Where to Get an International Driver's License (IDP): Locations, Process, and What to Know
If you're planning to drive abroad, you've likely come across the term International Driving Permit — or IDP. Understanding where to get one, what it actually is, and how it works is straightforward once you know how the system is structured. The short version: in the United States, IDPs are issued through only two authorized organizations, not through the DMV.
What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a standardized translation document recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention. It doesn't replace your U.S. driver's license — it works alongside it. The IDP translates your license information into multiple languages so that foreign authorities, rental agencies, and law enforcement can read it.
You must carry both your valid U.S. driver's license and your IDP when driving abroad. The IDP alone is not a standalone driving credential.
🌍 It's worth noting: an IDP is not the same as a foreign driver's license. If you're a foreign national looking to drive in the U.S. on a license issued by another country, that's a different process governed by your destination state's rules.
Where to Get an IDP in the United States
In the U.S., IDPs are only officially issued by two organizations authorized under federal law:
| Issuing Organization | How to Apply | Format |
|---|---|---|
| AAA (American Automobile Association) | In-person at a AAA branch, or by mail | In-person typically same-day |
| AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) | By mail or online request | Processing time varies |
The DMV does not issue IDPs. Any website or service claiming to issue "official" IDPs outside of these two organizations should be treated with significant caution — there are well-documented scam operations selling fraudulent IDP cards online.
What You'll Typically Need to Apply
Requirements are consistent across both organizations, since the IDP is a federally standardized document:
- A valid U.S. driver's license (not expired, not suspended)
- Two passport-sized photos
- A completed application form
- Payment of the applicable fee (fees are set by the issuing organizations and subject to change)
The IDP is generally valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one when needed.
Does Every Country Recognize an IDP?
Not automatically, and this is where things vary. Recognition of IDPs depends on:
- Which international convention the destination country has signed (Geneva 1949 vs. Vienna 1968 — the U.S. IDP is issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention)
- Whether the country requires an IDP for foreign drivers at all
- Whether the rental car company requires one regardless of local law
Some countries fully recognize U.S. IDPs. Others may have different requirements or may not be signatories to either convention. A few countries require foreign drivers to obtain a local driving permit regardless of what they carry.
🗺️ The specific recognition rules for any destination country are determined by that country's laws — not U.S. state DMV policy.
What If You're a Foreign Driver Looking to Drive in the U.S.?
This is a common point of confusion. If you hold a foreign driver's license and want to drive in the United States, the rules shift entirely — and they vary by state.
Some states allow foreign license holders to drive on a valid foreign license for a limited period. Others require a state-issued license within a certain number of days of establishing residency. The treatment of foreign licenses also differs based on:
- The country of origin (some states have reciprocity agreements)
- Your visa or residency status
- How long you've been in the state
- Whether you're a visitor or establishing residency
An IDP from your home country may help foreign visitors drive in the U.S. in the short term, but it does not replace the requirement to obtain a state-issued license once you become a resident. That process typically involves passing written and road tests, providing identity and residency documents, and paying applicable fees — though what gets waived depends on your state and your foreign license's country of origin.
The Variables That Shape Your Situation
Even though the IDP issuance process is relatively uniform across the U.S., the broader question of international driving involves layers that depend heavily on individual circumstances:
- Your destination country's requirements — some require IDPs, some don't, some require local permits
- Your license class — commercial license holders (CDL holders) face different considerations when driving commercially abroad
- Your residency status in the U.S. — affects whether you need a state license vs. can rely on a foreign license
- State of residence — determines the rules for foreign license holders seeking U.S. licenses
- Age — some countries impose minimum age requirements for foreign drivers beyond what the IDP covers
The IDP itself is one of the simpler documents in the driver's license world to obtain. What surrounds it — which countries recognize it, whether you need one at all, and what your state requires if you're a foreign driver — is where the details get state- and situation-specific.
Your destination country's official transportation authority and your state's DMV are the definitive sources for requirements that apply to your specific situation.
