An International Driver's Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a small booklet that translates your current U.S. driver's license into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It is not a separate license—it does not replace your U.S. license, and you cannot drive with only an IDP. You must carry both documents together when you drive outside the United States.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses as proof of driving authority. A police officer in France or Japan may not understand what your American license says or whether it is valid. The IDP solves this by presenting the same information in their language, making it clear to foreign authorities that you are a licensed driver in your home country.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)—the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and no other organization can legally issue one.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver's Permit is a translation booklet, not a license, and must be carried with your U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you cannot obtain one from your state DMV.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs and require an official translation of your U.S. license from a certified translator instead.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP—the IDP cannot be issued on its own.

Who issues an International Driver's Permit and how to get one

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. If you are a AAA member, you can obtain an IDP through AAA. If you are not a member, you can get one through AATA.

To get an IDP, you need to visit an AAA office in person or submit an process to AATA by mail. You will need to bring or send your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph. Some AAA locations allow you to explore online and pick up your IDP the same day, but policies vary by location.

The process typically takes a few minutes at AAA or one to two weeks by mail through AATA. The cost is usually between $15 and $20, depending on which organization issues it. AAA members may pay a slightly different fee than non-members.

How long an International Driver's Permit lasts

An International Driver's Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. After one year, it expires and is no longer recognized by foreign authorities. If you plan to drive internationally again after your IDP expires, you will need to obtain a new one.

Your IDP expires on a fixed date regardless of when you actually use it. If you get an IDP in March and do not travel until December, it will still expire the following March. Plan ahead if you know you will be driving abroad, because getting a new IDP takes time—either a same-day visit to AAA or one to two weeks by mail.

Which countries recognize an International Driver's Permit

Most countries in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East recognize IDPs issued by the United States. This includes popular driving destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. However, not every country accepts them, and acceptance can change.

Some countries recognize the IDP but also require additional documents, such as an official translation of your U.S. license from a certified translator, a vehicle registration document, or proof of insurance. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require only a certified translation of your U.S. license instead.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country or countries where you plan to drive. Contact the embassy or consulate of each country, or check their official government website. Do not assume that because one country accepts an IDP, all countries do.

What an International Driver's Permit does and does not do

An IDP translates your license information but does not change your driving rights. It does not extend the validity of your U.S. license, upgrade your license class, or allow you to drive vehicles you are not licensed to drive at home. If your U.S. license is suspended or expired, an IDP cannot be issued and will not help you drive legally.

An IDP also does not serve as identification for non-driving purposes. You cannot use it to board a plane, enter a country, or prove your age at a bar or restaurant. For those purposes, you need your passport or other official identification.

If you are stopped by police while driving abroad, the officer will check both your U.S. license and your IDP together. The IDP is proof that your U.S. license is valid and recognized in your home country. Without it, a foreign officer may not understand your U.S. license or may assume it is not legitimate.

International Driver's Permit versus certified translation

A certified translation is a document-by-document translation of your U.S. driver's license prepared by a professional translator who is certified or notarized. Some countries accept certified translations instead of or in addition to an IDP.

The main difference is that an IDP is issued by an authorized U.S. organization and is recognized internationally by agreement between countries. A certified translation is a private document prepared for a specific country and may not be recognized elsewhere. An IDP is faster and cheaper to obtain, while a certified translation takes longer and costs more but may be required by certain countries.

Many travelers carry both an IDP and a certified translation to cover all possibilities. Check the requirements for each country you plan to visit. Some countries list both as acceptable; others require one or the other.

What to do if your International Driver's Permit is lost or damaged

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you can request a replacement from AAA or AATA when you return to the United States. You will need to provide your U.S. driver's license and a new process, and you will pay the standard fee again.

If you lose your IDP while abroad and still have time left on your trip, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They can sometimes provide guidance on whether you can continue driving with only your U.S. license, though this varies by country and local law. Do not assume you can drive legally without your IDP if a country requires it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just an International Driver's Permit and no U.S. license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your U.S. license and is not valid on its own. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving outside the United States. If you are stopped by police, you will need to show both documents.

Do I need an International Driver's Permit to rent a car in Europe or Asia?

Many car rental companies require an IDP in addition to your U.S. license, especially in Europe and Asia. Some companies will rent to you with only a U.S. license, but others will not. Check with the specific rental company before you book. Having an IDP removes any doubt and makes the rental process faster.

How much does an International Driver's Permit cost?

An IDP typically costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you get it from AAA or AATA and whether you are a AAA member. Some AAA locations may charge slightly more. The fee is a one-time cost for a one-year permit.

Can I get an International Driver's Permit if my U.S. license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired to obtain an IDP. If your license is expired, you must renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then explore for an IDP.

What if a country does not recognize International Driver's Permits?

A few countries do not recognize IDPs and require a certified translation of your U.S. license instead. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country on its official government website or by contacting its embassy. If a country does not accept IDPs, you will need to arrange a certified translation before you go.