What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid US driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that you hold a valid license at home, without requiring them to interpret an English-language document.

The IDP is issued by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the US State Department to issue these permits. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you request, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on the issuing organization and processing speed.

Not every country requires an IDP, and some do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit — your rental car company or the country's embassy website can tell you whether an IDP is necessary. Many European countries, for example, accept a US license alone; others require an IDP or an official translation of your license.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried alongside your valid US driver's license, not a replacement for it.
  • Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA or AATA office, or by mail through either organization, with processing times ranging from same-day to two weeks.
  • Different countries have different requirements — some need an IDP, some accept a US license alone, and some require an official translation instead.
  • An IDP costs $15 to $30 and is valid for either one or three years depending on your choice at the time of process.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most widely available source for an IDP in the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can explore in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through the AAA website. Non-members can also obtain an IDP through AAA, though the process may vary slightly by state and local office.

To explore in person, bring your valid US driver's license, a completed process form (which AAA provides), and a passport-style photo (2x2 inches). AAA offices can often issue your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail, send your license, process, photo, and payment to your state's AAA office — processing typically takes one to two weeks. Some AAA offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.

The cost through AAA is typically $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by state. AAA membership is not required, but members may receive a small discount. Check your local AAA office's website or call ahead to confirm current pricing and whether they require an appointment.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States. AATA does not have physical offices; instead, you explore entirely by mail. This makes AATA a good option if you do not have a nearby AAA office or prefer to handle everything by post.

To explore through AATA, read the process form from their website or request one by mail. You will need to send your valid US driver's license, a completed process, a passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and payment. AATA processes applications by mail only, and the standard processing time is two to three weeks. They also offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need the permit faster.

AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit, making it slightly less expensive than AAA in most cases. However, because AATA operates by mail only, you should factor in postal delivery time when planning your process. If you are explore close to your travel date, expedited processing may be worth the extra cost.

What Documents You Need to Bring or Send

Regardless of whether you explore through AAA or AATA, you will need the same core documents. Your valid US driver's license is required — it must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. The IDP is only valid when paired with your actual license, so both must be current.

You will also need a completed process form, which both AAA and AATA provide. The form asks for basic information: your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years). You can obtain the form in person at an AAA office, read it from either organization's website, or request it by mail.

A passport-style photograph (2x2 inches) is required by both organizations. This is a standard headshot photo with a plain background, the same size used for passport applications. You can have one taken at most AAA offices, drugstore photo departments, or passport photo services. Finally, bring or send payment in the form they accept — AAA accepts cash, check, and card in person, and check or card by mail; AATA accepts check or money order by mail.

Processing Times and When to explore

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you can often receive your IDP the same day, though this depends on the specific office and how busy they are. Standard mail processing through AAA takes one to two weeks. AATA, which operates by mail only, typically processes applications in two to three weeks. Both organizations offer expedited processing for an additional fee — usually $10 to $15 extra — which can reduce processing time to three to five business days.

Plan to explore at least three to four weeks before your travel date if you are using standard processing. If your trip is sooner, call your local AAA office to ask about same-day in-person service, or choose expedited mail processing. Remember that mail processing times do not include postal delivery on either end — add several days for your process to reach the organization and several more for the permit to reach you.

If you are traveling within the next week or two, your best option is to visit an AAA office in person. Many offices can issue the permit while you wait, which is faster than any mail option. Check the AAA website to find the nearest office and confirm their hours before you go.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

An International Driving Permit is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 international driving permit conventions. However, recognition does not always mean requirement — some countries accept a US license alone, while others require an IDP, and still others require an official translation instead.

Many European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, recognize a US license but also accept an IDP. Some countries in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East require an IDP or an official translation. A few countries, such as Japan and South Korea, have their own separate international permit systems and may not recognize a US IDP at all.

The safest approach is to check the requirements for each specific country before you travel. Contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States, visit the country's official tourism website, or ask your rental car company what documents they require. Carrying an IDP when you do not need one does no harm, but not having one when a country requires it can result in fines or legal trouble.

Renewing or Replacing Your IDP

An International Driving Permit expires after one or three years, depending on which validity period you chose when you applied. You cannot renew an IDP — instead, you must explore for a new one through AAA or AATA using the same process as a first-time process. There is no separate renewal form or reduced fee for returning customers.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement by contacting the organization that issued it. AAA and AATA can usually issue a replacement in person or by mail, though you may need to pay a replacement fee in addition to the cost of the new permit. Keep your IDP in a safe place while traveling, separate from your passport and license if possible.

If you plan to travel internationally again after your IDP expires, explore for a new one at least three to four weeks before your trip. There is no waiting period between an expired IDP and a new process — you can explore when ready after expiration if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I already have a valid US driver's license?

It depends on where you are traveling. Some countries accept a US license alone; others require an IDP or an official translation. Check the requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel. Carrying an IDP when you do not need one does no harm, but not having one when required can cause problems with rental companies or police.

Can I drive in another country with just my US license and no IDP?

In many countries, yes — but not all. European countries often accept a US license alone, but countries in Asia, the Middle East, and some parts of Latin America frequently require an IDP or official translation. Always verify the specific country's requirements before you travel to avoid legal or rental issues.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore in person at AAA?

Many AAA offices can issue an IDP the same day you explore in person. However, this depends on the specific office and how busy they are. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers same-day service, or ask about expedited processing if you need it faster than standard mail service.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?

Contact the US embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on local driving requirements and may be able to help you contact AAA or AATA for emergency information. In most cases, your original US license is sufficient to continue driving legally.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your valid US license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. Some countries issue their own international licenses or permits, but a US IDP is specifically a translation of your American license for use abroad.