An IDP is a document that translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license itself — it is a translation booklet that works alongside your valid home-country driver's license. It converts your license information into ten languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Greek, and Turkish) so rental companies and police in other countries can read it. You cannot drive with only an IDP; you must carry both your original license and the IDP together.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by the country you are visiting. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you can get an IDP from either organization.

The IDP is useful when you are traveling abroad and plan to drive, but it is not required in every country. Some nations accept your U.S. license alone; others strongly prefer or require an IDP. The rules vary by destination, so checking your specific country's requirements before you travel is essential.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation of your driver's license into ten languages and must be carried with your original license at all times while driving abroad.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs to U.S. drivers; you cannot get one from a state DMV or online third-party service.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA or AATA office.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and be at least 18 years old to get an IDP.
  • Requirements for an IDP vary by country, so confirm whether your destination requires or recommends one before traveling.

Who Issues IDPs and Where to Get One

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two U.S. organizations authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. Both organizations issue the same document; the choice between them depends on which has an office near you or whether you are already a member.

AAA has thousands of local offices across the United States. You can visit any AAA office in person with your valid driver's license and a passport or passport card. The process takes about 15 minutes, and the IDP is issued on the spot. AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, though members may receive a small discount.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers many states. You can find AATA offices through their website or contact them directly. Like AAA, AATA issues the IDP in person and does not require membership. Both organizations charge a small fee — typically $15 to $20 — and accept cash or card.

Do not attempt to order an IDP online from third-party websites or services. Only AAA and AATA are legitimate; other sites may charge inflated fees or issue documents that are not recognized abroad.

What You Need to Bring and How Much It Costs

To get an IDP from AAA or AATA, you need a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card. Some offices may also accept a state ID card, but a passport is the safest choice. Bring the originals, not copies.

The cost is typically $15 to $20, depending on the issuing organization and your location. AAA members may receive a discount of $2 to $3. Payment is usually cash or card, and the IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If your trip is more than a year away, you can wait to get the IDP closer to your travel date.

The IDP itself is a small booklet about the size of a passport. It contains your name, license number, and other key information from your driver's license, printed in ten languages. It is not a photo ID, so it does not replace your passport or driver's license for identification purposes.

How Long an IDP Is Valid and When to Renew

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you must have a current, valid driver's license for the IDP to work. If your license is still valid but your IDP has expired, you will need to get a new IDP before traveling.

There is no renewal process; you straightforward get a new IDP from AAA or AATA when the old one expires. The process is the same as getting your first one: bring your valid license and passport, pay the fee, and receive the new IDP on the spot.

If you are planning a long trip or multiple trips over several years, you may want to get a new IDP each time you travel rather than trying to time it with your license renewal. Since the IDP costs only $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes to obtain, getting a fresh one for each trip ensures you always have a current document.

Countries That Require or Recommend an IDP

Not every country requires an IDP, but many strongly recommend one. European countries are split: some require an IDP by law, while others accept a U.S. license alone. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain all accept a U.S. license without an IDP, though an IDP can be helpful if you are stopped by police who do not speak English.

Some countries — including Greece, Hungary, and several others in Eastern Europe — require an IDP by law. If you plan to drive in these countries without an IDP, you risk fines or having your car impounded. Mexico and many Central American countries also require or strongly recommend an IDP.

The safest approach is to check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department website and your destination country's tourism or transportation ministry can tell you whether an IDP is required. If you are renting a car, the rental company can also confirm the requirement when you book.

IDP vs. Real ID: What Is the Difference

An IDP and a Real ID are completely different documents that serve different purposes. An IDP is a translation of your driver's license for use when driving abroad. A Real ID is a domestic U.S. security standard that applies to your state driver's license or ID card for use within the United States.

Real ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. It has nothing to do with international travel or driving abroad. Your state driver's license may already be Real ID-compliant; you can check by looking for a star symbol in the upper right corner of your license. If your license has the star, it meets Real ID standards.

If you are traveling abroad and plan to drive, you need an IDP. If you are flying domestically within the United States, you need a Real ID-compliant license or passport. These are separate requirements, and having one does not affect the other.

What Happens If You Drive Abroad Without an IDP When One Is Required

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can face fines, vehicle impoundment, or both. Police may also refuse to recognize your U.S. license as valid, even if it is technically legal in your home country. In some cases, your car rental company may refuse to let you take the vehicle if you cannot show an IDP.

The consequences vary by country. In some European nations, the fine for driving without an IDP is €100 to €500. In Mexico, the penalty can include vehicle confiscation. Even in countries where an IDP is not legally required, having one can prevent confusion or delays if you are stopped by police.

The cost and time to get an IDP — $15 to $20 and 15 minutes — are so small compared to the risk of fines or impoundment that getting one before any international trip is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP from my state DMV or online?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one, and online third-party services are not legitimate. Always go to an AAA or AATA office in person.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. license is sufficient. Mexico strongly recommends an IDP and some rental companies require one, so check with your rental company before you book. If you are renting a car, it is safer to have an IDP.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?

An expired IDP is not valid. If your IDP expires during your trip, you should not drive. Plan ahead and get a new IDP before you travel if your current one will expire during your trip.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only. An international license does not exist as a separate document. Your U.S. driver's license is your actual license; the IDP straightforward translates it into other languages.

Can I drive in any country with just an IDP and no driver's license?

No. An IDP is useless without your original driver's license. You must carry both documents together. If you are stopped by police, you must show your valid U.S. license; the IDP is only a translation aid.