept your U.S. license alone.
Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country or check their official driving requirements online. Do not assume the IDP will be accepted everywhere. Some car rental companies also have their own rules about which documents they require, so confirm with your rental agency as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is explore for an IDP with an expired or suspended license. Your license must be valid and current at the time you request the permit. If your license has expired, renew it with your state DMV first, then request the IDP.
Another mistake is carrying only the IDP without your U.S. driver's license. The IDP is not a standalone document and will not satisfy a police officer or rental company without your original license present. Always carry both together.
Some people also assume the IDP extends the validity of an expired license or allows them to drive in a country where their U.S. license alone would not be accepted. The IDP is a translation tool only; it does not change the legal status of your license or grant you permission to drive where you would not otherwise be allowed.
Finally, do not request an IDP from any organization other than AAA or AATA. Scam websites and third-party services sometimes offer to issue IDPs for inflated fees. These are not legitimate and will not be recognized by any country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico recognize the IDP, but neither country requires it. Your valid U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient to rent a car and drive in both countries. However, carrying an IDP can be helpful if a police officer does not speak English or if there is a dispute about your identity. It is not mandatory.
Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended?
No. Your license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, you cannot request an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is restored by your state DMV.
How long does an IDP last?
You can request a one-year permit or a three-year permit. The one-year version costs slightly less. Both are valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license remains valid; if your license expires, the IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not yet expired.
What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can advise you on whether you can continue driving with only your U.S. license or whether you need a replacement permit. Some countries allow you to drive on your U.S. license alone if the IDP is lost; others do not.
Is the IDP the same as an international license?
No. An international license does not exist. The IDP is the only document recognized internationally that translates your driver's license. Some countries issue their own domestic licenses that are valid only within that country. The IDP is the U.S. equivalent of an international driving document.