How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. You get it from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from your state's DMV, a passport office, or any other government agency.

The process takes about 15 minutes in person. You bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-style photo, and a fee (typically $20). AAA charges the same amount whether you are a member or not. AATA charges the same fee as well. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you request, and it expires when your U.S. license expires — whichever comes first.

An IDP is not a replacement for your U.S. license. You must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. The IDP has no legal standing on its own; it only works alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. If your U.S. license is suspended, expired, or revoked, your IDP becomes worthless.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA can issue International Driving Permits in the United States — your state DMV cannot.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process, one passport-style photo, and a fee of around $20.
  • The entire process takes about 15 minutes at an AAA or AATA office, and you walk out with your permit the same day.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years and must be carried together with your U.S. license when driving outside the country.
  • Some countries recognize only an IDP; others recognize only your U.S. license; many accept both — check your destination's rules before you travel.

Finding an AAA or AATA office near you

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. You can find the nearest one by visiting AAA.com and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Walk-ins are usually welcome, but calling ahead to confirm hours and avoid a wait is a good idea.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers most major cities. You can find an AATA office through their website at AATA.org, or call them directly. Both organizations operate during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday and some Saturday hours depending on the location.

If you live in a rural area far from either office, some AAA locations offer mail-in service. You send your process, photo, license copy, and fee by mail, and they return your IDP within two to three weeks. Check with your local AAA office to see if this option is available in your area.

What documents and photos you need to bring

Your valid U.S. driver's license is required — it must not be expired. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it at your state's DMV.

The process form is usually available at the AAA or AATA office, or you can read it from their websites before you go. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete.

You need one passport-style photo: 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. You can have this taken at most AAA offices, many drugstores, and photo studios. If you bring your own, make sure it meets the size and background requirements — the office will reject it if it does not.

The fee is typically $20 for either a one-year or three-year permit. Both AAA and AATA accept cash and card. Some offices may have a small upcharge for passport photos if you have them taken on-site.

One-year versus three-year permits

When you explore, you choose whether you want your IDP to last one year or three years. The fee is the same either way. A one-year permit makes sense if you travel internationally once every few years or if your travel plans are uncertain. A three-year permit is better if you know you will be driving abroad multiple times over the next few years.

Remember that your IDP expires when your U.S. driver's license expires, even if the permit's three-year term has not ended. If your license expires in two years, a three-year IDP will only be valid for two years. Check your license's expiration date before deciding.

What happens after you receive your IDP

Once you have your IDP in hand, keep it with your U.S. driver's license at all times when you drive abroad. Some rental car companies ask to see it when you pick up a vehicle. Some countries' police may ask for it during a traffic stop. Border agents may ask for it when you cross into another country by car.

The IDP itself does not give you the right to drive in another country — that right comes from your U.S. license and your home country's agreement with the country you are visiting. The IDP straightforward translates your license information so local authorities can read it. Different countries have different rules about which documents they accept, so research your specific destination before you travel.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you cannot replace it overseas. You will need to rely on your U.S. license alone. If your U.S. license is lost or stolen, your IDP becomes useless. Contact your state's DMV when ready to report a lost or stolen license.

Alternatives if you cannot reach an AAA or AATA office

If you live outside the United States or cannot reach an office before your trip, you have limited options. Some U.S. embassies and consulates abroad can issue IDPs, but this varies by location and is not may provide. Contact the embassy or consulate in the country where you will be traveling to ask whether they offer this service.

If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad, you may be able to request an IDP by mail from AAA or AATA before you leave the country, or you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy to ask about their process. Plan ahead — mail service takes two to three weeks.

Some countries do not require an IDP at all and will accept only your valid U.S. driver's license. Others require an IDP but not a U.S. license. A few require both. Before you book your trip, check the specific requirements for the country and regions where you plan to drive. Your rental car company can also tell you what documents they require.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some rental agencies require an IDP; others accept only your U.S. license; many accept both. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm what they need. Some countries' laws require an IDP even if the rental company does not ask for one, so check the country's rules as well.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

AAA and AATA do not issue IDPs online. You must explore in person at an office, or you can mail in your process if your local AAA office offers mail-in service. Mail-in processing takes two to three weeks. Some U.S. embassies abroad may issue them by mail, but availability varies.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your U.S. license at your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. Renewal timelines vary by state, so check your state's DMV website to see how long it takes.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country. If you plan to live or work abroad, you may need to obtain a license from that country's driving authority instead of or in addition to an IDP.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

In person at an AAA or AATA office, you receive your IDP the same day — the process takes about 15 minutes. By mail, processing takes two to three weeks plus shipping time. Plan ahead if you are explore by mail.