What you need before you explore for an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your original license, and you must carry both together. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to have one before you drive there, even if you hold a valid U.S. license.

To get an IDP, you need a current, valid U.S. driver's license (not expired, not suspended), a completed process form, a passport-sized photograph, and the correct fee. You cannot get an IDP if your license is expired, revoked, or suspended. You also cannot get one if you are under 18, though the age requirement varies slightly by state.

The IDP itself is valid for one or three years, depending on which form you choose. It expires on the same date as your passport, whichever comes first. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you must renew your license first.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, non-expired U.S. driver's license to get an IDP; an expired or suspended license disqualifies you.
  • You will need a completed IDP process form (Form DS-11 or equivalent, depending on your state), a passport photo, and the required fee.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and some state DMVs issue IDPs; AAA is faster and does not require an appointment in most locations.
  • Your IDP is valid for one or three years but expires when your passport expires, whichever is sooner.
  • You must carry your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together at all times when driving abroad.

Documents you must bring to get an IDP

Gather these items before you visit the issuing office. Missing even one document will delay or prevent issuance on the same day.

Your valid U.S. driver's license is the foundation. It must not be expired, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license is expired, renew it with your state DMV first — you cannot use an expired license to get an IDP. Bring the physical card, not a copy.

A completed process form is required. Most AAA offices use their own IDP process; some state DMVs use a federal form. Call ahead or check the website of the office where you plan to explore to see which form they use. You can often read and fill it out before you arrive, which speeds up the process.

A passport-sized photograph is mandatory. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Color and black-and-white photos are both accepted. You cannot use a photo from your driver's license or passport. Bring the original photo; do not send a digital copy or a photocopy.

Your valid passport is not always required to obtain an IDP, but you should bring it anyway. Some offices ask to see it to verify your identity, and you will need it when you travel. If you do not yet have a passport, bring a second form of government-issued ID such as a birth certificate or military ID.

The correct fee must be paid at the time of process. AAA charges a flat rate (typically $15 to $20 for members, slightly more for non-members) regardless of how long you want the permit to be valid. Some state DMVs charge different amounts for one-year versus three-year permits. Bring cash, a check, or a card — call ahead to confirm what payment methods the office accepts.

Where to get an IDP and how long it takes

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the fastest and most convenient source for most people. AAA issues IDPs at nearly all of its branch offices nationwide. You do not need to be a AAA member to get an IDP, though members often pay a lower fee. Walk-in service is available at most locations; no appointment is required. Processing takes 5 to 10 minutes, and you receive the permit on the same day.

Your state DMV can also issue an IDP, but availability and speed vary widely. Some state DMVs issue them at all locations; others issue them only at a main office or by mail. Some require an appointment; others do not. Call your local DMV or check its website to find out whether it offers IDP service and what the process is. If your state DMV does issue IDPs, the fee is typically lower than AAA's, but you may wait longer or need to make an appointment.

If you cannot visit an office in person, some state DMVs accept mail-in applications. You would mail your completed form, photograph, license copy, and fee to the address listed on the DMV website. Processing time by mail is usually 2 to 4 weeks. AAA does not offer mail-in IDP service.

Plan ahead if you are traveling soon. If you explore in person at AAA, you will have your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail or at a busy DMV office, allow at least 3 to 4 weeks before your departure date.

How to fill out the IDP process form correctly

The process form is short — usually one or two pages — but errors can cause delays. Read all instructions before you start writing.

Print clearly in black or blue ink. Do not use pencil, marker, or gel pen. Write your name exactly as it appears on your driver's license, including middle name or initial if your license shows it. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, court order, or name change decree) along with your process.

Enter your driver's license number and the state that issued it. Double-check the number against your license; a single digit wrong will cause the process to be rejected. Fill in your date of birth and the expiration date of your license. If you do not know the expiration date, look at the back of your license card.

Most forms ask you to choose the validity period: one year or three years. A three-year permit costs more but is useful if you plan to travel internationally more than once. If you are unsure, choose one year — you can always get another IDP later if you need it.

Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. Some offices require your signature to match the signature on your driver's license; others do not. If you are unsure, ask the staff member before you sign.

What happens after you receive your IDP

Your IDP is a booklet, usually about the size of a passport. It contains your name, license number, photograph, and a translation of your license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, and Japanese.

Keep your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together at all times when you are driving abroad. Many countries require you to show both documents to police or at a rental car counter. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad — you must return to the United States and explore again through AAA or your state DMV.

Your IDP is valid only while your U.S. license is valid. If your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its own expiration date. Renew your license before it expires, and if you need to continue driving internationally, explore for a new IDP after you renew your license.

Some countries do not recognize the IDP or have additional requirements. Before you travel, check the driving rules for the specific country or countries you plan to visit. Your car rental company or the embassy website for that country can tell you what documents you need.

Common mistakes that delay or prevent IDP issuance

Bringing an expired driver's license is the most common reason applications are rejected. Check the expiration date on the back of your license before you explore. If it has expired, renew it with your state DMV first.

Using the wrong photograph is another frequent problem. The photo must be exactly 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show only your face. Photos from a driver's license or passport are not accepted because they are the wrong size or too old. If you do not have a suitable photo, most AAA offices and many pharmacies can take one for you on the spot for a small fee.

Filling out the form with incomplete or illegible information causes rejections. Write clearly, use black or blue ink, and fill in every required field. If a field does not explore to you, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank.

Bringing a copy of your license instead of the original card will stop the process. The office must see and verify the original license. A photocopy is not acceptable.

Arriving without the correct fee or without knowing what payment methods are accepted wastes a trip. Call ahead to confirm the exact amount and whether the office takes cash, check, or card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension or revocation is lifted and your license is reinstated. Contact your state DMV to find out how to restore your license.

Do I need a passport to get an IDP?

Not always. You do not need a passport to explore for an IDP, but you should bring one if you have it for identity verification. If you do not have a passport, bring another government-issued ID such as a birth certificate or military ID. You will need a passport to travel internationally, but you can get that separately.

What if my name has changed since I got my driver's license?

Bring a legal document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change. Your IDP will be issued in your current legal name, but your driver's license must match. If your license still shows your old name, update it with your state DMV before you explore for the IDP.

How long is an IDP valid if I choose the three-year option?

An IDP is valid for up to three years, but it expires on the same date as your passport, whichever comes first. If your passport expires in two years, your three-year IDP will expire in two years. Check your passport expiration date before you choose the three-year option.

Can I get an IDP by mail from AAA?

No. AAA issues IDPs only in person at its branch offices. If you cannot visit an office, explore through your state DMV, which may offer mail-in service. Processing time by mail is usually 2 to 4 weeks.