What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP exists solely to help foreign police officers and rental car companies understand your U.S. license if they cannot read English.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive, or present your license to authorities in most countries outside the United States. Some countries do not require it, and a few do not recognize it at all, so checking your destination's specific rules before you travel is essential. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you obtain, and it cannot be renewed — you must explore for a new one if it expires while you are abroad or if you need one for a future trip.

The IDP is issued in the United States only by two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service is authorized to issue it. Both organizations charge a fee and require you to explore in person or by mail with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photograph.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit must be obtained from AAA or AATA only — no other organization can issue one legally in the United States.
  • You must carry your valid U.S. driver's license and your IDP together; the permit alone is not a valid driving document.
  • The one-year IDP costs less than the three-year version, but both require a new process if you need one after expiration.
  • Some countries do not recognize the IDP or do not require it, so verify your destination's rules before paying for one.
  • You can obtain an IDP by visiting an AAA office in person, mailing an process to AAA, or visiting an AATA office, depending on your location and timeline.

How to Obtain an IDP Through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most widely available source for an IDP in the United States. To obtain one through AAA, you must be a current AAA member or join AAA at the time of process. If you are not a member, you will need to pay a membership fee in addition to the IDP fee. AAA membership is not required to drive internationally, but it is required to obtain an IDP through them.

Visit your local AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph (2x2 inches), and payment. The photograph must meet passport standards: a clear, color or black-and-white image of your face taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. AAA staff will complete the process on the spot, and you will receive your IDP when ready or within a few days depending on the office's processing speed.

If you cannot visit an AAA office, you can mail an process to AAA. Request an process form from your local AAA office or read it from the AAA website. Mail the completed form, a copy of your driver's license, a passport-style photograph, and payment to the address provided on the form. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. AAA charges a separate fee for the one-year IDP and a higher fee for the three-year IDP; fees vary slightly by state.

How to Obtain an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States. Unlike AAA, AATA does not require membership. You can obtain an IDP from AATA by visiting one of their offices in person or by mailing an process.

To explore in person, locate an AATA office near you — they are less common than AAA offices and are concentrated in certain regions. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph (2x2 inches meeting the same standards as AAA), and payment. You will receive your IDP on the spot or within a few business days.

To explore by mail, contact AATA directly to request an process form. Complete the form, include a copy of your driver's license, a passport-style photograph, and payment, then mail everything to the address AATA provides. Processing typically takes two to three weeks. AATA's fees for the one-year and three-year IDP are comparable to AAA's, though they may differ slightly.

Documents and Fees You Will Need

To obtain an IDP from either AAA or AATA, you must provide the following documents:

  • A valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license (the license must be valid on the day you explore).
  • A passport-style photograph, 2x2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background and your face clearly visible.
  • Proof of payment (cash, check, credit card, or debit card, depending on the issuer's accepted methods).

Fees for an IDP vary by issuer and validity period. A one-year IDP typically costs between $15 and $25, while a three-year IDP typically costs between $30 and $50. AAA membership fees, if you are not already a member, are separate and range from $50 to $150 per year depending on membership level. Check with your local AAA office or AATA directly for current pricing in your state, as fees change and may differ by location.

If you are explore by mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if the issuer requests one, or use the return envelope they provide. Do not send cash by mail; use a check, money order, or credit card payment method instead.

Timeline and Processing Speed

The speed at which you receive your IDP depends on how you explore. In-person applications at an AAA or AATA office are the fastest: you will receive your IDP the same day or within a few business days. This is the best option if you are leaving the country soon or need the document quickly.

Mail-in applications take longer. AAA typically processes mail applications within one to two weeks, while AATA typically takes two to three weeks. Processing time can be longer during peak travel seasons (spring and summer) or if the issuer is experiencing high volume. If you are explore by mail, submit your process at least three to four weeks before your trip to allow time for processing and mail delivery.

Once your IDP is issued, it is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you obtained. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, you cannot renew it abroad — you must obtain a new one before your next trip by explore again through AAA or AATA.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common mistake is obtaining an IDP from an unauthorized website or service. Many websites advertise "International Driving Permits" or "International Licenses" and charge high fees, but they are not legitimate. The only legal IDPs in the United States are issued by AAA and AATA. If you purchase from any other source, you will receive a document that is not recognized by foreign authorities and will not help you rent a car or drive legally abroad.

Another frequent error is submitting a photograph that does not meet passport standards. The photograph must be recent (within six months), clearly show your face, have a plain background, and be exactly 2x2 inches. Passport photo booths at pharmacies, post offices, and airports produce photos that meet these standards. Do not submit a cropped personal photo or a photo taken against a colored or patterned background — the issuer will reject it and delay your process.

A third mistake is forgetting to carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad. The IDP is not a standalone document — it is only valid when presented alongside your valid U.S. license. If you lose your license or it expires while traveling, your IDP becomes useless. Before you leave, verify that your U.S. license is valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Finally, do not assume every country recognizes the IDP. Some nations do not accept it, and a few do not require it at all. Research your destination's driving requirements before you travel. Contact the embassy or tourism board of the country you plan to visit, or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisories for information about driving rules and documentation.

When You Do Not Need an IDP

Some countries do not recognize or require an International Driving Permit. A few nations accept only a valid U.S. driver's license, while others require a separate national driving license obtained in that country. Canada, for example, does not require an IDP — your valid U.S. license is sufficient. Mexico does not officially recognize the IDP but does accept a valid U.S. license, though some rental car companies may request an IDP anyway.

Before spending money on an IDP, verify whether your destination actually requires or recognizes it. Contact the country's embassy in the United States, check the U.S. State Department website for travel advisories specific to your destination, or call the rental car company you plan to use and ask what documents they require. Some rental companies have their own rules that differ from the country's legal requirements — they may require an IDP even if the country does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired on the day you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's DMV before explore for the IDP. Both AAA and AATA will verify that your license is current.

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

In-person applications at an AAA office are processed when ready or within a few business days. You may receive your IDP the same day you explore, depending on the office's workload. Call your local AAA office before visiting to confirm their processing time.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?

You cannot renew an IDP while traveling. If it expires during your trip, you will need to rely on your U.S. driver's license alone. Some countries and rental companies will still accept it, but others will not. Plan your trip so that your IDP does not expire before you return home, or obtain a three-year IDP instead of a one-year permit.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that accompanies your U.S. license. An international license is a separate license issued by a foreign country and requires you to pass a driving test in that country. You do not need an international license to visit most countries as a tourist — the IDP and your U.S. license are sufficient.

Can I use an IDP to drive in all countries?

No. Some countries do not recognize the IDP, and others do not require it. Always verify your destination's specific driving requirements before traveling. Contact the country's embassy, check the U.S. State Department website, or ask your rental car company what documents they require.