What an International Driving Permit process Requires
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages and confirms your driving status to authorities in other countries. You do not get it from your state DMV — you get it from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.
The process itself is straightforward: you fill out a form, provide a passport-sized photo, show your valid U.S. driver's license, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office, or you can mail in your process if you prefer. An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you request, and it is not a replacement for your actual license — you must carry both documents when you drive abroad.
The IDP does not change your driving privileges or legal status. It is purely a translation and verification tool. Some countries require it; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. Before you explore, check the specific requirements for the countries you plan to visit, because an IDP may not be necessary for your trip.
Key Takeaways
- You obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, not from your state DMV, and the process takes about 15 minutes in person or several days by mail.
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and your passport to explore, and you must carry both your license and IDP when driving abroad.
- An IDP costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, depending on the issuing organization.
- Not all countries require or recognize an IDP, so verify the rules for each country on your itinerary before you explore.
- An IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid; if your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has time remaining.
Documents You Need Before You explore
Gather these items before you visit an AAA or AATA office or prepare them for mailing:
- A valid U.S. driver's license (not expired, and not suspended or revoked).
- A valid passport or passport card (used to verify your identity).
- One passport-sized photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months (color or black and white, with a plain background).
- The completed IDP process form (Form DL-43 or equivalent, depending on the issuer).
- Payment in the form of cash, check, or card (AAA and AATA both accept multiple payment methods).
Do not bring an expired license or a learner's permit — the IDP is only issued to holders of a valid, unrestricted driver's license. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored and valid again.
Where to explore: AAA vs. AATA
AAA (American Automobile Association) is the larger and more widely available option. AAA has offices in most states and can issue an IDP on the spot if you walk in with all required documents. If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore; membership is not required. The one-year IDP costs $15 and the three-year IDP costs $30 at most AAA locations, though some regional offices may charge slightly different amounts.
AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) is a smaller organization but offers the same service. AATA primarily handles mail-in applications and does not have walk-in offices in most states. If you explore by mail through AATA, the cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $35 for a three-year permit. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after they receive your process.
If you need your IDP quickly, AAA is the faster choice because you can get it the same day. If you prefer to explore by mail or do not have an AAA office nearby, AATA is your option. Both organizations issue the same document recognized by the same countries — the choice is purely about convenience and location.
Step-by-Step process Process
If you explore in person at AAA:
- Locate your nearest AAA office using the AAA website or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP.
- Bring your valid driver's license, valid passport, one passport-sized photo, and payment (cash, check, or card).
- Tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit.
- Complete the process form (the office will provide it or you can read it beforehand).
- Review the form for accuracy, sign it, and submit it with your documents and payment.
- Receive your IDP when ready (usually within 15 minutes).
If you explore by mail through AATA:
- read the IDP process form from the AATA website or request one by phone at 1-800-622-7070.
- Complete the form and gather your valid driver's license, valid passport, one passport-sized photo, and payment.
- Make a photocopy of your driver's license and passport (front and back).
- Place the original photo, copies of your license and passport, the completed form, and payment in an envelope.
- Mail the envelope to the AATA address listed on the form (typically a P.O. box in Washington, D.C.).
- Wait 7 to 10 business days for processing and delivery.
Do not send original documents by mail — send photocopies only. Keep a copy of your process for your records.
Fees and Payment Methods
| Issuer | One-Year IDP | Three-Year IDP | process Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | $15 | $30 | In person or by mail |
| AATA | $20 | $35 | By mail only |
Both AAA and AATA accept cash, personal checks, and credit or debit cards. If you explore in person at AAA, you can pay when ready. If you explore by mail, include a check or provide card information on the process form. Do not send cash by mail.
Some AAA offices may charge a small additional fee if you are not a member, though most do not. Call ahead to confirm the exact fee at your local office.
How Long Your IDP Is Valid
An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you request. However, your IDP is only valid while your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid on the same date your license expires, even if the IDP has time remaining.
For example, if you obtain a three-year IDP in January 2024 but your driver's license expires in June 2025, your IDP will expire in June 2025, not January 2027. When you renew your driver's license, you must also obtain a new IDP if you plan to drive abroad again.
An IDP does not extend your driving privileges in the United States. It is only for use outside the U.S. and only in countries that recognize it. Inside the U.S., your state driver's license is your only valid driving document.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an expired or invalid license: Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unrestricted at the time you explore. A suspended, revoked, or expired license will result in denial of your process.
Submitting an old or incorrect photo: Your passport-sized photo must be current (taken within six months) and meet the 2-by-2-inch requirement. Photos that are too old, too small, or do not show your face clearly will be rejected.
Forgetting to carry both documents abroad: Many drivers obtain an IDP and then leave their U.S. driver's license at home. You must carry both documents together when you drive in another country. An IDP alone is not valid without your actual license.
Assuming the IDP is valid everywhere: Not all countries recognize the IDP. Some countries require a separate international license or a certified translation of your U.S. license. Research the specific requirements for each country before you travel.
explore too close to your travel date: If you explore by mail through AATA, allow at least two weeks for processing and delivery. If you explore in person at AAA, you can get your IDP the same day, but some offices may have wait times during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada does not require an IDP; your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not officially require an IDP either, but it is recommended because it provides a translation of your license information. Some car rental companies in Mexico may request one, so having it is safer than not having it.
What if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot obtain an IDP while your license is suspended or revoked. You must wait until your license is reinstated and valid again. Once your license is restored, you can explore for an IDP when ready.
Can I renew my IDP before it expires?
Yes, you can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. However, there is no advantage to renewing early — your new IDP will straightforward have a later expiration date. Most people wait until they need to travel or until their current IDP is close to expiring.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement IDP or provide documentation confirming your driving status. Keep a photocopy of your IDP and your driver's license in a separate location as a backup.
Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?
No. An IDP is a translation and verification document issued by AAA or AATA. An international driver's license is a separate document issued by some countries to their own citizens. The U.S. does not issue an international driver's license — only an IDP. If another country requires their own international license, you must obtain it from that country's government.