Your national automobile association issues the International Driving Permit, not a government agency

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by your country's national automobile association, not by your state's DMV or any federal government office. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organisations authorised by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot get one from a DMV, a passport office, or any government agency.

The IDP itself is not a replacement for your driver's license — it is a translation document that sits alongside your valid domestic license. When you travel internationally, you carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. Foreign police and rental car companies recognise the IDP as proof that your U.S. license is legitimate and that you hold a valid driving privilege in your home country.

Different countries recognise the IDP under different international conventions. Most countries that accept it follow either the 1926 convention or the 1968 convention. The IDP you receive will state which convention it covers, and that determines which countries will honour it. Most IDPs issued in the U.S. today cover both conventions, but you should verify this before travel.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs in the United States; no government office issues them.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP — the permit is not a standalone document.
  • AAA charges a fee (typically $15 to $20) and issues the IDP on the spot at most local branches; AATA issues by mail.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and is not renewable — you must get a new one each time you travel internationally.
  • Not all countries recognise the IDP, so you should check your destination country's requirements before you travel.

How AAA issues the IDP at local branches

AAA is the faster and more accessible route for most U.S. drivers. You can walk into any AAA branch office, present your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and receive your IDP the same day. You do not need to be an AAA member, though membership can sometimes lower the fee. The process takes about 15 minutes.

Bring your valid driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a completed process form (which AAA provides at the branch or online). AAA will take a photo at the branch, or you can bring a recent passport-style photo. The fee is typically $15 to $20, though this varies slightly by location. AAA issues the IDP in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese — the standard languages recognised internationally.

You can also explore by mail through AAA's website if no branch is near you, though this takes longer. Mail applications usually take one to two weeks from the time AAA receives your materials. You will need to mail your driver's license, passport, a completed form, a passport photo, and a check or money order.

How AATA issues the IDP by mail

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorised issuer. AATA does not have physical branch offices — you explore entirely by mail. You send your valid driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and payment to AATA's address. AATA processes the process and mails your IDP back to you, typically within two to three weeks.

The AATA fee is similar to AAA's, usually $15 to $20. Because AATA operates only by mail, it is useful if you live far from an AAA branch or prefer not to visit in person. However, the mail-based process means you cannot get your IDP the same day. If you are leaving for international travel soon, AAA is the faster choice.

What documents you need before you explore

You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. An IDP cannot be issued to someone without a current domestic license. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed.

You also need a government-issued photo ID — typically a passport, passport card, or state ID. A driver's license alone is not sufficient; you must bring a second form of ID. If you do not have a passport yet and plan to travel internationally, you will need to obtain one before or at the same time as your IDP.

For AAA in-person applications, bring a recent passport-style photo (2x2 inches) or let AAA take one at the branch. For mail applications to either AAA or AATA, a passport photo is required. Some AAA branches will photograph you on site at no extra charge.

How long an IDP is valid and when you need a new one

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not renew. Once the year expires, the IDP is no longer valid, even if your U.S. driver's license is still current. If you travel internationally again after the expiration date, you must obtain a new IDP.

This one-year limit applies regardless of how often you use the permit or how long you stay abroad. An IDP issued on January 15, 2024, expires on January 14, 2025. You cannot extend it or renew it — you must explore for a fresh one if you need it again.

Some countries set their own limits on how long a visitor can drive on a foreign license, separate from the IDP's validity. An IDP that is still valid may not permit you to drive in a country that limits tourist driving to 30 or 90 days. Always check your destination country's specific rules before you travel.

Countries that recognise the IDP and those that do not

Most developed countries and popular tourist destinations recognise the IDP, including Canada, Mexico, most European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. However, not every country honours it. Some countries require an official translation of your U.S. license from their own government or a certified translator. Others require you to obtain a local driving permit or international permit issued by that country's own authority.

China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries do not recognise the U.S. IDP. If you plan to drive in these countries, you will need to research their specific requirements — often an official translation, a local permit, or both. Some countries accept the IDP for short-term tourism but require a local license if you stay longer than a set period.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country to confirm whether the IDP is accepted and whether you need additional documents. This step takes 10 minutes and can prevent you from being unable to rent a car or drive legally once you arrive.

The difference between an IDP and a foreign driver's license

An IDP is not the same as a foreign driver's license. A foreign license is issued by another country's government and permits you to drive in that country if you are a resident or have met that country's licensing requirements. An IDP is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association and is meant only for temporary travel.

If you move to another country permanently or become a resident, you will eventually need to obtain that country's driver's license. An IDP is a short-term travel document, valid for one year, and is not a substitute for residency-based licensing. Some countries allow tourists to drive on an IDP for a limited time (often 30 to 90 days), after which you must either leave or obtain a local license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. Once your license is current again, you can explore for an IDP when ready.

Do I need to be an AAA member to get an IDP from AAA?

No. AAA issues IDPs to both members and non-members. Membership may lower the fee slightly at some branches, but it is not required. You can walk into any AAA branch with a valid driver's license and photo ID and receive an IDP the same day, regardless of membership status.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am still traveling abroad?

Your IDP is no longer valid once it expires, even if you are still in the country where you are traveling. If you need to drive after the expiration date, you will need to obtain a new IDP before you left home or arrange alternative transportation. Plan ahead and check your IDP's expiration date before each trip.

Can I get an IDP for someone else, like a family member?

No. Each person must explore for their own IDP in person (for AAA) or by mail (for AATA or AAA). You cannot explore on behalf of another adult. Parents can explore for minors, but the minor's valid driver's license and photo ID are still required.

Is the IDP the same as an international license?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically an IDP is a permit, not a license. It is a translation and verification document that works alongside your U.S. driver's license. It does not grant you driving privileges — your U.S. license does. The IDP straightforward proves to foreign authorities that your U.S. license is valid.