You get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not from a federal office or online service

An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when you drive abroad. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to show your actual license alongside it.

You cannot order an IDP online or by mail from a third-party website. You must explore in person at your state's DMV office, bring your valid driver's license, and pay a fee. The process takes minutes, though wait times at the DMV vary widely. Some states issue the permit on the spot; others mail it to you within one to two weeks.

Two organizations issue IDPs in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue these permits. Your state's DMV office can direct you to the nearest issuing location, or you can find AAA and AATA offices online by zip code.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an AAA or AATA office in person with your valid driver's license and payment; there is no online or mail-order option.
  • An International Driving Permit is valid for one or three years depending on your age, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on the issuing organization and your state.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your original state driver's license at all times when driving abroad; the IDP alone is not valid.
  • Processing takes anywhere from same-day to two weeks depending on the office and whether you request expedited service.
  • Your IDP is only recognized in countries that have signed the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Convention on Road Signs and Signals; check your destination country's requirements before you travel.

AAA offices: the most common place to get an IDP

The American Automobile Association operates thousands of offices across the United States and is the easiest place to find an IDP issuer near you. You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP from an AAA office, though members sometimes receive a small discount on the fee.

Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. The fee is typically $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by state. Most AAA offices issue the permit when ready. You can find the nearest AAA office and confirm their hours on the AAA website by entering your zip code.

Some AAA offices offer expedited service if you need the permit urgently, though this may cost extra. Call ahead to ask whether your local office can issue the permit the same day or if there is a wait.

AATA offices: the alternative issuer

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States. AATA offices are less common than AAA offices but operate in most states. Like AAA, you do not need to be a member to get an IDP.

The process at an AATA office is identical: bring your valid driver's license, proof of residency, and payment. The fee is typically $15 for a one-year permit or $25 for a three-year permit. You can search for AATA offices on their website by state or city.

AATA offices are often located in smaller towns or rural areas where AAA offices may not exist, so if you cannot find an AAA office nearby, check AATA first.

What documents and information you need to bring

Bring your valid, unexpired state driver's license. An IDP cannot be issued if your license has expired or is suspended. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state's DMV before you can get an IDP.

Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license counts as proof of address if it shows your current address. Some offices accept a passport as proof of identity instead of a driver's license, but this varies by location — call ahead if you do not have a valid state license.

Bring payment in cash or card. Most AAA and AATA offices accept both, though some smaller offices may only accept cash. The fee ranges from $15 to $30 depending on the issuer and the permit length you choose.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew it

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on your age and which option you choose when you explore. You select the length when you pay — there is no difference in the process process.

Check the expiration date printed on your IDP before you travel. If it has expired, you cannot use it, and you must get a new one. You can renew an IDP at any AAA or AATA office using the same process as a first-time process.

Your IDP expires even if you do not use it. If you got a one-year permit three years ago and never traveled, that permit is no longer valid. Order a new one before your trip if your current permit has expired.

Countries that recognize International Driving Permits

An IDP is recognized in countries that have signed the 1926 Geneva Convention on Road Signs and Signals or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Most developed countries recognize IDPs, including all European Union countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.

Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, and a few require additional documents such as an International Driving Permit issued by your home country before you left the United States. Before you travel, check the embassy or consulate website for your destination country to confirm whether an IDP is recognized and what other documents you may need.

Even in countries that recognize IDPs, some car rental companies require an International Driving Permit in addition to your state license. Check your rental agreement or call the rental company before you book to confirm their requirements.

What happens if you lose your IDP while traveling

If you lose your IDP abroad, you can still drive using your original state driver's license in most countries that recognize IDPs. The IDP is a translation tool, not a separate license — your state license is the actual legal document.

However, some police officers or car rental companies may not accept a state license without an IDP, depending on the country and the officer's interpretation of local law. If you lose your IDP, contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on whether you can continue driving legally.

When you return to the United States, you can get a replacement IDP at any AAA or AATA office by paying the standard fee again. There is no special process for replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car abroad?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Most European countries recognize IDPs, and many rental companies require one. Check your rental agreement and the embassy website for your destination country before you book. Some countries accept only a state license; others require both a license and an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your state license must be valid and unexpired to get an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted. If your license is expired, renew it at your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The cost ranges from $15 to $30 depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit and which issuer you use. AAA typically charges $20 for one year or $30 for three years. AATA typically charges $15 for one year or $25 for three years. Prices vary slightly by state.

Can I order an International Driving Permit online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office with your valid driver's license and proof of address. Some websites claim to issue IDPs by mail, but these are not legitimate — the only legal IDPs in the United States come from AAA or AATA offices.

What if my destination country does not recognize International Driving Permits?

Some countries do not recognize IDPs and may require an International Driving Permit from your home country or a certified translation of your state license. Check the embassy or consulate website for your destination country before you travel. You may need to get a translation from a certified translator instead of an IDP.