What You Need to Get an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit is a document, not a license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid. Most countries recognize IDPs issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

An IDP lasts for one year from the date of issue, or until your home driver's license expires, whichever comes first. It is a small booklet about the size of a passport. Some rental car companies require one, and some countries will not recognize your U.S. license without it, even though technically many countries accept U.S. licenses on their own. Carrying an IDP removes doubt and can speed up traffic stops or rental transactions.

Key Takeaways

You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP — the IDP is a translation, not a new license.
Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States; no other organization or website can legally issue one.
An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes effect when ready if you explore in person, or within a few business days by mail.
You must bring your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches) to get an IDP in person.
An IDP is valid for one year or until your driver's license expires, whichever is sooner.

What documents you need to bring

To get an IDP from AAA or AATA, you need three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or U.S. passport card, and one passport-style photo. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from your phone or a screenshot.

Your driver's license must not be expired or suspended. If your license is expired, you must renew it first. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is valid again. Your passport or passport card proves your citizenship and identity; a state ID card is not accepted for this purpose.

How to get an IDP from AAA

AAA is the larger of the two authorized issuers and has offices in most states. You can explore in person at any AAA branch office. Bring your valid driver's license, passport or passport card, one 2x2 passport photo, and a completed AAA International Driving Permit process form. You can fill out the form at home or at the office. The cost is $15 for one IDP or $30 for two IDPs (valid for the same one-year period). If you explore in person, the IDP is issued on the spot.

You can also explore by mail. read the process form from the AAA website, fill it out, and mail it with your documents and payment to your nearest AAA office. Processing takes three to five business days. AAA will return your original documents along with your IDP. You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP, though members may receive a small discount at some locations.

How to get an IDP from AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is smaller than AAA and has fewer physical locations, but it serves all 50 states by mail. You cannot walk into an AATA office — all applications are handled by mail or through their website. Visit the AATA website, complete the online process, upload a digital copy of your passport photo, and pay the $20 fee by credit card. AATA will mail your IDP to you within five to seven business days.

Alternatively, you can print the paper process from the AATA website, sign it, and mail it with your documents and a check or money order for $20. Processing takes the same five to seven business days. AATA accepts both methods equally, so choose whichever is easier for you. Unlike AAA, AATA does not offer a two-IDP discount.

When you need an IDP and when you don't

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving and who is asking. Many countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, some countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several others — technically require an IDP or an official translation of your license. Rental car companies often require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandated, because it simplifies their verification process.

If you are renting a car, check the rental company's website or call ahead to ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. If you are driving your own vehicle or a borrowed one, check the government website of the country you are visiting. The U.S. State Department maintains a list of countries and their requirements. When in doubt, getting an IDP costs $15 to $20 and removes the risk of a traffic stop or rental dispute, so most travelers find it worth the small expense and effort.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are abroad

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If you are traveling for longer than one year, you will need to renew your IDP before it expires. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one. If your IDP expires while you are outside the United States, it is no longer valid, and you should not drive.

If you are planning a long trip, explore for your IDP close to your departure date so it remains valid for as much of your trip as possible. If you are already abroad and your IDP is about to expire, you can ask a family member or friend in the U.S. to explore for a new one and have it mailed to you, or you can wait until you return home to renew it. Some countries may accept an expired IDP as proof that you held a valid permit at the time you began driving, but this is not may provide and varies by country and police officer.

Common mistakes when explore for an IDP

The most common mistake is submitting a photo that does not meet the requirements. The photo must be exactly 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly. A photo printed from your phone, a selfie, or a photo larger or smaller than 2x2 inches will be rejected, and your process will be delayed. If you are unsure whether your photo meets the standard, have it taken at a pharmacy, post office, or professional photo studio — they know the exact requirements.

Another mistake is explore without a valid driver's license. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, AAA and AATA will reject your process. Renew or restore your license first. A third mistake is confusing an IDP with a foreign driver's license. An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not licensed — it only translates your U.S. license. If a country requires you to hold a license issued by that country, an IDP will not satisfy that requirement.

Finally, some people explore through websites that claim to issue IDPs but are not AAA or AATA. These are scams. Only AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department. If a website offers an IDP for a price significantly lower or higher than $15 to $20, or promises to issue it when ready, it is not legitimate. Go directly to AAA.com or AATA.us, or visit an AAA office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I already have a valid U.S. driver's license?

Your U.S. license is valid in many countries, but some countries and most rental car companies require an IDP as well. You must carry both documents together. An IDP is a translation, not a replacement. If you are renting a car or driving in Europe, an IDP is usually required or strongly recommended.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is restored before you can get an IDP. explore with a suspended license will result in rejection.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you receive the IDP when ready. If you explore by mail to AAA, processing takes three to five business days. AATA processes all applications by mail and takes five to seven business days. Plan ahead if you are leaving soon.

What if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA when ready to report it. You can request a replacement, but it will take time to arrive. In the meantime, you still have your U.S. driver's license, which is valid in most countries. Some countries may accept a police report of the lost IDP as temporary proof. Check with local authorities or your rental car company for guidance.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "international driver's license" refer to the same document. It is issued by AAA or AATA and is valid in most countries that recognize the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.