What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, even though they are valid in the United States. Some rental car companies and police in other countries will accept only an IDP alongside your U.S. license. A few countries require an IDP by law; most others straightforward prefer it. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

You cannot obtain an IDP online or by mail from a third-party website. You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office, bring specific documents, and pay a fee. The process takes minutes if you walk in with everything you need, but many people arrive unprepared and have to return later.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP must be obtained in person from AAA or AATA; no online or mail-order services are legitimate.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-style photo, and payment — typically $20 to $30.
  • AAA membership is not required to get an IDP from AAA, though non-members may pay a slightly higher fee.
  • The IDP is valid for one year and must be carried together with your original U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not, so check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. The license must be in your name and issued by a U.S. state or territory.

You will also need one passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches. This is the same size as a passport photo. Many AAA and AATA offices have photo services on-site, but you can also bring a photo taken elsewhere. The photo must be recent (within six months), show your face clearly, and have a plain background.

Bring a completed process for an International Driving Permit form. AAA and AATA each have their own form. You can fill it out at home before you arrive, or at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to list every country, but listing them helps the office staff confirm that an IDP will be recognized where you are going.

Bring a valid form of payment. AAA and AATA accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Fees vary: AAA charges $20 for members and $30 for non-members (as of the most recent published rates, though this may change). AATA charges $20. Some offices may charge slightly different amounts, so call ahead if you want to confirm the exact fee.

Where to explore: AAA vs. AATA

AAA (American Automobile Association) has the most offices nationwide. You can find your nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator. AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, but members pay a lower fee ($20 versus $30). If you are not a member, you can still walk in and request an IDP. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) has fewer offices than AAA but operates in many states. You can find AATA offices through their website at aata.org. AATA charges $20 for all applicants, regardless of membership status. AATA does not require membership either.

Both organizations issue the same IDP document. The choice between them depends on which office is closer to you and which fee structure is better for your situation. If you have AAA membership and an AAA office nearby, AAA is usually the faster option. If you do not have membership and want to avoid the extra $10 fee, AATA may be worth the drive if it is reasonably close.

The process Process Step by Step

Step 1: Locate an office. Use aaa.com or aata.org to find the nearest office. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours and whether they are busy. Some offices get crowded on weekends and during lunch hours.

Step 2: Gather your documents. Bring your valid driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), a completed process form, and payment (cash or card). If you have not filled out the form, arrive a few minutes early so you can do it at the office.

Step 3: Walk in and give your documents to the staff member. Tell them you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. Hand over your license, photo, and form. The staff member will review them for completeness.

Step 4: Pay the fee. AAA charges $20 (members) or $30 (non-members). AATA charges $20. Pay by cash or card.

Step 5: Receive your IDP. The staff member will print or prepare your IDP on the spot. You will walk out with it in hand, usually within 10 to 15 minutes of arrival. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Prevent Approval

The most common mistake is bringing an expired driver's license. An IDP cannot be issued if your underlying license has expired. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state DMV first, then return to AAA or AATA.

The second mistake is bringing a photo that does not meet requirements. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, recent (within six months), and show your face clearly against a plain background. Photos taken at home with a smartphone often fail because the background is cluttered or the lighting is poor. If your photo is rejected, you can usually have one taken at the office for an additional fee, or you can go elsewhere and return.

A third mistake is not bringing the completed process form. While you can fill it out at the office, this slows the process. The form is straightforward and takes two minutes to complete, but arriving with it already done means you are in and out faster.

Finally, some people bring the wrong type of ID. The IDP is issued only on the basis of a valid U.S. driver's license. A passport, state ID card, or international license from another country will not work. Your U.S. driver's license must be current and valid.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. Write the expiration date on the permit itself so you do not forget it. You must carry both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license whenever you drive outside the United States. Neither document is valid without the other.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad. You will have to drive using only your U.S. license, which may not be recognized in some countries. If you lose it after you return home, you can explore for a new one at AAA or AATA using the same process.

If your U.S. driver's license expires or is renewed while your IDP is still valid, your IDP becomes invalid. You will need to get a new IDP based on your new license. The old IDP cannot be used with a different license number.

Checking Whether You Actually Need an IDP

Not every country requires an IDP. Some countries recognize U.S. driver's licenses on their own. Before you spend the time and money on an IDP, check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit.

Contact the embassy or consulate of each country, or visit the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page for that country. Many country-specific pages mention driving requirements. You can also call your car rental company and ask whether they require an IDP for the countries you are visiting — rental companies often know the local rules better than general travel sites.

Some countries that commonly require or strongly prefer an IDP include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Japan. Many others do not require it but accept it as additional proof of your identity and driving status. If you are unsure, getting an IDP is inexpensive insurance and takes only 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. driver's license is recognized. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but many car rental companies in Mexico prefer or require one. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require an IDP, you will need to get one before you travel, since you cannot obtain one in Mexico.

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs, and both require you to explore in person at one of their offices. Any website offering to mail you an IDP or issue one online is not legitimate. You must visit a physical AAA or AATA office with your documents and pay in person.

What if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot get an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you will need to wait until it is reinstated before you can explore for an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

If you walk into an AAA or AATA office with all required documents, you will receive your IDP within 10 to 15 minutes. There is no waiting period or processing time after you leave the office. You walk out with the permit in hand the same day.

Is AAA membership required to get an IDP from AAA?

No. AAA membership is not required. Non-members can explore at any AAA office and will receive an IDP, but they pay $30 instead of the member price of $20. AATA charges $20 for all applicants regardless of membership status.