Where to Get an International Driving Permit (IDP): Locations, Process, and What to Expect
If you're planning to drive abroad, you've likely encountered the term International Driving Permit — and the question of where to actually get one. The answer is simpler than most people expect, but the surrounding details matter quite a bit depending on your home country, destination, and how long you plan to be on the road.
What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An IDP is not a standalone license. It's a translation document — a standardized booklet that converts your existing driver's license into a format recognized in dozens of countries. It contains your name, photo, and license information translated into multiple official languages recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention.
You must carry your valid domestic driver's license alongside your IDP at all times. The IDP has no legal standing without it. Think of the IDP as a companion document, not a replacement.
IDPs are valid in over 150 countries and are commonly required — or strongly recommended — when renting a car internationally or driving through countries where your home country's license language isn't locally legible.
Who Issues IDPs in the United States 🌍
This is where most confusion happens. In the U.S., only two organizations are authorized by the federal government to issue IDPs to American license holders:
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)
No government agency — not the DMV, not the State Department, not the passport office — issues IDPs to U.S. residents. If you encounter a website or third party claiming to issue official IDPs outside of these two organizations, that document will not be recognized as legitimate.
Both AAA and AATA can process IDP applications in person or by mail, depending on location. AAA offices are more widely distributed across the country, making them the most common point of contact for most applicants.
What You'll Typically Need to Apply
Regardless of which issuing organization you use, the standard requirements for a U.S.-based IDP application generally include:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current; expired licenses are not accepted |
| Passport-style photos | Usually two, meeting specific size requirements |
| Completed application form | Available from AAA or AATA |
| Application fee | Varies by organization; typically in the $20–$25 range, though fees are subject to change |
| Minimum age | Generally 18 years old |
Fees, photo requirements, and processing timelines can vary slightly between AAA and AATA, and between in-person and mail applications. Mail processing adds time — relevant if your travel is soon.
In-Person vs. Mail Applications
In-person applications at a participating AAA branch are the fastest option. Many applicants walk out the same day with their IDP in hand. AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, though some offices may have membership-related processing differences.
Mail-in applications require you to send your completed form, photos, a copy of your license, and payment to the appropriate processing address. Allow additional time beyond the standard processing window, especially during busy travel seasons.
If your departure is imminent, in-person is the more reliable path.
How Long an IDP Is Valid
A standard IDP issued in the United States is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — a new application is required after expiration. If you're planning extended international travel or multiple trips over time, that one-year window affects your planning.
What an IDP Does Not Cover ⚠️
An IDP helps with translation and recognition, but it does not:
- Override local licensing requirements — some countries require foreign drivers to obtain a local license if they stay beyond a certain period (often 30 to 90 days, but this varies widely by country)
- Replace insurance requirements — driving legally abroad still requires meeting the destination country's insurance rules
- Apply universally — a small number of countries are not signatories to the relevant conventions and may not recognize an IDP at all
- Serve visitors to the U.S. — foreign nationals driving in the United States are not issued U.S. IDPs; they use their home country's IDP issued by their home country's authorized organization
If You're a Foreign National Driving in the U.S.
The IDP situation works differently depending on direction of travel. Foreign visitors driving in the United States use an IDP issued by their home country — not by AAA or AATA. Requirements for how long a foreign license (with or without an IDP) is valid before a U.S. state license is required vary significantly by state. Some states allow foreign nationals to drive on a foreign license for the duration of a visa; others have shorter windows or additional requirements tied to residency status.
The Factors That Shape Your Specific Situation
Even with a process as relatively standardized as IDP issuance, the details that matter to you depend on variables this overview can't resolve:
- Your destination country and whether it recognizes IDPs, which convention it operates under, and how long a foreign driver can operate before needing a local license
- Your state of residence, which may affect how foreign license rules are applied if you're a non-U.S. driver
- Your license class — commercial license holders or those with restrictions may face different recognition rules abroad
- Your travel timeline — in-person vs. mail processing, expiration dates, and renewal timing all interact with when and how long you plan to drive
The issuing process for U.S. drivers is among the more uniform aspects of international driving documentation — but what happens once you cross a border is shaped entirely by where you're going, how long you'll be there, and what category of driver you are.
