What a US International Driving Permit is and who needs one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid US license, and only in countries that recognize it. You carry both documents together when you drive abroad.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in a foreign country. Some rental car companies require it; others accept your US license alone. Many countries do not require it by law but your rental agreement may demand one anyway. The safest approach is to get one before you leave — it costs little and takes minimal time, and you avoid the risk of being turned away at a rental counter in another country.

An IDP does not replace your US license for driving in the United States, and it does not give you permission to drive in countries where your US license would not be valid. It is purely a translation tool.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your US driver's license into ten languages and must be carried with your actual license when driving abroad.
  • You can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — these are the only two organizations authorized by the US State Department.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office, or you can mail in your process and receive the permit by mail within one to two weeks.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • You must have a valid US driver's license and be at least 18 years old to obtain an IDP.

Where to get an IDP: AAA and AATA

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue one.

AAA is the larger and more widely available option. If you are already an AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person or explore by mail. If you are not a member, you can still obtain an IDP at an AAA office without joining — membership is not required. AAA has offices in most US states; you can find your nearest location on their website.

AATA is a smaller organization and operates primarily through mail-in applications. You can find their process form on their website and mail it in with your documents and payment. AATA serves people who do not have convenient access to an AAA office.

how the process works in person at AAA

If you visit an AAA office in person, bring your valid US driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. The photo requirement is strict — it must meet US passport photo standards, which means a plain white or off-white background, your face taking up 70 to 80 percent of the frame, and no glasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons). Many AAA offices can take the photo for you on the spot for a small additional fee.

The process takes about 15 minutes. You will fill out a short form, provide your information, and pay the fee. You can choose a one-year permit for $15 or a three-year permit for $20. You will receive your IDP when ready or within a few days, depending on the office.

Call ahead to confirm your local AAA office is open and has the forms in stock, especially if you are traveling soon. Some smaller offices may need a day or two to prepare your permit.

how the process works by mail through AAA or AATA

Both AAA and AATA accept mail-in applications. You will need to complete their process form, provide a copy of your valid US driver's license, include one passport-style photo, and send payment by check or money order.

Mail your completed process to the address listed on the form. Processing time is typically one to two weeks from the date they receive your process, though it can take longer during peak travel seasons. Plan ahead if you are leaving soon — do not wait until a week before your trip.

Keep a copy of your process and payment receipt in case you need to follow up. If you do not receive your IDP within three weeks, contact the organization to confirm they received your process.

What documents and information you need

Gather these items before you visit an AAA office or prepare your mail-in process:

  • A valid US driver's license (not expired).
  • One passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches, meeting US passport photo standards.
  • Payment: $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit.
  • The completed IDP process form (AAA or AATA will provide this).

You must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, you cannot obtain an IDP. Your US driver's license must be valid — an expired license will not be accepted, and you cannot explore for an IDP if your license is suspended or revoked.

You do not need a passport to get an IDP, and you do not need to show proof of travel plans. The IDP is valid whether or not you have booked a trip.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

When you explore, you choose between a one-year and a three-year permit. A one-year permit costs $15 and expires one year from the date of issue. A three-year permit costs $20 and expires three years from the date of issue. Most people choose the three-year option because the cost difference is small and the permit remains useful for multiple trips.

Your IDP is valid only as long as your US driver's license is valid. If your license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date. If you renew your US license, you will need a new IDP as well — the old one will no longer be recognized.

To renew your IDP, straightforward explore again through AAA or AATA using the same process. There is no separate renewal form; you submit a new process and pay the full fee again.

What happens if you lose your IDP or it is damaged

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from the same organization that issued it. Contact AAA or AATA with your original process information and request a duplicate. There is usually a small replacement fee, typically $5 to $10, and processing takes one to two weeks.

If you are traveling and lose your IDP abroad, your US driver's license alone may still be accepted by some rental companies or police, depending on the country. However, you will have no translation document, which can create problems. If possible, contact AAA or AATA from abroad to request an emergency replacement, though this is not always possible depending on where you are.

To avoid loss, keep your IDP in the same place as your passport and US license. Do not pack it separately or leave it in a rental car.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your IDP is valid only if your US license is valid. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP, and any existing IDP becomes invalid. You must restore your license first.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, and your US license is usually accepted. However, some rental car companies in those countries may request one, so it is worth having. An IDP costs little and takes minimal time to obtain, so getting one before you leave removes any uncertainty at the rental counter.

What if the country I am visiting does not recognize the IDP?

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 international driving permit conventions. A small number of countries do not recognize it. Check with your rental car company or the embassy of the country you are visiting to confirm whether an IDP is useful there. Your US license alone may be sufficient, but an IDP costs little and provides a backup translation.

Can I use an IDP to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only for driving outside the United States. Within the US, you must carry your valid US driver's license. An IDP has no legal standing in American traffic law.

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

If you visit an AAA office in person, you typically receive your IDP the same day or within a few days. The in-person process takes about 15 minutes. If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, expect one to two weeks from the date they receive your process.