What You Need to Get an International Driver's License (IDP)

If you're planning to drive abroad, you've likely encountered the phrase "international driver's license" — and possibly some confusion about what it actually is, who issues it, and what you need to get one. The term itself is a common source of misunderstanding, so it's worth starting with what this document actually is before getting into requirements.

What an "International Driver's License" Actually Is

There is no globally issued "international driver's license" in the legal sense. What most people are referring to is an International Driving Permit (IDP) — a standardized translation document that accompanies your valid domestic driver's license. It doesn't replace your license. It exists so that traffic authorities in foreign countries can read your credentials in their own language.

An IDP is recognized in more than 150 countries and is based on international road traffic conventions. It typically contains your name, photo, and license information translated into multiple languages. Without your underlying domestic license, it has no legal standing.

Who Issues IDPs in the United States

In the U.S., IDPs are issued by two private organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No government agency issues them directly — not the DMV, not the State Department, not a foreign embassy.

⚠️ This is an important distinction. If a website claims to issue a "certified international driver's license" on behalf of any government body for a significant fee, that's a red flag. Legitimate IDPs from the U.S. are issued only through the two organizations above.

What You Generally Need to Apply

The requirements for obtaining a U.S.-issued IDP are relatively consistent, since issuance goes through those two authorized organizations rather than varying by state DMV. That said, your underlying driver's license must be valid, and that's where state-level factors come in.

Typical IDP application requirements include:

The IDP itself is typically valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one when it expires.

Why Your Domestic License Still Matters

Your U.S. driver's license is the legal foundation. The IDP is only as valid as the license it accompanies. This means:

• If your license is suspended or revoked, an IDP issued on that license has no legal standing abroad
• If your license expires while you're traveling, your IDP becomes invalid
• If your license is restricted (for example, to specific vehicle classes or daylight-only driving), those restrictions may still apply, depending on the country

The class of your U.S. license matters too. An IDP based on a standard Class D license will reflect that. If you're planning to drive a commercial vehicle, motorcycle, or larger vehicle abroad, the license class and any endorsements on your domestic license become relevant — as does the destination country's rules about what foreign permit holders may operate.

How the Country You're Visiting Factors In 🌍

Not every country treats the IDP the same way. Some countries require one. Some accept a valid U.S. license alone. Some have bilateral agreements with the U.S. that affect what documentation is required. A handful of countries don't recognize IDPs at all or have their own permit process for foreign drivers.

Before traveling, the documentation requirements of the specific country you're visiting are just as important as the IDP itself. Those requirements are set by foreign governments, not by U.S. DMVs or the State Department.

What Doesn't Qualify You for an IDP

A few situations that affect IDP eligibility or usefulness:

• Learner's permits issued by state DMVs are generally not accepted as the basis for an IDP — most issuing organizations require a full, unrestricted license
• Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) can serve as the basis for an IDP, but the permit itself will reflect the license class
• Recently issued or newly transferred licenses are generally fine, as long as they're valid and not provisional in a way that limits full driving privileges

The Variables That Shape Your Specific Situation

While the IDP application process is more standardized than most DMV procedures, several factors still determine what applies to you:

• Your state's license class and any active restrictions
• Whether your license is currently valid and in good standing
• Your age (applicants under 18 are generally ineligible)
• The country or countries you plan to drive in
• How long you'll be abroad (an IDP lasts one year; long-term stays may require a local license in some countries)
• Whether you need a motorcycle or commercial endorsement reflected in your IDP

A valid domestic license is the starting point — but what that license allows you to do, in which country, under which conditions, is where the general framework stops and your individual situation begins.