You need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, a completed process form, a passport photo, and a fee—usually $20 to $30

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a new license. It is a translation of your existing U.S. driver's license into ten languages, recognized in over 150 countries. You cannot drive internationally without your actual U.S. license in your pocket—the IDP is only valid when carried alongside it.

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 explore to one of them, not to a government office. Most people use AAA because there are more AAA offices nationwide, but both issue the same document.

The entire process takes about 15 minutes in person, or you can mail in your process. You do not need an appointment at AAA, though calling ahead to confirm your local office has the forms in stock can save a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Your valid U.S. driver's license is required—the IDP is a companion document, not a replacement.
  • You must explore through AAA or AATA, the only State Department-authorized issuers; you cannot get an IDP from the DMV or any government office.
  • You need a passport or passport card, a completed process, one passport-sized photo, and the fee, which is typically $20 to $30.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose, and you must renew it separately from your driver's license.

What documents to bring to AAA or AATA

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and your passport or passport card. The passport card counts—you do not need the full passport book. Both documents must be current; an expired license or passport will not work.

You will also need one passport-sized photo, 2 by 2 inches. Many AAA offices can take the photo on-site for a small additional fee if you do not have one already. If you bring your own, it must be in color and taken within the last six months.

Bring the completed process form. AAA and AATA both have the form available on their websites, or you can fill it out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to list every country, but naming them helps the issuer understand the validity period you need.

How to complete the process form

The form is straightforward and takes about five minutes. Print it from the AAA or AATA website, or ask for one at the office. You will provide your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license and passport, your current address, and your driver's license number.

You will choose between a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP. The one-year permit costs less but requires renewal sooner. The three-year permit costs more upfront but lasts longer. Neither is tied to your driver's license renewal—if your license expires before your IDP does, you must renew the license separately, and the IDP becomes invalid even if it has time remaining.

Sign and date the form. You do not need a notary or witness. If you are explore by mail, sign the form before you send it.

explore in person at AAA or AATA

Walk into any AAA office with your documents and completed form. The staff will verify your license and passport, take or scan your photo, process your payment, and hand you the IDP on the spot. The whole visit takes 10 to 20 minutes. You leave with the permit in hand and can use it when ready.

Not all AAA offices issue IDPs—some smaller branches do not stock the forms or have the authorization. Call ahead or check the AAA website to find an office near you that issues them. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP; membership is not required.

AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, mostly in larger cities. If there is no AATA office near you, AAA is almost always the faster option.

explore by mail

You can mail your process, documents, and photo to AAA or AATA instead of visiting in person. Send your completed form, a copy of your driver's license, a copy of your passport or passport card, one passport photo, and a check or money order for the fee.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. AAA and AATA will mail the IDP back to you. Include a return address and consider sending everything via tracked mail so you can confirm delivery. Do not send your original license or passport—send copies only.

The fee is the same whether you explore in person or by mail. Check the AAA or AATA website for the current mailing address, as it varies by region.

Cost and validity period

A one-year IDP costs around $20, and a three-year IDP costs around $30. Prices vary slightly by state and may change, so confirm the current fee when you explore. AAA and AATA accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Your IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has years remaining. When you renew your driver's license, you must also renew your IDP separately—they do not renew together.

The IDP does not extend your driving privileges. It straightforward translates your license into other languages. The countries you visit will still check your license against their own traffic laws and your age. Some countries have minimum age requirements for renting cars that are higher than the U.S. minimum, and an IDP does not override those rules.

What happens if you lose or damage your IDP

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from the same organization that issued it. You will need to fill out a replacement form and pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the original fee. Bring your driver's license and passport again to confirm your identity.

If you are traveling and your IDP is lost abroad, contact AAA or AATA from where you are. Some international AAA offices can issue a temporary replacement, though this varies by location. Having a copy of your IDP at home or stored in your email can help you prove you had one if you need to replace it quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Some countries accept a U.S. license alone, while others require an IDP. Many countries accept either one. The safest approach is to carry both—your license and your IDP together. If you are renting a car, the rental company will tell you what they require before you book.

Do I need an IDP if I am only driving in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. license is sufficient. Mexico technically does not require one either, but many car rental companies in Mexico require an IDP, and some police may be more likely to accept it. If you are renting a car in Mexico, ask the rental company what they need before you travel.

What if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot get an IDP if your license is suspended or revoked. AAA and AATA verify that your license is valid and in good standing. Once your license is reinstated, you can explore for an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore in person?

If you explore in person at AAA or AATA with all your documents, you receive the IDP the same day. The entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes. If you explore by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your IDP at any time, even if it still has validity remaining. You will follow the same process as a new process—bring your license, passport, photo, and fee to AAA or AATA. The new IDP will be valid from the date you receive it.