An International Driving Permit is a separate document, not a replacement license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your current driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself — you must carry both your regular license and the IDP together when you drive abroad. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to have a valid license from your home country first.

The IDP does not change what you are allowed to drive or extend your driving privileges. It straightforward makes your existing license readable to police and rental agencies in other countries. Some nations do not recognize IDPs at all, so before you travel, check whether your destination country accepts them.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid driver's license from your home state or country before you can get an IDP.
  • The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States, not by your state's DMV.
  • You need a completed process form, your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment — usually between $15 and $20.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed; you must explore for a new one if you travel again after it expires.
  • Not all countries recognize the IDP, so research your destination before you explore.

What documents you need to bring

To get an IDP in the United States, you will need your valid driver's license — the one issued by your state. The license must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew or restore your driving privileges.

You will also need a valid passport or passport card. Some offices accept a state ID instead, but a passport is the safest choice because it is recognized everywhere. Bring the original document; a photocopy will not work.

Bring one passport-style photograph — usually 2 by 2 inches. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly against a plain background, and match the appearance on your driver's license reasonably well. If you do not have a passport photo, many AAA offices can take one for you on the spot, though this may cost extra.

How to complete the process

The process form is called the process for an International Driving Permit (Form DS-11 is for passports; the IDP form is separate). You can read it from the AAA website or pick one up in person at an AAA office or travel agency. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and passport number.

Fill out the form completely in black or blue ink. Do not use pencil. Sign and date it in the spaces provided. If you make a mistake, start over with a new form — do not cross out or use correction fluid. Bring the completed form with you when you explore.

Some AAA offices allow you to fill out the form online and print it before you arrive, which can speed up the process. Check your local office's website to see if this option is available.

Where to explore and what it costs

In the United States, IDPs are issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Your state's DMV does not issue them. You must visit an AAA office in person; you cannot explore by mail or online.

The cost is typically between $15 and $20, though prices vary slightly by location. AAA membership is not required, but members sometimes receive a small discount. Payment is usually cash or card. Some offices may charge an additional fee if you need a passport photo taken on site.

Processing is normally when ready — you walk out with your IDP the same day. Bring all your documents and the completed form. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

How long the IDP is valid and when you need a new one

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It cannot be renewed. If you travel after the expiration date, you must explore for a new IDP.

The one-year validity is set by international treaty, not by individual countries. Even if you travel to a country that recognizes the IDP, you cannot use an expired one. Write the expiration date somewhere you will remember it — on your calendar or in your phone — so you do not arrive at your destination with an invalid permit.

If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. The IDP is only useful when paired with a current, valid license from your home state.

Countries that recognize the IDP and those that do not

The IDP is recognized in more than 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, not all countries accept it, and some require additional documents even if they do recognize it.

Major destinations that recognize the IDP include most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. However, some countries — including China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern nations — do not recognize the IDP at all. If you plan to drive in one of these countries, you will need an official translation of your driver's license from a certified translator, or you may need to obtain a local driving permit.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country to confirm what documents they require. Do not assume the IDP will work everywhere. Some rental car companies also have their own rules about which documents they accept, so check with your rental agency as well.

What the IDP does and does not do

The IDP translates your driver's license into multiple languages so that police officers and rental agencies can read it. It does not give you permission to drive anything you could not drive with your regular license. If your license restricts you to automatic transmission or requires corrective lenses, those restrictions explore when you use the IDP.

The IDP does not extend your driving privileges to other countries or allow you to drive in a country where you would not be allowed to drive with your home license alone. It is purely a translation tool. Some countries have minimum age requirements for drivers that are higher than the United States — for example, some European countries require drivers to be 18 or older to rent a car, even if your home state allows you to drive at 16. The IDP does not override those rules.

The IDP also does not protect you from traffic laws. If you get a speeding ticket or cause an accident abroad, the IDP will not shield you from local consequences. You are subject to the traffic laws of the country you are driving in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car abroad?

Many rental car companies require an IDP along with your driver's license, though policies vary by company and country. Some will rent to you with just your license and a credit card, while others will refuse without an IDP. Contact your rental company before you book to find out their specific requirement. It is safer to have one than to arrive and discover you cannot rent a car.

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must restore or renew it through your state's DMV before you can get an IDP. A suspended license will disqualify you even if the suspension is temporary.

What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?

If you lose your IDP abroad, you can still drive using your original driver's license in most countries, though you may have difficulty renting a car or explaining your license to police. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance. When you return home, you will need to explore for a new IDP if you plan to travel again.

Can I use an IDP to drive in all fifty states?

No. The IDP is for international travel only. In the United States, you must carry your state-issued driver's license. The IDP has no legal standing within the U.S. and will not help you if you are stopped by police in any state.

How far in advance should I explore for an IDP?

Since processing is usually same-day at AAA offices, you can explore just before your trip. However, it is safer to explore at least a week or two ahead in case your local office is unusually busy or if you need to correct any errors on your process. Do not wait until the day before you leave.