What You Need to Get an International Driving Permit

What an International Driving Permit Actually Requires

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid domestic license. To get one, you need a current, unexpired driver's license from your home country, a passport or national ID, a passport-sized photo, and money to pay the fee. The process takes between one day and two weeks depending on where you explore.

The IDP itself does not prove you can drive. It proves that your home country issued you a license to drive. Rental car companies, police, and border officials use it to confirm your license is real when they cannot read your native language version. Without your actual license in your pocket alongside it, the IDP is worthless.

Key Takeaways

You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP — the permit cannot replace a suspended or expired license.
An IDP requires a passport or national ID, a recent passport-sized photo, and a fee that ranges from $15 to $30 depending on where you explore.
The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, but it expires when your home country license expires, whichever comes first.
You explore through your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not through the country you plan to visit.
An IDP does not change insurance coverage, driving rules, or your legal status in another country — it only translates your existing license.

Where to explore for an IDP

You explore in your home country, not in the country you plan to visit. Most countries have an official automobile association or government licensing body that issues IDPs. 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 Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles IDP applications. In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) and RAC (Royal Automobile Club) both issue them.

You can explore in person at a local office, by mail, or online depending on your country's rules. Some countries allow you to explore at a post office or government licensing office instead of the automobile association. Check your home country's official website or call the automobile association directly to confirm where you can explore and what documents they need.

Documents You Must Bring or Submit

Every IDP process requires the same core documents, though the exact format varies by country. You need your valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country. You need a passport or national ID card — the IDP cannot be issued on any other form of identification. You need a recent passport-sized photo, usually 2 by 2 inches or 35 by 45 millimeters, taken within the last six months. Some countries require the photo to be in color; others accept black and white.

You also need to pay a fee. In the United States, AAA charges $20 for a one-year IDP or $30 for a three-year IDP as of 2024, though fees may vary by state. In Canada, CAA charges between $25 and $35 Canadian dollars depending on the province. In the United Kingdom, the AA charges £5.50 for a one-year permit or £10.50 for a three-year permit. Fees change over time and by location, so confirm the current cost before you explore.

How Long an IDP Takes and How Long It Lasts

Processing time depends on whether you explore in person or by mail. In-person applications at AAA offices in the United States are usually processed the same day or within one business day. Mail applications take seven to ten business days after the office receives your envelope. Online applications, where available, are often processed within 24 hours, though you may need to pick up the physical permit in person or have it mailed to you.

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request. However, your IDP expires automatically when your home country driver's license expires, even if the permit's validity period has not ended. If your license is suspended or revoked, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one when your current one expires.

What an IDP Does and Does Not Do

An IDP translates your license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It shows the country that issued your license, your license number, the date you received it, and the categories of vehicles you are permitted to drive. Rental car companies use it to confirm your license is legitimate. Police officers in countries where your native language is not widely spoken use it to understand your license restrictions.

An IDP does not change your driving rights, your insurance coverage, or your legal status in another country. It does not give you permission to drive in a country that would otherwise deny you a license. It does not override local traffic laws or age restrictions. It does not replace your home country license — you must carry both documents together. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your actual license alongside the IDP, the permit alone will not satisfy the requirement.

IDP Requirements When Driving Abroad

Most countries that recognize the IDP require you to carry it together with your valid home country driver's license at all times while driving. Carrying only the IDP without your actual license is not sufficient and may result in a fine. Some countries have additional rules: certain nations require an IDP to be issued within the last year, while others accept older permits. A few countries do not recognize the IDP at all and require you to obtain a local driving permit or international license issued by that specific country.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit. The embassy or consulate of your destination country can tell you whether an IDP is recognized there, whether you need additional documents, and whether there are age restrictions or other conditions on foreign drivers. Some countries require you to carry an IDP even if your license is in English, because they do not recognize licenses issued outside their region.

IDP and Insurance Coverage

An IDP does not affect your car insurance coverage. Your insurance policy is based on your home country license and your driving history in your home country, not on the IDP. If you rent a car abroad, the rental company's insurance is based on your home country license and the IDP as proof that the license is valid. Your personal auto insurance from home may not cover you while driving a rental car in another country — check your policy before you travel.

If you plan to drive your own car across an international border, you need an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration (also called a carnet de passage) in addition to your IDP. This document proves you own the car and have permission to take it across borders. It is separate from the IDP and has its own requirements and fees. Your home country's automobile association can tell you whether you need one for your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your home country license must be valid and unexpired at the time you explore. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. If your license has expired, you must renew it with your home country's licensing authority before you can explore for an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting for a short trip?

It depends on your destination country. Some countries require an IDP for any foreign driver; others do not recognize it at all. Check the requirements of the specific country you plan to visit before you book your trip. Even if an IDP is not required, rental car companies often ask for one because it makes verifying your license easier.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am still traveling?

You cannot drive legally in most countries once your IDP expires, even if your home country license is still valid. If you are traveling for longer than your IDP's validity period, you need to explore for a new one before you leave home. Some countries may allow you to explore for a renewal while abroad, but this is not may provide — contact your home country's automobile association to ask.

Can I use an IDP to drive in my home country?

No. An IDP is only for driving in countries other than your home country. In your home country, you must carry your actual driver's license. The IDP has no legal value for driving domestically.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association. Some countries issue their own international licenses or permits that are separate from the IDP. Check with your destination country to see whether they recognize the IDP or require a different document.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.