You explore for an International Driving Permit through specific organizations in your home country, not through a government office

An International Driving Permit (IDP) 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. The organization that issues it depends on which country you live in.

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, the federal government, or any other source. Both organizations issue the same document; the difference is where you go to get it.

The process takes minutes if you go in person with the right documents, or one to two weeks if you mail in your process. Cost varies slightly between the two organizations but is typically $20 to $30 for the permit itself, plus any shipping or service fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States — no other organization or government office can issue one.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and proof of citizenship to get an IDP.
  • AAA locations are in most cities and can issue an IDP while you wait; AATA requires mailing your process and takes longer.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose, and you must carry it with your actual driver's license when driving abroad.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so check the specific rules for the country where you plan to drive before you travel.

Getting an IDP through AAA

The American Automobile Association has local branches in most U.S. states and can issue an IDP on the spot if you walk in with the required documents. You do not need to be an AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Visit the AAA website, enter your zip code, and find the nearest branch location and hours.

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process for an International Driving Permit (form available on the AAA website or at the branch), one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate. The staff will verify your documents, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit while you wait. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you cannot visit a branch in person, AAA also accepts mail-in applications. Send your completed form, photo, copies of your license and proof of citizenship, and payment to the address listed on the process. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AAA will mail the permit to you.

Getting an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is a smaller organization and does not have walk-in locations. You must explore by mail or through their website. Visit aata.org, read the process form, and follow the instructions for mailing or submitting online.

You will need the same documents as AAA: a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process, a passport-style photo, and proof of citizenship. Mail these to the address on the form along with payment. AATA typically processes applications within one to two weeks and mails the permit to your address.

AATA also offers a rush processing option for an additional fee if you need the permit sooner. Check their website for current processing times and rush fees, as these change.

What documents you need and how to prepare them

Your valid U.S. driver's license must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until it is restored or renewed. The license must be a standard driver's license; a learner's permit or commercial license alone will not work.

Proof of U.S. citizenship can be a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. A state ID card or driver's license alone is not enough. If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

The passport-style photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have one taken at AAA locations, passport acceptance facilities, or photo studios. Do not use a photo from your driver's license or a selfie.

The process form is available on both AAA and AATA websites. Fill it out completely and sign it. Incomplete applications will be returned and delay your permit.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which you choose when you explore. Both organizations offer both options. A one-year permit costs less but requires renewal sooner if you travel frequently. A three-year permit costs more upfront but lasts longer.

The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. Once it expires, it is no longer valid, even if your U.S. driver's license is still good. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one through AAA or AATA using the same process.

If you are traveling soon and your IDP is about to expire, explore for a new one before your trip. Do not wait until you arrive in another country to discover your permit has expired.

Countries that do and do not recognize IDPs

Most countries recognize an International Driving Permit, but not all. Some countries require an official translation of your license from a certified translator, a separate international license issued by their own government, or both. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to obtain a local license or permit before driving.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to drive and ask what documents are required to drive there. Do not assume an IDP will be enough. Some rental car companies also have their own rules about which documents they accept, so check with your rental company as well.

Common countries that recognize IDPs include Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, and Japan. However, rules change and vary by region within countries, so always verify before you go.

What to do if you lose or damage your IDP while traveling

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are abroad, you cannot get a replacement from AAA or AATA while you are out of the country. Your options are to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country and ask for guidance, or to stop driving until you return home and can explore for a new permit.

Some countries will accept a police report of a lost permit plus your original driver's license, but this varies widely. Before you travel, take a photo of your IDP and store it separately from the physical permit. If something happens to the permit, you will at least have proof of the document number and issue date.

To avoid this problem, consider explore for a new IDP before your trip even if your current one is still valid, so you have a backup. This is especially useful if you are traveling for more than a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in another country?

Most rental car companies require an IDP along with your U.S. driver's license, though some accept just the license. Check with your specific rental company before you book. Even if the rental company does not require it, the country where you are driving may, so it is safer to have one.

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a valid U.S. driver's license?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you must renew it first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can get an IDP.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA and AATA both charge approximately $20 to $30 for the permit itself. AAA may charge a small additional fee for photos or mail processing. AATA charges extra for rush processing. Prices vary slightly and change over time, so check their websites for current fees.

Can I get an International Driving Permit for a motorcycle or commercial license?

An IDP translates a standard driver's license only. If you hold only a motorcycle endorsement or commercial license, you cannot get an IDP. You must have a valid standard driver's license to may have access to.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license issued by another country?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. It does not replace your license and is not a license issued by another country. Some countries issue their own international licenses or require separate permits — check with the country's embassy before you travel.