Where to Apply for an International Driver's License (IDP): What You Need to Know
If you're planning to drive abroad, you've likely come across the term International Driving Permit — commonly called an IDP or IDL (International Driver's License). Understanding where to apply, what it actually is, and how the process works can save you a lot of confusion before your trip.
What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An IDP is not a standalone license. It's a translation document — a standardized booklet, recognized in over 150 countries, that translates your existing domestic driver's license into multiple languages. It doesn't replace your U.S. license. You carry both together.
Foreign authorities use the IDP to verify your identity and driving privileges when your home-country license isn't in a language they can read. Some countries require one by law. Others treat it as strongly recommended. A few don't require it at all. The rules depend entirely on where you're driving.
One important clarification: in the United States, there is no government agency that issues IDPs. The U.S. Department of State authorizes only two private, non-profit organizations to issue IDPs to American residents:
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)
Any other company or website claiming to issue a legitimate U.S. IDP is not authorized to do so. The State Department has issued warnings about fraudulent IDP vendors operating online.
Where to Apply for an IDP in the U.S. 🗺️
Because only AAA and AATA are federally authorized, your application options run through those two organizations specifically.
AAA issues IDPs through its local branch offices and, in some cases, by mail. You can locate a branch on AAA's website. You do not need to be a AAA member to apply for an IDP, though membership is separate from the permit itself.
AATA also issues IDPs, primarily through its affiliated network. The application process is similar.
What You'll Typically Need to Apply
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be valid at the time of application; expired licenses are not accepted |
| Two passport-style photos | Typically 2"x2", taken recently |
| Completed application form | Provided by AAA or AATA |
| Application fee | Fees vary; confirm the current amount with the issuing organization |
| Age requirement | Most issuers require applicants to be at least 18 years old |
Processing is usually handled in person at a AAA branch, though some mail-in options exist depending on the branch and your location. In-person processing is typically faster.
How Long an IDP Is Valid
Most IDPs issued in the U.S. are valid for one year from the date of issue. They cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one when the old one expires. Because they're tied to your underlying license, your domestic license must remain valid for the IDP to be usable abroad.
Variables That Affect Your Application
While the IDP application process is relatively uniform compared to domestic DMV procedures, a few factors still shape your experience:
Your home state's license type matters in that your IDP reflects whatever driving privileges your domestic license covers. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a restricted license, those distinctions may or may not be recognized abroad depending on the country's rules — not the IDP issuer's.
Your age can affect eligibility. Most issuers set a minimum age of 18. Some countries impose their own minimum age requirements for foreign drivers that may exceed what your IDP or domestic license allows.
Where you plan to drive determines whether an IDP is legally required, optional, or irrelevant. Some countries — particularly in Europe — require an IDP for non-EU license holders. Others in Southeast Asia, South America, or the Middle East have their own rules. Researching the specific country's requirements before travel is essential.
How soon you need it matters if you're applying by mail. In-person AAA branch visits typically result in same-day issuance. Mail applications take longer, and timing varies.
What an IDP Doesn't Do ⚠️
An IDP does not:
- Grant driving privileges beyond what your domestic license already allows
- Serve as a valid ID on its own (it must accompany your actual license)
- Override local traffic laws or insurance requirements
- Substitute for a local license if you become a long-term resident of another country
If you're relocating internationally rather than visiting, most countries require you to obtain a local license after a certain period of residency — the IDP is not a long-term solution in those situations.
If You're a Foreign Driver Visiting the U.S.
The IDP process works in reverse for international visitors. Foreign drivers visiting the United States are generally permitted to drive on their home country's license, often accompanied by an IDP issued by their home country's authorized organization — not a U.S. issuer.
State rules on how long a foreign license remains valid for driving in the U.S. vary. Some states allow foreign license holders to drive for the duration of a visa. Others have shorter windows. Drivers who establish residency in a U.S. state are typically required to obtain a state-issued driver's license within a defined period.
The Piece That Changes Everything
The IDP application process itself is fairly consistent — two authorized issuers, standard documentation, one-year validity. But how useful that IDP is, how long it covers you, and whether it satisfies legal requirements depends entirely on where you're going and what your home license actually permits.
Those are the variables only you can plug in.
