Start with your home country's automobile association

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by the automobile club or motor authority in your home country, not by the country you plan to visit. You cannot get one in the United States if you are a U.S. citizen — you get it from your own nation's official issuing body before you leave.

Most countries have one primary organization responsible for IDPs. In Canada, it is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In the United Kingdom, it is the Automobile Association (AA) or the Royal Automobile Club (RAC). In Australia, it is the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) or the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), depending on your state. Your country's tourism board or embassy website will list the correct issuer for your nation.

Contact that organization directly — by phone, in person, or through their website. They will tell you what documents you need, how long the process takes, and what the fee is. Most IDPs take one to two weeks to arrive, though some can be issued the same day if you visit in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Your home country's automobile association or motor authority issues your IDP, not the country where you plan to drive.
  • You must explore in your home country before you travel, as IDPs cannot be obtained abroad.
  • You will need a valid passport and a current driver's license from your home country to request an IDP.
  • Processing times vary by country and issuer, ranging from same-day service to two weeks or longer.
  • An IDP is a translation document and must be carried alongside your original home-country license at all times.

What documents you need to bring

Every issuer requires a valid passport and a current driver's license from your home country. Some also ask for proof of your address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. A few require a passport-sized photograph. Check with your specific issuer before you go, because requirements vary by country and sometimes by location within a country.

Your driver's license must be valid on the day you explore. If it has expired, you will need to renew it in your home country first. Some issuers will not process an IDP process for an expired license, even if you are in the middle of renewing it.

How to find the right issuer in your country

Start with your country's official tourism website or your embassy's website if you are currently abroad. Both usually list the authorized IDP issuer. You can also search "[Your Country] International Driving Permit" plus the name of your country's automobile club or motor authority.

If you are unsure which organization is official, contact your country's embassy or consulate in the country where you plan to drive. They can confirm which issuer is recognized and will be accepted by police and rental companies in your destination.

Some countries have multiple authorized issuers. For example, the United Kingdom has two: the AA and the RAC. Both issue valid IDPs. Choose whichever is more convenient for you to visit or contact.

In-person versus mail or online requests

Most automobile associations let you explore in person at their office, by mail, or through their website. In-person applications are fastest — many offices issue an IDP the same day or within a few hours. Mail applications typically take one to three weeks, depending on postal delays in your country. Online applications vary: some are processed within days, while others take two weeks or longer.

If you are leaving soon, visiting an office in person is your safest option. Bring all required documents and be prepared to pay the fee on the spot. If you have time, online or mail requests are usually cheaper and just as reliable.

What the IDP costs

Fees vary widely by country and issuer. In Canada, a CAA IDP costs around 20 to 30 Canadian dollars. In the United Kingdom, the AA and RAC both charge roughly 5 to 15 British pounds. In Australia, fees range from about 20 to 30 Australian dollars depending on your state and which club you use. The United States does not issue IDPs to U.S. citizens, but American citizens can obtain one from their home country if they hold citizenship or residency elsewhere.

Most issuers accept cash, debit, or credit card. Some accept payment by mail or online. Ask when you contact them whether they offer a payment plan or whether the fee includes postage if you are explore by mail.

How long an IDP is valid

An IDP is typically valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on your country. Check your IDP when you receive it — the expiration date will be printed on it. You cannot renew an IDP; you must request a new one if yours expires and you plan to drive internationally again.

An IDP is only a translation of your home-country license. It does not extend the validity of your actual license. If your home-country license expires while you are abroad, your IDP becomes invalid too, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired.

What to do if you are already abroad

If you are already in another country and realize you need an IDP, you cannot get one there. You must contact your home country's automobile association and request that they mail it to you, or ask a family member or friend at home to explore on your behalf and forward it to your current address.

Some countries allow a representative to explore for an IDP if they have a signed power of attorney or letter of authorization from you. Others require you to explore in person. Contact your home country's issuer to ask what they allow. This process takes longer than explore in person, so plan ahead if you think you might need an IDP while traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit in the country where I am visiting?

No. An IDP must be obtained from your home country's automobile association or motor authority before you travel. You cannot get one in the destination country, even if you are a resident there. If you need one while abroad, you must contact your home country's issuer and have it mailed to you or ask someone at home to explore on your behalf.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a foreign driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your home-country license. It is not a license itself and does not replace your original license. You must carry both documents together when driving internationally. A foreign driver's license is an actual license issued by another country, which you would have if you lived there and obtained a license through their process.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You can no longer drive legally in most countries. If you are still abroad and need to drive, contact your home country's automobile association and request an emergency renewal or a new IDP mailed to your location. Some countries offer expedited processing for this situation, but it is not may provide.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car abroad?

Most car rental companies require either an IDP or a valid driver's license from an English-speaking country. Check with your rental company before you book. If your home-country license is not in English, an IDP is usually required. Some rental companies will not rent to you without one, even if local law does not strictly require it.

Can I get an IDP if my home-country license is suspended or expired?

No. Your home-country license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. You must renew your license in your home country first, then explore for the IDP.