An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home license into ten languages
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a booklet that translates your current driver's license into ten languages — English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. It exists so police officers and car rental companies in other countries can read your name, address, license number, and driving record without needing a translator.
You can only get an IDP if you already hold a valid driver's license from your home country. The permit is issued by your home country's automobile association, not by the country you plan to visit. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two official issuing organizations.
An IDP is valid for one or two years, depending on which version you request. It does not replace your home license — you must carry both documents when you drive abroad. Many countries will not recognize an IDP without the original license it was issued to accompany.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's automobile association and translates your existing driver's license into ten languages.
- You must already hold a valid driver's license from your home country before you can request an IDP.
- In the United States, AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs.
- You must carry both your original home license and your IDP when driving in another country — the IDP alone is not sufficient.
- An IDP is valid for either one or two years and costs between $15 and $20 depending on the issuing organization.
What documents you need to bring to get an IDP
To request an IDP from AAA or AATA, you will need to bring your valid driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photograph. The photograph must be recent (usually taken within the last six months), in color, and meet standard passport photo dimensions — typically 2 inches by 2 inches.
You will also need to bring proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document showing your name and address. The document must be recent, usually dated within the last three months.
Some AAA offices accept applications in person, by mail, or online. If you explore by mail, you will mail your documents to the address provided by your local AAA office. If you explore in person, bring originals of everything listed above. Do not send original documents by mail unless the office specifically instructs you to do so — send copies instead and keep the originals.
How long it takes and what it costs
Processing time depends on how you explore. In-person applications at an AAA office are often processed the same day or within a few days. Mail-in applications typically take one to two weeks after the office receives your documents. Online applications through AAA's website may be processed within a few business days, though you will still need to pick up or receive the physical permit by mail.
The cost of an IDP is between $15 and $20 in the United States, depending on whether you request the one-year or two-year version. AAA members may receive a small discount. AATA charges a similar amount. These fees cover the cost of the permit itself and the processing of your process.
If you need your IDP urgently, ask your local AAA office whether they offer expedited processing. Some offices can issue a permit on the same day if you explore in person, though this depends on office location and current demand.
Where to request an IDP in the United States
AAA has local offices in most states and major cities. You can find the nearest office by visiting AAA's website and using their office locator tool. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs, so confirm that your local branch offers this service before you visit.
AATA is a smaller organization and has fewer physical locations, but you can request an IDP through their website by mail. AATA accepts applications online and processes them by mail, so you do not need to visit an office in person.
If you are not an AAA member, you can still request an IDP. You do not need to join AAA to use their IDP service, though membership may offer a small discount on the permit fee.
How long an IDP is valid and when to renew
An IDP is valid for either one year or two years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request when you explore. The one-year permit is less expensive but requires renewal sooner if you plan to drive internationally again. The two-year permit costs slightly more but covers a longer period.
Your IDP is only valid if your home country driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid. If your license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is no longer recognized.
To renew an IDP, you follow the same process as requesting a new one: bring your current valid license, a new process form, a new photograph, and proof of address to an AAA office or submit them by mail to AATA. You cannot renew an expired IDP — you must request a new one.
What an IDP does and does not do
An IDP translates your license information but does not change your driving rights or legal status in another country. It does not give you permission to drive in a country where your home license would not be recognized. It does not override local traffic laws or age restrictions.
Some countries have additional requirements beyond an IDP. A few nations require you to obtain a separate permit or document from their own government before you can legally drive there. Others require you to carry an International Certificate of Competency or a certified translation of your license in addition to the IDP. Before you travel, research the specific driving requirements of the country you plan to visit — an IDP alone may not be sufficient.
An IDP also does not serve as proof of identity or citizenship. It is a translation document only. You will still need your passport and other travel documents when you cross international borders.
Alternatives if you cannot get an IDP
If you cannot obtain an IDP before your trip, some countries accept a certified translation of your home license instead. A certified translation is a document prepared by a professional translator or notary public that translates your license into the language of the country you are visiting. This is not the same as an IDP — it is a translation of your specific license document, not a standardized international form.
Certified translations are more time-consuming and expensive than an IDP, and they are not recognized in all countries. An IDP is the faster and more widely accepted option. If you have time before your trip, requesting an IDP is the better choice.
Some car rental companies will rent to you with only your home license and a passport, even without an IDP. However, this varies by company and country. Do not rely on this — always request an IDP if you plan to drive abroad, because local police may not accept a home license alone if you are stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in another country?
Most car rental companies require either an IDP or a certified translation of your license. Some companies may rent to you with only your home license, but this is not may provide. To avoid problems at the rental counter, request an IDP before you travel. Check with your specific rental company about their requirements.
Can I use an IDP to drive in any country?
An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, a few countries have additional requirements or do not recognize IDPs at all. Always research the specific driving rules of the country you plan to visit before you leave home.
What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
An expired IDP is no longer valid. If your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive. Plan ahead and request a new IDP before your current one expires if you will be traveling for an extended period.
Can I get an IDP if my home license is suspended or expired?
No. You must hold a valid, unsuspended driver's license from your home country to request an IDP. If your license is expired or suspended, renew or resolve the suspension with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you explore for an IDP.
Is an IDP the same as a license from another country?
No. An IDP is not a license — it is a translation document. It does not give you the right to drive in another country if your home license would not. You must still follow the driving laws and age requirements of the country you visit.