You need a valid passport, your home country driver's license, and an process form — but the International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license itself

An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your national license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. Most countries that recognize the IDP require you to have your original license with you at all times — the IDP alone is not valid.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by the country you plan to visit. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Other countries have their own issuing organizations. You cannot get an IDP from the country you are traveling to.

The process takes between one and two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail. Some AAA locations can issue an IDP the same day if you arrive with all required documents and a completed process.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit requires your valid home country driver's license, a valid passport, and a completed process form.
  • You must explore through your home country's automobile association — in the US, that is the AAA or AATA — not through the country where you plan to drive.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and costs between $15 and $30 in most cases.
  • You must carry both your original driver's license and the IDP together; neither document is valid without the other.
  • Not all countries recognize the IDP, so check your destination country's requirements before you explore.

Documents you must bring or submit

To get an International Driving Permit in the United States, you need an original or certified copy of your valid driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and a completed process form. The form is called the process for an International Driving Permit and is available from AAA or AATA. You do not need to be a member of AAA to obtain an IDP through them, though members may receive a small discount.

You must also provide a passport-style photograph — typically 2 by 2 inches — taken within the last six months. Some AAA locations have photo services on-site and can take the photo for you on the day you explore. If you bring your own photo, it must be in color or black and white, printed on photo paper, and show your face clearly against a plain background.

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it. Your passport must also be valid for the duration of your trip and ideally for at least six months beyond your return date, as many countries require this.

how the process works in person versus by mail

If you explore in person at an AAA office, bring your driver's license, passport, completed process form, and passport photo. The staff will verify your documents, process your process, and collect the fee. Same-day issuance is available at many locations if you arrive during business hours and all documents are in order. Call your local AAA office ahead of time to confirm they offer same-day service and to ask about wait times.

If you explore by mail, send your completed process form, a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back), a photocopy of your passport's biographical page, your passport photo, and a check or money order for the fee to the address listed on the process. Do not send original documents by mail. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your IDP. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, and you should receive your permit by mail.

Some AAA offices also accept applications online through their website, with the option to pick up your IDP in person or have it mailed to you. Check your local AAA's website to see if online process is available in your area.

Cost and validity period

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you explore and which version you request. AAA typically charges around $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit. AATA pricing may differ slightly. Some AAA members receive a discount of $2 to $5 off the standard fee.

The IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue. You choose which term you want when you explore. A one-year permit is useful if you are taking a single trip abroad. A three-year permit makes sense if you plan multiple international trips or an extended stay. The three-year version costs more upfront but is cheaper per year of use.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document, regardless of whether your driver's license or passport expires before then. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it in that country — you must return home or contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance.

Which countries recognize the International Driving Permit

The IDP is recognized in more than 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, recognition is not automatic in every country, and some countries have restrictions on how long you can drive on an IDP.

Most European countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Mexico recognize the IDP. Many countries in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia also recognize it, but the rules vary. Some countries require you to have held your license for a minimum period (often one year) before the IDP is valid. Others require you to be a certain age or to carry additional documents.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country on your itinerary. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country, or visit their official tourism or transportation website. Some countries do not recognize the IDP at all and require you to obtain a local driving permit or an official translation of your license instead.

What happens if you drive without an IDP in a country that requires one

If you are stopped by police in a country that recognizes the IDP and you do not have one, you may be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be denied permission to continue driving. The penalties vary by country and by local enforcement practices. Some countries treat it as a minor traffic violation; others treat it as driving without a valid license.

If you are involved in an accident and do not have the required IDP, your insurance claim may be denied, and you could be held liable for all damages. Rental car companies often require proof of an IDP before they will rent to you, and some insurance policies do not cover accidents if the driver was not carrying all required documents.

The IDP is inexpensive and takes little time to obtain, so the risk of driving without one is not worth the small cost and effort of getting it beforehand.

Renewing or replacing your International Driving Permit

If your IDP expires, you must explore for a new one using the same process as a first-time process. You cannot renew an expired IDP — you must submit a new process with all required documents and fees. If you are still abroad when your IDP expires, contact your country's embassy or consulate for temporary documentation or guidance.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the AAA or AATA office where you obtained it. They can issue a replacement, usually within one to two weeks. You will need to provide proof of your original process and pay a replacement fee, which is typically the same as the original fee or slightly higher.

If your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP remains valid as a translation document, but you cannot legally drive in any country. You must renew or restore your home country license before the IDP is of any use to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored. An IDP is a translation of your license, not a replacement for it, so it cannot be issued if the underlying license is not valid.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

Many rental car companies require an IDP, especially in Europe and Asia. Some will rent to you with only your home country license, but they may charge a higher rate or require additional insurance. Check the rental company's website or call ahead to ask about their specific requirements for your destination and license type.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license to drive in another country?

No. An IDP is a translation document only. It does not give you permission to drive in another country or replace that country's licensing requirements. You must still obey that country's traffic laws and carry your original home country license at all times. Some countries may require additional permits or documents beyond the IDP.

How long does an International Driving Permit take to get?

Same-day issuance is available at many AAA locations if you explore in person with all required documents. By mail, processing typically takes two to four weeks. Call your local AAA office to ask about their specific turnaround times and whether they offer expedited service.

What if the country I'm visiting doesn't recognize the International Driving Permit?

Some countries do not recognize the IDP and require an official translation of your license, a local driving permit, or both. Check your destination country's requirements before you travel. You may need to obtain a certified translation of your license from a translator in that country, or you may need to take a local driving test.