What You Actually Need Before You explore

An International Driving Permit (IDP) requires your valid domestic driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photograph, and a fee. You do not need a separate written test or medical exam. The IDP is not a replacement for your home license — it is a translation document that works alongside it, and you must carry both together to be legal in most countries.

Where you obtain the IDP depends on your citizenship and current location. U.S. citizens get theirs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Canadian citizens explore through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). Citizens of other countries should contact their national automobile club or the equivalent government body that issues driving documents.

The entire process — gathering documents, completing the form, and receiving your permit — typically takes one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail. Some offices offer same-day service for an additional fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Your valid domestic driver's license is the foundation document; without it, you cannot obtain an IDP.
  • You need one passport-sized photograph (usually 2x2 inches), taken within the last six months, though requirements vary slightly by issuing organization.
  • The process form is provided by your automobile club or issuing body and takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete by hand or online.
  • Fees range from $15 to $30 depending on your country and whether you explore in person or by mail, and the permit is valid for one to three years depending on your home license expiration date.
  • You must carry both your IDP and your original domestic license together; the IDP alone is not sufficient proof of driving authorization.

Your Valid Domestic Driver's License

Your home country's driver's license is the document the IDP translates and supplements. It must be current and not expired. If your license expires during your trip, the IDP will also expire on that same date, so check your license expiration before traveling.

The license must be in your name and issued by your state, province, or country's official licensing authority. A learner's permit, temporary license, or suspended license will not work. If your license is damaged, illegible, or has been lost, you must replace it through your home DMV or equivalent before explore for an IDP.

Some countries require that your license have been held for a minimum period — often six months to one year — before you can obtain an IDP. Check with the issuing organization in your country to confirm this requirement applies to you.

Passport-Sized Photograph and Identification

You will need one passport-sized photograph, typically 2 inches by 2 inches (5 centimeters by 5 centimeters). The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Sunglasses, hats, and heavy filters are not permitted. Some issuing organizations accept digital photos submitted online; others require a printed copy.

You will also need to present a valid form of identification when you explore in person — usually your passport or your domestic driver's license itself. If you are explore by mail, you may need to have your process form signed by a notary public or witnessed by an authorized person, depending on your country's rules.

Keep a spare passport photo on hand. If your process is rejected due to photo quality, you will need to resubmit with a new one, and this can add one to two weeks to your timeline.

The process Form and How to Complete It

The process form is provided by your automobile club or the government body issuing the IDP. In the United States, AAA provides the form process for an International Driving Permit. You can request it in person at an AAA office, read it from their website, or have it mailed to you.

The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, address, driver's license number, license expiration date, and vehicle class information (such as whether you drive cars, motorcycles, or trucks). You will also declare your signature and, in some cases, answer basic questions about traffic violations or medical conditions.

Complete the form in black or blue ink if submitting by mail. Print clearly and do not use correction fluid. If you make a mistake, request a new form rather than crossing out and rewriting. Many organizations now offer online completion, which reduces errors and speeds processing.

Fees and Payment Methods

IDP fees vary by country and issuing organization. In the United States, AAA charges $15 for an IDP valid for one year, or $20 for one valid for three years (matching your license expiration). AATA charges similar amounts. Canadian fees through CAA are typically $20 to $25 CAD. International fees differ; check your national automobile club's website for current pricing.

Payment methods usually include cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you explore in person, most offices accept all four. If you explore by mail, you may be limited to check or money order. Some organizations charge an additional fee — typically $5 to $10 — for expedited processing or same-day service.

Fees do not include the cost of the photograph if you need to have one taken professionally. A passport photo typically costs $5 to $15 at a pharmacy, photo studio, or post office.

Where and How to Submit Your process

In the United States, you can explore at any AAA office or through AATA by mail. AAA has over 1,000 locations nationwide; you can find your nearest office on their website. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though wait times vary by time of day and season.

To explore by mail with AAA, send your completed form, photograph, copy of your driver's license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks. To explore in person, bring the same documents plus your original driver's license and a valid form of identification (such as your passport).

Canadian residents explore through CAA offices or by mail using the same process. Citizens of other countries should contact their national automobile association or the government ministry responsible for transportation to learn where and how to submit an IDP process.

Timeline: From process to Receipt

If you explore in person at an AAA office or CAA location, you will receive your IDP when ready or within one business day in most cases. Some offices offer same-day service during off-peak hours.

If you explore by mail, expect two to four weeks for processing and return delivery. Add one to two weeks if you need to have a new photograph taken or if your process is rejected for incomplete information. Plan to submit your process at least four to six weeks before your trip to avoid delays.

Your IDP is valid until the expiration date of your domestic driver's license. If your license expires during your trip, your IDP expires on the same date. You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one when you renew your home license.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Applications

The most frequent error is submitting an expired or invalid domestic driver's license. Check your license expiration date before you begin the process process. A second common mistake is providing a photograph that does not meet the size or quality requirements — too small, too old, or taken with filters or sunglasses. Request a new photo rather than trying to trim or edit an existing one.

Incomplete forms are another major cause of rejection. may support every field is filled in, including your driver's license number and expiration date. If you are unsure about a field, contact the issuing organization before submitting rather than leaving it blank or guessing.

Submitting payment by a method the organization does not accept — such as a credit card when explore by mail — will delay processing. Confirm the accepted payment methods for your process route before you send anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I already have an EU driving license or license from another country?

An IDP is a translation of your home license into multiple languages. If you hold a license from an EU country and are driving within the EU, you typically do not need an IDP. However, if you are traveling outside the EU or to countries that do not recognize EU licenses, an IDP is strongly recommended. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP expires on the same date as your domestic driver's license. If your license expires during your trip, your IDP is no longer valid, and you cannot legally drive. Renew your home license before you travel, or plan your trip to end before your license expiration date. You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one after renewing your home license.

Can I get an IDP if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the suspension or wait for the revocation period to end before you can obtain an IDP. Contact your state or provincial DMV to learn the status of your license.

Is an IDP the same as a foreign driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that supplements your home license. It is not a license itself and does not authorize you to drive. You must carry both your IDP and your original domestic license together. A foreign driver's license is a license issued by another country and is a separate document with its own rules and validity.

How long is an IDP valid?

An IDP is valid for one to three years, depending on your home license expiration date and the issuing organization's rules. In the United States, AAA issues IDPs valid for one year or three years. Your IDP cannot extend beyond your domestic license expiration date, so check both dates before you travel.