What to Bring When Applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP)
An International Driving Permit — commonly called an IDP — is a standardized travel document that translates your existing driver's license into multiple languages. It does not replace your license. It works alongside it, helping foreign authorities verify your credentials when your home-country license alone isn't legible or legally recognized in the country you're visiting.
If you're preparing to apply for one, knowing what to bring is straightforward — but a few variables can affect the exact requirements depending on where you apply and your license situation.
What an IDP Actually Is (and Isn't)
Before getting into documents, it's worth being clear on scope. An IDP is not a standalone license. It's recognized under two international road traffic conventions — the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention — and is valid only when carried alongside your original domestic driver's license.
In the United States, IDPs are issued by two private organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State: AAA (American Automobile Association) and AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance). U.S. government agencies — including the DMV — do not issue IDPs. Be cautious of any third-party website claiming to issue "official" IDPs; these are frequently fraudulent.
Standard Documents Required for an IDP Application 📋
While exact requirements can vary slightly by issuing organization, the following documents are almost universally required for a U.S.-issued IDP:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current and unexpired |
| Two passport-style photos | Specific size and background requirements apply |
| Completed application form | Provided by the issuing organization |
| Payment | Fees vary by organization; typically a flat rate |
| Proof of identity | Often satisfied by your driver's license, but confirm with the issuer |
Your driver's license must generally be valid for the full duration of your intended travel, or at least for a minimum period beyond your travel dates. An expired or suspended license disqualifies you — an IDP cannot extend or substitute for a valid domestic license.
Photo Requirements Matter More Than Most People Expect
The two passport-style photos requirement is where many applicants run into delays. These photos typically need to meet specific criteria:
- A set dimension (commonly 2×2 inches)
- Plain white or off-white background
- Taken within the past six months
- Front-facing, without glasses or head coverings (with limited exceptions)
These are the same general standards as U.S. passport photos. Many pharmacies, post offices, and shipping centers offer passport photo services. Bringing photos that don't meet specifications can mean having to return or resubmit.
How Age Affects Eligibility
Most IDP issuers require applicants to be at least 18 years old. Younger drivers — even those with a valid license — may not qualify. If you're traveling internationally under 18 and hold a restricted or graduated license, check directly with the issuing organization about eligibility before applying.
In-Person vs. Mail-In Applications
IDPs can often be obtained in person at an AAA branch or by mail. The documents you bring (or send) are largely the same, but timelines differ:
- In-person: Often issued same-day
- Mail-in: Processing times vary; allow extra lead time before travel
If you apply by mail, you'll typically need to send photocopies of your license (some organizations require notarized copies) along with your photos and completed form. Do not mail your original license.
How Long an IDP Is Valid
U.S.-issued IDPs are generally valid for one year from the date of issue. They cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one each time. If your trip extends beyond the validity period, plan accordingly. The issuing organization can clarify whether they allow you to apply early.
Foreign Nationals Driving in the U.S.: A Different Process 🌐
The IDP process described above applies to U.S. license holders driving abroad. If you hold a foreign license and want to drive in the United States, the situation works differently.
Most states allow foreign visitors to drive on their valid home-country license for a limited period — often tied to the length of their visa or tourist status. Some states also recognize IDPs issued by the visitor's home country as a supplemental document alongside the foreign license.
However, if you establish residency in a U.S. state, the rules change significantly. Most states require new residents — including those with valid foreign licenses — to obtain a state-issued driver's license within a defined period, often 30 to 90 days. What that process looks like — whether you must retake written or road tests, what documents establish your identity and residency, and whether your foreign license can be surrendered in exchange — varies considerably by state.
What Changes Based on Your Situation
Several factors shape what you'll need and how the process plays out:
- Your license type: A standard Class D license, a CDL, or a motorcycle endorsement may each be treated differently in foreign jurisdictions
- Your destination country: Not all countries recognize U.S.-issued IDPs, and some have additional requirements
- Your age: Minimum age thresholds apply at the issuing level
- Your license status: An active, unrestricted license is typically required
- Whether you're a U.S. resident applying for an IDP or a foreign national driving in the U.S.: These are fundamentally different processes governed by different rules
The standard document list is short and consistent for most applicants. But whether you're eligible, how long your IDP will cover your travel, and what's required of you in the destination country — those answers depend on details specific to your license, your itinerary, and the countries involved.
