Key Takeaways
- An IDP is required by law in most of Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America, and recommended in many European countries even where not legally required.
- Your U.S. driver's license alone is usually accepted in Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and a few other English-speaking nations.
- An IDP is an official translation of your license issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not a separate license.
- You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA, and it costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes in person or one to two weeks by mail.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and you must carry it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.
Countries Where an IDP Is Legally Required
Most countries in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America require an IDP by law. This includes popular destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya. In these places, driving without an IDP can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or both — even if your U.S. license is valid at home. Local police may not accept your U.S. license as proof of driving authority, and rental car companies often will not rent to you without one.
The requirement is not always enforced equally everywhere. In some countries, tourists in major cities may drive without one for short periods without incident. However, this is not a may provide, and the risk increases if you are stopped for any reason — a traffic violation, an accident, or a routine checkpoint. The cost and effort of obtaining an IDP before departure is far smaller than the cost and hassle of dealing with a fine or legal issue abroad.
Countries Where an IDP Is Recommended but Not Required
Many European countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom — do not legally require an IDP if you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. However, rental car companies, insurance providers, and local authorities often request one anyway. Having an IDP eliminates confusion and speeds up interactions with police, rental agencies, and insurance companies if something goes wrong.
An IDP is also recommended in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, where English is less widely spoken and your U.S. license may not be when ready recognized. Even though some of these countries technically accept a U.S. license with an official English translation, an IDP is simpler and more universally accepted than carrying separate translation documents.
Countries Where Your U.S. License Is Usually Sufficient
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland generally accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. These countries have English-language road systems, recognize U.S. licenses, and do not require translation. However, you should still carry your passport and check with your rental car company, as some require an IDP as a matter of company policy even if the country does not legally require one.
A few other English-speaking nations — including South Africa, Jamaica, and the Bahamas — also accept U.S. licenses. If you are unsure about a specific country, contact the country's tourism board or your rental car company before you travel. It takes five minutes and can prevent problems at the rental counter or during a traffic stop.
How to Obtain an International Driving Permit
You can get an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) in person at any AAA office, or by mail through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are official U.S. issuing authorities recognized by the United Nations and accepted worldwide.
To obtain an IDP, you need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 for AAA or the AATA form), a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. The cost is $15 to $20 depending on the issuer and whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. In person at AAA, the process takes about 15 minutes. By mail through AATA, allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery.
What an IDP Is and Is Not
An IDP is not a separate driver's license. It is an official translation of your existing U.S. driver's license into multiple languages — typically French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and others. It contains the same information as your U.S. license (name, address, license number, driving restrictions) but in a format recognized internationally.
You must carry your IDP alongside your valid U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad. Neither document is valid without the other. If your U.S. license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the IDP itself has not yet expired. An IDP does not grant you permission to drive in a country where you would not otherwise be allowed to drive — it straightforward translates your existing permission into a format local authorities recognize.
How Long an IDP Is Valid
An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request when you obtain it. The one-year permit is less expensive and is sufficient if you are taking a single trip. The three-year permit is useful if you plan multiple international trips or a longer stay abroad. Both versions expire on the date printed on the permit, regardless of when you actually use it.
If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it in another country — you must return to the United States and obtain a new one through AAA or AATA. Plan ahead if you are traveling for an extended period and your IDP will expire during your trip.
What to Do If You Are Unsure About a Specific Country
If you are traveling to a country not mentioned here, or if you want to confirm the current requirement before you leave, contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States. You can also call the rental car company you plan to use — they know their own policies and the legal requirements of the countries where they operate, and they can tell you whether an IDP is necessary.
The U.S. State Department website also publishes country-specific travel information, including driving rules and documentation requirements. A five-minute phone call or email before you travel is much easier than discovering a requirement at the rental counter or during a traffic stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if I'm only visiting Canada or Australia?
No. Canada and Australia accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, check with your rental car company before booking, as some companies require an IDP as a matter of policy even though the country does not legally require one.
Can I get an IDP at the airport or after I arrive in another country?
No. An IDP can only be obtained in the United States through AAA (in person) or AATA (by mail). You cannot obtain one at an airport, embassy, or in another country. Plan to get one before you leave, or allow time for mail delivery if you explore by post.
What happens if I drive without an IDP in a country that requires one?
You may be fined, your vehicle may be impounded, or both. The amount varies by country and local enforcement. In some places, you may also be unable to use your rental car insurance if you are stopped without the required documents. It is not worth the risk.
Is an IDP the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document, not a license. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP when driving abroad. Neither is valid without the other.
How much does an IDP cost and how long does it take to get one?
An IDP costs $15 to $20. In person at an AAA office, you can get one in about 15 minutes. By mail through AATA, allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon.