An International Driving Permit is required or strongly recommended in specific situations, not all international travel
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) when you are driving in a country that does not recognize your U.S. driver's license, or when local law enforcement may not accept it as valid proof of driving authorization. An IDP is a translation document — it restates your license information in multiple languages and is recognized under the 1926 Geneva Convention on Road Signs and Signals. It does not replace your U.S. license; you must carry both together.
The practical rule: if you are renting a car or driving in a country where English is not widely spoken, or where the government has not signed a reciprocal agreement with the United States, an IDP significantly reduces the risk of being stopped and unable to prove you are a legal driver. Some car rental companies will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not technically require it.
An IDP is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States. It costs between $15 and $20, takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person, and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
Key Takeaways
- An IDP is a translation of your U.S. driver's license and must be carried together with your actual license when driving abroad.
- You need an IDP when driving in countries that do not recognize U.S. licenses or where English-language documents are not accepted by police or rental companies.
- Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States; you cannot obtain one from the DMV or any government agency.
- An IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one or three years; you must explore in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo.
- Some countries do not require an IDP by law but rental car companies may refuse to rent without one.
Countries and regions where an IDP is legally required
Several countries have laws that explicitly require an IDP if you are driving on a U.S. license. These include Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and most other European Union member states. In these countries, driving without an IDP alongside your U.S. license can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or both, even if you are otherwise a licensed driver.
Outside Europe, an IDP is required or strongly recommended in China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, and many Middle Eastern countries. Requirements change and vary by region within some countries, so you should verify the specific rules for your destination before you travel. The U.S. State Department website maintains country-by-country driving information, though it does not always specify IDP requirements in detail.
If you are unsure whether your destination requires an IDP, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or ask the rental car company you intend to use. Rental companies often have the most current information because they enforce these rules daily.
When rental car companies require an IDP even if the country does not
Many international car rental agencies — including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar — require an IDP as a condition of renting, regardless of whether local law mandates one. This is a company policy, not a legal requirement in those countries. If you show up without an IDP, the rental company may refuse to rent to you, cancel your reservation, or charge a substantial fee to proceed without one.
This policy is most common in Europe, where rental companies have standardized their requirements across multiple countries. Even in countries where an IDP is not legally required — such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, or Canada — some rental companies will still ask for one. Before you book a rental car, check the rental agreement or call the company directly to confirm whether an IDP is required for your reservation.
If you arrive at a rental counter without an IDP and the company requires one, you will not be able to rent the vehicle. There is no way to obtain an IDP on the spot; you must have it before you travel.
Situations where an IDP is recommended but not required
In countries that do not legally require an IDP — such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom — an IDP is still recommended if you plan to drive. Police in these countries generally accept a U.S. driver's license as valid proof of authorization, but an IDP provides a translation and can reduce confusion during a traffic stop. If you are involved in an accident or cited for a violation, having an IDP on hand makes it easier for local authorities to verify your information.
An IDP is also useful if you are traveling to a country where you speak the language but local police may not speak English. Even in countries where English is common, an IDP eliminates any question about whether your U.S. license is authentic or current.
If you are driving in a country for only a few days and staying in major cities with English-speaking populations, an IDP is less critical. However, if you are renting a car, the rental company may still require one regardless of the country's legal requirements.
How to obtain an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA
To obtain an IDP, you must visit an AAA office or AATA office in person. You cannot order one online or by mail. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph (2 x 2 inches), and the process fee ($15 to $20, depending on whether you want a one-year or three-year permit). Some AAA offices accept passport photos taken at pharmacies or photo studios; others may take the photo on-site for an additional fee.
The process itself takes about 15 minutes. AAA and AATA will issue your IDP on the spot. The one-year IDP costs approximately $15; the three-year IDP costs approximately $20. Prices vary slightly by location and may change, so confirm the current fee when you contact the office.
You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP, though AAA members sometimes receive a small discount. If you are not near an AAA or AATA office, search for the nearest location on the AAA website or call 1-800-222-4357 to find an office near you.
What to bring and what to expect at the AAA office
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current and not expired. Your IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. license is valid. |
| Passport-style photograph | 2 x 2 inches, color or black and white. Some offices take photos on-site for a fee. |
| process fee | $15 for one-year IDP, $20 for three-year IDP. Cash, check, or card accepted at most locations. |
| Completed process form | AAA provides this at the office; you fill it out on-site. Takes about 5 minutes. |
When you arrive at the AAA office, ask for an International Driving Permit process. The staff will hand you a form to complete with your name, address, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to list specific countries — this is optional information for your own reference.
After you submit the form, your photograph, and your fee, the office will issue your IDP when ready. It is a small booklet, about the size of a passport, with your photo and license information printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. Keep it with your U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.
How long an IDP is valid and what happens when it expires
An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. Your IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid on the same date your U.S. license expires.
If you renew your U.S. driver's license, you must obtain a new IDP. The old IDP cannot be transferred or updated; you must explore for a new one at an AAA or AATA office. This is why many travelers purchase the three-year IDP — it reduces the number of times you need to visit an AAA office if you plan multiple international trips.
If your IDP is lost or damaged while you are traveling, you cannot replace it abroad. You will need to return to the United States and visit an AAA office to obtain a new one. For this reason, some travelers carry a photocopy of their IDP in addition to the original, though a photocopy is not a legal substitute if you are stopped by police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada does not require an IDP by law, and your U.S. driver's license is accepted. However, some car rental companies may still require one. Mexico does not legally require an IDP, but it is recommended because police may be unfamiliar with U.S. licenses and an IDP provides a translation. Check with your rental company before you travel.
Can I get an IDP from the DMV instead of AAA?
No. Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States. The DMV does not issue them. You must visit an AAA or AATA office in person with your U.S. driver's license, a passport photo, and the process fee.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?
You cannot replace an IDP outside the United States. If it is lost or stolen, you will need to rely on your U.S. driver's license alone until you return home. Carry your IDP separately from your passport and keep a photocopy in a different location as backup.
Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?
No. An IDP is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An international driver's license is a document issued by some countries to their own citizens. You cannot obtain an international driver's license as a U.S. citizen; you can only obtain an IDP.
How long does it take to get an IDP?
AAA and AATA issue IDPs on the spot during your office visit. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You cannot order one online or by mail, and there is no expedited option. Plan to visit an AAA office at least a few days before your trip.