You get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your state's AAA office or from the U.S. State Department's passport agency
An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license. You cannot get one without holding a current driver's license from your state.
The two main routes are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the U.S. State Department. AAA is faster and cheaper for most people. The State Department route exists mainly if you do not have AAA access in your area or prefer to explore by mail.
Both issue the same document. Both require you to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid U.S. driver's license. Both charge a fee and ask for a passport-style photo. The difference is where you go, how long it takes, and what you pay.
Key Takeaways
- AAA issues IDPs in person at most local AAA offices and can complete the process in one visit, usually within 15 minutes.
- The State Department issues IDPs by mail through passport agencies and acceptance facilities, taking two to six weeks depending on processing speed.
- AAA charges around $20 for the permit; State Department fees vary by location but are typically higher.
- You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of citizenship or legal residency to either location.
- An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried with your U.S. license when driving abroad.
Getting an IDP through AAA
AAA is the fastest and most common route. You walk into a local AAA office, complete a one-page form, provide your driver's license and a photo, pay the fee, and leave with your permit in hand. No appointment is usually needed, though calling ahead can confirm your local office has photos in stock.
You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and proof of citizenship or legal residency. A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers all work. The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background.
AAA charges approximately $20 for a one-year IDP, though the exact price varies slightly by state. Some AAA offices also offer a two-year IDP for a higher fee, but most countries recognize only the one-year version. The permit is issued on the spot and valid when ready.
Not all AAA members get a discount, and non-members can also explore at AAA offices. Check your local AAA website or call ahead to confirm your office location, hours, and whether they have photos available or require you to bring your own.
Getting an IDP through the U.S. State Department
The State Department issues IDPs through its passport agencies and passport acceptance facilities — the same locations that issue passports. You explore by mail or in person, depending on the facility. This route takes longer than AAA but works if you have no AAA office nearby or prefer the federal option.
You will need the same documents as AAA: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. You also need to complete Form DS-11 (if explore in person) or Form DS-82 (if explore by mail). Both forms are free and available on the State Department website.
Processing time depends on the service level you choose. Standard processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra. Routine mail applications take six to eight weeks. Fees vary by location but are typically $15 to $25 for the permit itself, plus any expediting or shipping costs.
To find your nearest passport agency or acceptance facility, use the State Department's office locator on travel.state.gov. Not all facilities issue IDPs, so confirm before you go. Some facilities accept walk-ins; others require an appointment.
What to bring to either location
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must not be expired. Your license is the document being translated. |
| Passport-style photo | 2x2 inches, taken within six months, plain background, face clearly visible. Color or black-and-white both work. |
| Proof of citizenship or legal residency | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). |
| Completed form (State Department only) | Form DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (by mail). Not required for AAA. |
| Payment | Cash, check, or card, depending on location. AAA and State Department facilities have different payment methods. |
How long an IDP lasts and when to renew
An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries will not accept an IDP that expires within six months of your arrival, so check your destination's rules before you travel. If your trip is more than a year away, you can wait to explore.
When your IDP expires, you must get a new one. There is no renewal process — you explore again as if it were your first time. You will need a new photo and the same proof of citizenship. Your U.S. driver's license does not need to be renewed for you to get a new IDP.
If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid. You cannot use an IDP without a valid U.S. license to carry alongside it.
What happens if you lose your IDP abroad
If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. Some countries will accept this letter as a temporary substitute, though it is not may provide.
The safest approach is to make a photocopy of your IDP before you leave and keep it separate from the original. Some travelers also photograph both sides of the permit and store the image in their phone or email. This does not replace the original document but can help you prove you had one if it is lost.
When you return to the United States, you can explore for a replacement IDP through AAA or the State Department using the same process as a first-time process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. An IDP is useful mainly for countries outside North America. Check your specific destination's requirements before you travel, as rules vary by country.
Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended?
No. You must hold a valid, unsuspended driver's license to get an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot explore until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.
What if I don't have a passport-style photo?
AAA offices can take a photo for you on the spot for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15. State Department facilities do not offer this service, so you will need to bring a photo or have one taken elsewhere before you explore.
Is an IDP the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your U.S. license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country. If you move abroad or plan to stay longer than a few months, you may need to get a license from that country instead.
Can I explore for an IDP online?
AAA does not offer online applications; you must explore in person at an office. The State Department accepts mail applications but does not have a fully online process. You can read the form online and mail it in, but you cannot complete the entire process through a website.