An International Driving Permit is a document, not a license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license — you must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. The IDP tells police and rental companies in other countries what your license says, in a format they recognize.

You get an IDP from an authorized issuer in your home country, not from an international body. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot get one online or by mail from a third-party website, and you cannot get one from a foreign country's embassy or consulate.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which form you request. It expires on a fixed date, not based on when your home license expires. If your home license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you need both documents to be current.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP; the IDP is a translation document, not a replacement.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs, and you must explore in person at a local office with your license and passport.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes effect when ready, so you can get one the same day you explore.
  • You need your valid home license, a valid passport, and one passport-sized photo to complete an IDP process.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years and expires on a set date; if your home license expires first, the IDP becomes invalid even if its expiration date has not passed.

Documents you need to bring to the issuer

Bring your valid driver's license — the one issued by your state or country. It must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP.

Bring a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID. The issuer uses this to verify your identity. A state ID card, military ID, or passport card will work; a driver's license alone is not enough for this step.

Bring one passport-sized photo — 2 by 2 inches. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color or black and white, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get passport photos taken at AAA offices, post offices, pharmacies, and photo studios. The cost is usually $10 to $15 for a set of four photos.

Bring the completed process form. AAA and AATA both provide forms on their websites. You can fill it out at home and bring it with you, or fill it out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit.

How to find an authorized issuer near you

If you are in the United States, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest AAA branch. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs, so search specifically for "IDP" or call ahead to confirm. AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, but members may receive a small discount.

If there is no AAA office near you, contact AATA directly. AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, but you can find their authorized agents on their website. AATA also accepts mail-in applications, though processing takes longer than in-person service.

If you are outside the United States, contact your country's automobile association or the equivalent government body. Each country has its own authorized issuer. For example, in Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs; in the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) issues them. Your home country's embassy website usually lists the authorized issuer.

Cost and how long it takes

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 in the United States, depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. AAA and AATA both charge similar rates. The cost varies by country outside the United States.

If you explore in person, your IDP is issued the same day. You walk out with the document in hand. If you mail in your process through AATA, processing usually takes one to two weeks, plus mail time in both directions.

Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at most offices. Confirm the payment methods accepted at your local issuer before you go.

What your IDP looks like and how to use it

An IDP is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. The cover shows your photo, name, and license number. Inside are pages in ten languages — English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish — each repeating the key information from your home license: your name, date of birth, license number, the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive, and any restrictions.

When you rent a car abroad, the rental company will ask to see both your home license and your IDP. Some companies may accept only the IDP as proof of your right to drive, but this is rare — most want to see both. Police in other countries may also ask for both documents if you are stopped.

The IDP does not give you any driving rights you do not already have. It only translates what your home license says. If your home license does not permit you to drive a motorcycle, your IDP will not permit it either. If your home license has restrictions — such as corrective lenses required — those restrictions appear in the IDP as well.

When you cannot get an IDP

You cannot get an IDP if your home license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You must renew your home license first. If your license was suspended or revoked due to a traffic violation or DUI, you must complete any required waiting period or remedial course before you can renew it.

You cannot get an IDP if you do not have a valid passport or government-issued photo ID. Some countries do not issue passports to all citizens, or may have restrictions on who can travel. If you cannot obtain a passport, you cannot get an IDP.

You cannot get an IDP from a website or third-party service that claims to issue them online. These services are not authorized by any government and will not produce a valid document. Scams offering "when ready" or "online" IDPs are common; the only way to get a legitimate IDP is through an authorized issuer in your home country.

IDP validity and what happens when it expires

An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue. You choose which term when you explore. A one-year IDP costs less but expires sooner; a three-year IDP costs slightly more but lasts longer. Neither term is tied to your home license's expiration date.

Your IDP becomes invalid if either of these happens: your home license expires, or your IDP's expiration date passes. If your home license expires in two years but you buy a three-year IDP, the IDP becomes worthless in two years when your license expires. You cannot drive legally with an expired home license, even if your IDP is still valid.

If you plan to drive abroad for more than a year, buy the three-year IDP and renew your home license before it expires. If you are unsure how long you will be driving abroad, the one-year IDP is a safer choice — you can always get another one later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in every country?

No. Some countries recognize your home license without an IDP, while others require one. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for each country you plan to visit. Your rental car company can tell you what documents they require. Generally, an IDP is most useful in countries where English is not widely spoken or where police are unfamiliar with foreign licenses.

Can I get an IDP if my home license is from another country?

Yes, but you must get it from an authorized issuer in that country, not in the United States. If you hold a Canadian license, you get an IDP from the CAA in Canada. If you hold a UK license, you get one from the AA in the UK. You cannot get a U.S.-issued IDP unless you hold a U.S. driver's license.

What if I lose my IDP while I am abroad?

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can issue a temporary document that may allow you to drive or rent a car until you return home. You can also contact the authorized issuer in your home country by phone or email to report the loss. Keep a photo or scan of your IDP on your phone as backup.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries that allows you to drive in other countries without carrying your home license. An IDP is a translation document that you carry alongside your home license. The United States does not issue international licenses — only IDPs. If another country issues you an international license, you still need your home license to drive legally.

Can I renew my IDP by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at an authorized issuer's office, or mail your process to AATA if there is no office near you. You cannot renew an IDP online, and you cannot get one from a third-party website. When your IDP expires, you must start the process process over from the beginning.