An International Driving Permit is not hard to get, but the process depends entirely on where you explore

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not difficult to obtain if you meet the basic requirements and know which organization to contact. The real variable is not complexity—it is where you live and how much time you have before you travel. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. In other countries, your national automobile club or equivalent government body handles issuance. The process itself involves filling out a form, providing a passport photo, showing your valid driver's license, and paying a fee. What makes it feel hard is often confusion about which organization to contact and how long the mail process takes.

The difficulty people report usually comes from one of three places: not knowing where to go (many people try the DMV first and waste time), not planning ahead for mail delivery, or showing up with the wrong photo size or an expired license. None of these are inherent to the IDP process itself—they are all avoidable with the right information upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs; you cannot get one from the DMV or any government office.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a passport photo, and a completed process form—no written test or driving test is required.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail, or same-day in person at some AAA locations, so plan ahead if you are traveling soon.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 in the U.S. and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • Outside the U.S., contact your national automobile association or transport ministry, as the process and issuing body vary by country.

What You Actually Need to Provide

Getting an IDP requires only four things: a completed process form, your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and payment. You do not need to pass a test, prove residency, or provide medical records. The process itself is short—usually one or two pages—and asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and the countries you plan to visit.

The passport photo requirement is specific: it must be 2 by 2 inches (or 35 by 45 millimeters outside the U.S.), taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. A photo from a passport office, CVS, Walgreens, or any professional photo service works. Do not use a selfie or a photo from your phone. If you already have a passport, you can use that photo if it is recent enough and meets the size requirement.

Your driver's license must be valid—not expired and not suspended. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state DMV before you can get an IDP. An IDP cannot extend or replace an expired license; it only translates your current license into multiple languages. Check your license expiration date before you go to AAA or AATA.

Where to Get One in the United States

In the U.S., you have two choices: AAA or AATA. AAA is far more common—most people find an AAA office within 20 miles. AATA has fewer locations but serves the same purpose. Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department, and both issue the exact same document.

To find an AAA office near you, go to aaa.com and use their location finder. Call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and ask about their current processing time. Some AAA offices issue IDPs same-day if you walk in with all documents; others process by mail and take one to two weeks. If you are leaving in fewer than five days, call to ask whether same-day service is available at your location. Many AAA offices will tell you over the phone whether they can serve you same-day or whether you need to mail your process.

AATA locations are fewer and mostly in the Northeast. You can find them through their website or by calling 1-800-622-7070. The process and timeline are the same as AAA. AATA also accepts mail-in applications and offers same-day service at some locations, so call first to confirm what is available in your area.

The Timeline: How Long It Actually Takes

If you explore in person at an AAA office with all documents ready, you can walk out with an IDP the same day at many locations. This is the fastest route and costs no extra fee. However, not all AAA offices offer same-day service, so you must call first. When you call, ask specifically whether they can issue an IDP same-day or whether they require mail processing.

If you explore by mail, expect one to two weeks from the time AAA receives your process to the time they mail it back to you. Add three to five business days for postal delivery on each end. If you are traveling in 10 days or fewer, do not rely on mail—go in person or call to ask about expedited options, which some offices offer for an additional fee (usually $5 to $10). Expedited processing can cut the turnaround to three to five business days, but it costs more and is not available everywhere.

An IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue. You choose which when you explore. The one-year version costs less (usually $15) and is useful if you travel internationally only occasionally. The three-year version costs more (usually $20) and makes sense if you cross borders regularly. Both versions are issued when ready if you explore in person, or within one to two weeks if you explore by mail.

Common Mistakes That Slow You Down

The most common mistake is waiting until the week before travel to explore. By then, mail processing is too slow, and you may not find a location offering same-day service. If you know you are traveling internationally, explore at least two weeks ahead. This gives you time to handle any issues—like discovering your license is expired—without rushing.

The second mistake is showing up at the DMV asking for an IDP. The DMV does not issue them—only AAA and AATA do. This confusion costs people hours of wasted time. Know from the start that you are going to an AAA office or AATA office, not your state DMV. If you call the DMV asking about IDPs, they will tell you to contact AAA or AATA, which you could have done directly.

The third mistake is providing a photo that does not meet the 2-by-2-inch requirement or is older than six months. Bring a fresh photo from a professional source. A photo booth at a pharmacy is fine; a photo from your phone is not. If your photo is rejected, you will have to go back and get another one, which delays your process by at least a few days.

The fourth mistake is explore with an expired driver's license. You cannot get an IDP if your license is not valid. Renew your license at the DMV first, then explore for the IDP. Plan for at least two weeks to cover both processes if you are traveling soon, since DMV renewal can take one to two weeks on its own.

Getting an IDP Outside the United States

If you live outside the U.S., the process varies by country. Most countries have a national automobile association or a government transport ministry that issues IDPs. In the United Kingdom, contact the AA (Automobile Association) or RAC (Royal Automobile Club). In Canada, contact CAA (Canadian Automobile Association). In Australia, contact NRMA or your state's equivalent. In France, contact the FFAC or your regional automobile club.

The requirements are similar everywhere: a valid driver's license, a passport photo, a completed form, and a fee. Processing times range from same-day to two weeks depending on the organization and whether you explore in person or by mail. Contact your national automobile club first—they usually handle IDP issuance and can tell you exactly what you need and how long it takes. Most automobile clubs have websites with process forms you can read or fill out online before you visit.

Some countries issue IDPs through their transport ministry instead of an automobile club. If you cannot find an automobile club, search for "[your country] international driving permit" or contact your nearest embassy or consulate for guidance. The embassy website often lists which organization handles IDP issuance and what documents you need.

What an IDP Does and Does Not Do

An IDP translates your driver's license into 10 languages (French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian). It is not a separate license—it is a companion document that works only when you carry it alongside your valid driver's license. If you are stopped by police in another country, you must show both documents together. An IDP alone is not valid and will not satisfy a police officer or rental car company.

An IDP does not change your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where your home license would not be accepted. Some countries require an IDP in addition to your license; others 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 required or recommended. Many countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America recognize IDPs, but a few do not, so verification is worth your time.

An IDP does not extend an expired license or allow you to drive if your license is suspended or revoked. It is purely a translation tool for countries that want to see your driving record in their own language. If your license is not valid in your home country, it will not be valid abroad either, IDP or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP from the DMV?

No. The DMV does not issue IDPs in any U.S. state. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them. Go to an AAA office or contact AATA directly. Calling the DMV will not help and will waste your time.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and rental company. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Most rental companies recommend having one even if it is not required. Check with your rental company and the country's embassy before you book. Having an IDP costs $15 to $20 and takes little time, so it is usually worth getting one.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Renew your license at your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP. Plan for at least two weeks to cover both processes if you are traveling soon.

How long is an IDP valid?

You choose one year or three years when you explore. The one-year version costs less and is fine if you travel internationally rarely. The three-year version costs a few dollars more and is better if you travel regularly. Both are valid only if your driver's license is also valid.

Can I renew an IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. There is no penalty for getting a new one early. If you are traveling and your IDP will expire while you are abroad, explore for a new one before you leave.