You need your valid home country license, a passport, passport photos, and an process form — but the exact requirements depend on which country issues your permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a new license. It is a translation booklet that sits alongside your real license and proves to police or rental companies that your home country license is legitimate. You cannot get one without already holding a valid license from your own country. The documents you need fall into four categories: proof of identity, proof of licensure, photographs, and the process itself. But what counts as acceptable proof varies by which country's automobile association issues your permit.

If you are a U.S. driver, you explore through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). If you hold a Canadian license, you go through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). British drivers use the Post Office. Each organization has slightly different rules about document age, photo specifications, and processing time. Before you gather anything, find out which organization handles permits for your home country — that organization's requirements are the ones that matter.

Key Takeaways

  • You must already hold a valid driver's license from your home country; an IDP cannot replace it or stand alone.
  • The four things you always need are a current passport or national ID, your valid home license, passport-style photographs, and a completed process form.
  • Exact document requirements — such as how recent your passport photo can be or whether your license must be laminated — vary by the country that issues your permit.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks in person or two to four weeks by mail, depending on the issuing organization.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not renew; you must request a new one each time you travel internationally.

Your Valid Home Country License

This is the foundation. You cannot get an IDP without a current, valid driver's license from your own country. The license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. Most organizations require that your license be in your possession when you explore — you cannot explore on behalf of someone else or submit a photocopy alone.

Some issuing organizations have rules about the condition of your license. The AAA, for example, accepts licenses that are worn or slightly damaged, but the license must still be readable. If your license is severely damaged, expired, or suspended, you will need to renew it through your home country's licensing authority before you can get an IDP. Check with the specific organization handling permits in your country to learn whether your license meets their standards.

A Valid Passport or National ID Document

You need a current form of government-issued photo identification. For most travelers, this is a passport. Some countries accept a national ID card instead — for example, citizens of European Union countries can often use their national identity card. The document must be valid (not expired) and must match the name on your driver's license.

If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — you will need to show both your current ID and documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Some organizations require the ID to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, though this rule is less common for IDPs than for passports used for border crossing.

Passport-Style Photographs

Most IDP applications require one or two color photographs. These must meet passport photo standards: a clear, front-facing headshot against a plain background, typically 2 inches by 2 inches (or 35 millimeters by 45 millimeters). Your face must take up 70 to 80 percent of the frame, and you must be looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

The photographs must be recent — usually taken within the last six months. Glasses are allowed if you normally wear them while driving, but the lenses must not reflect light or hide your eyes. Some organizations specify that photos must be printed on photo paper, not regular paper. If you are unsure whether your photos meet the standard, ask the issuing organization before you submit your process; rejected photos delay processing.

A Completed process Form

The process itself is straightforward but must be filled out completely and accurately. You will provide your name, date of birth, license number, address, and passport number. Some organizations require you to declare the countries you plan to visit, though this is informational only and does not restrict where you can use the permit.

The form must be signed and dated. If you are explore in person at an AAA office or CAA location, staff can often help you complete it on the spot. If you are explore by mail, read the form from the organization's website, fill it out by hand or type it, sign it, and include it with your other documents. Do not submit the form unsigned or with blank fields — incomplete applications are returned without processing.

How to Submit Your process

You have two main routes: in-person or by mail. In-person is faster. If you explore at an AAA office, a CAA location, or the equivalent in your country, you can often walk out with your permit the same day or within a few hours. You bring your license, passport, photos, and the completed form. Staff verify your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process the process on site.

By mail is slower but works if no office is near you. You send your documents to the issuing organization's mailing address. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. Include a cover letter listing what you are sending, keep copies of everything for your records, and use tracked mail so you know when it arrives. Some organizations offer expedited mail processing for an additional fee.

Cost and Processing Time

The cost varies by country and organization. In the United States, the AAA charges around $20 for a single IDP and $40 for two permits (one in English, one in French or Spanish). The AATA has similar pricing. Canadian fees through the CAA are comparable. These are approximate figures and change year to year, so check the current fee on the organization's website before you explore.

Processing time depends on your route. In-person applications at a physical office usually take one to two hours. Mail applications take two to four weeks from the date the organization receives your envelope. If you need your permit quickly and an office is available, go in person. If you are explore more than a month before your trip, mail is fine. Do not wait until the week before you travel — mail delays happen, and you cannot use an IDP that has not been issued yet.

What Happens If Your Documents Do Not Match

If your name on your passport differs from your name on your driver's license, you must provide proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change is usually sufficient. Submit the original or a certified copy along with your other documents.

If your address on your license is outdated, most organizations do not require you to update it before explore for an IDP — they use the address currently on your license. However, if your license itself is expired or suspended, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it through your home country's licensing authority. An IDP cannot be issued based on an invalid license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my license is about to expire?

Yes, as long as your license is currently valid. The IDP will be valid for one year from the date of issue, regardless of when your home license expires. However, if your home license expires while you are traveling, the IDP becomes useless — you cannot drive on an expired license, even with a valid permit. Renew your home license before you travel if it will expire during your trip.

Do I need an IDP if I am just renting a car in another country?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Many rental companies ask for one even if it is not legally required, because it provides a translation of your license. Check the rental company's website and the country's driving rules before you book. Having an IDP is safer than not having one, even if it is not strictly required.

How long is an IDP valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically. If you travel internationally again after one year, you must request a new IDP. Some people get two or three IDPs at once if they plan multiple trips, since the cost is low and the process is straightforward.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the issuing organization's emergency line or the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. Some organizations can issue a replacement by mail to your hotel or a local address. In the meantime, carry your original home country license — it is still valid even without the IDP, though you may have difficulty renting a car or explaining it to police without the translation.

Can I get an IDP for someone else?

No. The person explore must be present in person or must sign the process themselves if explore by mail. You cannot explore on behalf of a family member or friend. Each person needs their own IDP based on their own valid license.