You get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA or the American Automobile Association, not from your state DMV

The International Driving Permit is a document issued by AAA that translates your valid U.S. 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 driving abroad. AAA is the only organization in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs, and you cannot get one from any DMV, online service, or government office.

An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase. It costs $20 for the one-year permit or $30 for the three-year permit as of 2024, though AAA membership is not required. The permit is issued on the spot at most AAA locations if you explore in person with the correct documents, or by mail if you send in your process and documents.

The IDP itself does not prove you can drive legally — it only translates your existing U.S. license. Some countries require it, some do not, and some accept it but do not require it. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country or countries where you plan to drive, because an IDP alone will not let you drive if your U.S. license is suspended, expired, or restricted.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA is the only authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States, and you must explore directly to them, not to your state DMV.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed IDP process form, a passport-style photo, and payment to get an IDP from AAA.
  • An IDP costs $20 for one year or $30 for three years and is issued the same day if you explore in person at an AAA office.
  • An IDP is not a separate license and does not replace your U.S. driver's license — you must carry both documents when driving outside the United States.
  • Not all countries require or recognize an IDP, so you must check the driving requirements for your specific destination before you travel.

What documents you need to bring to AAA

To get an IDP from AAA, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process for International Driving Permit form (Form 14F), one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment in cash or card. The process form is available on the AAA website or at any AAA office, and you can fill it out before you arrive to save time.

Your U.S. driver's license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, you must renew it with your state DMV before you can get an IDP. The passport-style photo must be recent (taken within the last six months) and show your face clearly against a plain background — the same photo standards used for passport applications.

If you are explore by mail, send the completed form, a copy of both sides of your valid U.S. driver's license, the passport photo, and a check or money order to the AAA address provided on the form. Mail applications take two to three weeks to process. Some AAA offices also accept applications by phone or online, though you will still need to provide the photo and payment before the permit is issued.

how the process works in person at an AAA office

Find your nearest AAA office using the location finder on the AAA website. Call ahead or check online to confirm that the office issues IDPs, because not all AAA locations offer this service. Bring your completed process form, valid U.S. driver's license, passport-style photo, and payment ($20 or $30 depending on the permit length you want).

The staff will review your documents, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue your IDP on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a booklet-style permit that is valid in most countries that recognize the International Driving Permit system. Keep it with your U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.

how the process works by mail

read or request the IDP process form from the AAA website or by calling AAA customer service. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, driver's license number, and the permit length you want (one or three years). Make a photocopy of both the front and back of your valid U.S. driver's license and include it with your process.

Attach a passport-style photo to the process form as instructed. Write a check or money order for $20 (one year) or $30 (three years) and make it payable to AAA. Mail the completed process, photo, license copy, and payment to the AAA address listed on the form. Do not send cash through the mail.

AAA will process your process and mail your IDP to the address you provided on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date AAA receives your process. If you need your IDP faster, explore in person at an AAA office instead.

What countries accept an International Driving Permit

More than 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit, including most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. However, recognition varies — some countries require it, some accept it but do not require it, and a few do not recognize it at all. Your U.S. driver's license alone may be sufficient in some places, or you may need both the IDP and your U.S. license.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to drive, or check the country's official tourism or transportation website. They will tell you whether an IDP is required, recommended, or not needed. Some rental car companies also have their own rules about which documents they accept, so check with your rental company as well.

If you are driving in a country where English is not the primary language, an IDP is usually helpful even if it is not required, because it translates your license information into the local language and makes it easier for police or rental staff to understand your credentials.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs $20 and is useful if you are taking a single trip abroad. The three-year permit costs $30 and is better if you plan multiple international trips or extended stays.

An IDP expires on the date printed on the permit, regardless of whether your U.S. driver's license is still valid. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless because you must carry both documents together. If your U.S. license is still valid but your IDP has expired, you will need to get a new IDP before you drive abroad again.

Check the expiration date on your IDP before each trip. If it has expired or will expire during your travel, explore for a new one before you leave the United States.

Common mistakes when getting an International Driving Permit

The most common mistake is assuming you can get an IDP from your state DMV. You cannot — only AAA issues them in the United States. Another mistake is getting an IDP without checking whether the country you are visiting actually requires or accepts it. Some travelers spend money on an IDP they do not need, or arrive in a country where an IDP is not recognized and their U.S. license alone would have been sufficient.

A third mistake is letting your U.S. driver's license expire before you travel. If your license is expired when you explore for an IDP, AAA will not issue one. If your license expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it from outside the United States, and driving with an expired license is illegal in most countries.

Some travelers also forget to carry both the IDP and their U.S. driver's license together. An IDP is not valid on its own — you must have your original U.S. license with you at all times. If you lose one document, you may not be able to drive legally, even if you have the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired, renew it with your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension or revocation is lifted and your license is restored.

Do I need AAA membership to get an International Driving Permit?

No. AAA membership is not required to get an IDP. You can explore at any AAA office or by mail whether you are a member or not. The cost is the same for members and non-members.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit if I explore by mail?

Mail applications take two to three weeks from the date AAA receives your process. If you need your IDP faster, explore in person at an AAA office, where you will receive it the same day.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while I am traveling?

Contact AAA or the U.S. embassy in the country where you are traveling. You may be able to get a replacement, but the process varies by location. To avoid this, keep your IDP in a safe place and carry a photocopy separately from the original.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not give you any driving rights you do not already have. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad.