What a U.S. citizen needs to drive abroad

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to show your actual U.S. license alongside the permit, so the IDP works as a companion document only.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it; still others do not recognize it at all. Car rental companies often have their own rules that differ from the country's rules. Before you travel, contact your rental company and check the specific requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit.

The U.S. does not issue IDPs itself. Instead, two private organizations are authorized to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same internationally recognized document; the difference is where you go to get one and what you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried together with your actual state license.
  • You can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized to issue them in the U.S.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP, and you will need to bring it with you when you explore in person.
  • Not every country requires or recognizes an IDP, so check your destination's requirements and your rental company's policy before you travel.

Getting an IDP through AAA

If you are a AAA member, the easiest route is to visit your local AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo (2x2 inches). AAA will issue the IDP on the spot, and the cost is typically $15 for members. The process takes about 15 minutes.

If you are not a AAA member, you can still get an IDP through AAA, but you will pay a higher fee — usually around $20 — and you may need to wait longer for processing. Some AAA offices offer mail-in service as well; you can contact your local office to ask whether they accept applications by mail and what documents they need.

AAA has offices in most states. To find the one nearest you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Call ahead to confirm they have IDP applications in stock and to ask about their current fees, since prices can vary slightly by location.

Getting an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. You will need to read the process form from their website, fill it out, and mail it along with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order. The fee is typically $20.

Processing time through AATA is usually 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your process. Because the process travels by mail, plan to send it at least two weeks before your trip. AATA will mail the IDP back to you once it is ready.

You can find AATA's mailing address and process form on their website. Read the instructions carefully before you mail anything, because incomplete applications will be returned and will delay your IDP.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. After one year, it expires and is no longer recognized by any country. If you plan to drive internationally more than once in a year, you can get a new IDP before the first one expires, but you will have to pay the fee again.

Some travelers get a new IDP for each trip to avoid any risk of carrying an expired document. Others get one IDP and use it for multiple trips within that year. Either approach is fine — it depends on how often you travel and whether you want to keep the cost down.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot use an IDP with an expired U.S. license, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet. Renew your state license before it expires, and if you are planning an international trip after your license renewal, get a new IDP as well.

What documents you need to bring or send

For an in-person process through AAA, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo (2x2 inches). That is all you need. The photo must be recent and show your face clearly; it cannot be a printout from your phone or a cropped photo from a larger picture.

For a mail-in process through AATA, you will need to send the completed process form, your valid U.S. driver's license (or a photocopy, depending on their current instructions), a passport-style photo, and payment by check or money order. Do not send cash. Make copies of everything you mail in case something gets lost, and consider using a tracked mailing service so you know when AATA receives your process.

Both organizations require that your U.S. driver's license be valid at the time you explore. An expired license will disqualify your process. If your license is expiring soon, renew it first, then explore for the IDP.

Countries that require or recognize an IDP

More than 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit, but recognition is not the same as requirement. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; some do not recognize it at all. A few countries require an IDP only if your U.S. license is in English and you are driving in a region where another language is official.

The safest approach is to check three sources before you travel: the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for your destination, the rental car company's requirements, and the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting. These sources sometimes disagree, and the rental company's rule is often stricter than the country's law.

Common destinations that require or strongly recommend an IDP include most of Europe, Mexico, Central America, and parts of Asia. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand generally do not require an IDP if your U.S. license is valid and in English. When in doubt, get the IDP — it costs $15 to $20 and takes little time, and it removes any doubt at a border or a rental counter.

What happens if you drive without an IDP when one is required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may face a fine, a warning, or in some cases confiscation of your vehicle. The penalty varies by country and by the officer's judgment. You could also be denied a car rental if the company checks your documents at pickup and finds you do not have an IDP.

More commonly, you will straightforward be asked to produce it, and if you cannot, you will be told to stop driving or to get one when ready. In some countries, the police will call your rental company, which may charge you a fee for the violation or refuse to let you keep the car.

The best protection is to get the IDP before you leave the U.S. It is inexpensive, quick, and it prevents any problems at the border or on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing at the time you explore. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. If your license is expiring soon, renew it before you explore for the IDP.

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

Canada does not require an IDP if your U.S. license is valid. Mexico's requirement varies by state and by rental company. Many rental companies in Mexico require an IDP even though the country does not legally require it. Contact your rental company before you travel to find out their specific policy.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact your rental company or your country's U.S. embassy or consulate. Some embassies can issue a replacement IDP on an emergency basis, though this is not may provide. To avoid this problem, make a photocopy of your IDP before you leave and keep it separate from the original. If you lose the original, the photocopy may help you get a replacement.

Can I get an IDP online or by phone?

AAA offers in-person service at their offices and mail-in service at some locations. AATA offers mail-in service only. Neither organization issues IDPs online or by phone. You must either visit an AAA office in person or mail your process to AATA.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The cost is typically $15 to $20 depending on which organization you use and whether you are a AAA member. AAA members usually pay $15 at an AAA office; non-members and AATA applicants typically pay $20. Prices can vary slightly by location and may change over time, so confirm the current fee before you explore.