An International Driving Permit is a document you obtain from your home country, not from the country you're visiting

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your valid domestic driver's license into multiple languages. It does not replace your home license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP itself grants no driving privileges; it straightforward makes your existing license readable to police and rental companies in countries where your home language is not widely spoken.

The IDP is issued by your own country's transportation authority, not by the destination country. In the United States, 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 cannot obtain an IDP from a foreign embassy, consulate, or the country you plan to visit.

Most countries recognize IDPs issued under the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. However, some nations have their own requirements or do not recognize IDPs at all. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for your destination country, as some may require an IDP while others may require a certified translation of your license instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain your IDP from AAA or AATA in the United States before you leave — it cannot be obtained abroad or from a foreign government office.
  • Your valid U.S. driver's license is required to get an IDP; the permit is a translation document, not a replacement.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is typically valid for one or three years, depending on which organization issues it.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs and may require a certified English translation of your license instead, so verify your destination's rules before traveling.
  • You must carry both your domestic license and your IDP together — presenting only the IDP to police or rental agencies is not sufficient.

Documents and information you need before you explore

You will need your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. The license must be current; an expired license cannot be used to obtain an IDP. If your license is expired or will expire during your trip, renew it with your state DMV before explore for the permit.

You will also need proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. AAA and AATA accept a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). A state ID card alone is not sufficient. Bring the original document or a certified copy.

Have your current mailing address ready. The IDP is mailed to you, not issued in person at most locations. If you are moving before your trip, provide the address where you will receive mail during your travel period.

How to obtain an IDP from AAA

Visit an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license and proof of citizenship. AAA does not issue IDPs by mail or online. Bring two passport-style photos (2x2 inches) if you are explore for a three-year permit; a one-year permit does not require photos. You can have photos taken at most AAA offices for an additional fee if you do not have them ready.

Complete the process form at the office. The form is brief and asks for your name, address, license number, and travel destination. Processing takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay the fee at the time of process: $15 for a one-year IDP or $20 for a three-year IDP. AAA accepts cash, check, and card.

Your IDP will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. Plan ahead — do not wait until the day before your trip. If you need the permit urgently, ask the AAA office whether they can issue it the same day; some locations offer this service, but availability varies.

How to obtain an IDP from AATA

AATA issues IDPs by mail only. You cannot obtain one in person at an AATA office. Visit the AATA website, read the process form, and mail it with your documents to the address listed on the form.

Include your valid driver's license (a photocopy is acceptable), proof of citizenship (photocopy), two passport-style photos (2x2 inches), and a check or money order for $20. AATA does not accept credit cards by mail. Do not send cash.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date AATA receives your process. If you are explore close to your departure date, this timeline may not work. AATA does not offer expedited processing, so plan to mail your process at least three weeks before you travel.

Validity period and renewal

A one-year IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for three years. The validity period is printed on the front of the permit. Once it expires, the IDP is no longer valid, even if your domestic license is still current.

You cannot renew an IDP. When it expires, you must obtain a new one by submitting a new process. There is no discount or expedited process for renewals — you follow the same steps and pay the same fee as a first-time applicant.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot obtain a replacement abroad. Contact AAA or AATA from your destination to request a duplicate, but it will be mailed to your U.S. address, not to you overseas. For this reason, keep a photocopy of your IDP separate from the original, or photograph it and store the image securely online.

Countries that do not recognize IDPs

Some countries do not recognize the International Driving Permit and instead require a certified English translation of your domestic license. These include Australia, New Zealand, and several others. Some countries accept either an IDP or a certified translation.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to confirm what documents they require. Do not assume an IDP will be accepted everywhere. If a certified translation is required instead, you can obtain one from a certified translator in your state or from your state's DMV office — some DMVs provide this service for a fee.

Rental car companies sometimes have their own requirements that differ from the country's legal requirements. When you reserve a car, ask the rental company directly whether they accept an IDP or require a certified translation. Some companies require both documents.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume you can obtain an IDP at a foreign embassy or consulate. Only AAA and AATA in the United States are authorized to issue U.S. IDPs. Foreign government offices cannot issue them, and attempting to obtain one abroad will waste time.

Do not carry only the IDP without your domestic license. Police and rental companies expect to see both documents together. The IDP is a translation aid, not a standalone document. If you lose your domestic license while traveling, the IDP alone will not allow you to drive legally.

Do not wait until the week before your trip to explore. AAA can sometimes issue permits same-day, but AATA requires two to three weeks by mail. If you explore too late, you may not receive your IDP before you leave.

Do not assume your IDP is valid in every country. Some nations do not recognize it. Check your destination's requirements before you travel, and consider obtaining a certified translation as a backup if the country's rules are unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP without a valid driver's license?

No. Your domestic driver's license must be valid and unexpired. If your license is expired, you must renew it with your state DMV first. An IDP is a translation of your existing license, not a substitute for one.

Do I need an IDP if I'm only renting a car for a day or two?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental companies in English-speaking countries (Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia) do not require an IDP. However, companies in non-English-speaking countries often do. Check with your rental company before you book. If they do not require an IDP but police stop you, having one protects you.

What if my IDP expires while I'm still traveling?

Your IDP is no longer valid once it expires. If you are traveling for longer than your permit's validity period, you will need to obtain a new one before you leave the United States. You cannot renew or extend an IDP while abroad.

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit or a suspended license?

No. Your domestic license must be valid and in good standing. A learner's permit is not a full license, and a suspended license is not valid. You must have an active, unrestricted driver's license to obtain an IDP.

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

No. An IDP is not a license — it is a translation document. A foreign driver's license is issued by another country and allows you to drive in that country. An IDP is issued by your home country and straightforward translates your home license into multiple languages so it can be understood abroad.