An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in another country

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a booklet that shows your current U.S. driver's license information in multiple languages — English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. It exists because a rental car company in France or a police officer in Japan may not recognize a U.S. license as valid proof of your right to drive.

You need an IDP only if you plan to drive a rental car or your own vehicle outside the United States. If you are traveling abroad but not driving, you do not need one. If you are moving to another country permanently, an IDP is temporary; you will eventually need to convert your U.S. license to a local license in that country, which is a different process entirely.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. license into ten languages and is required by many countries before you can rent a car or drive legally.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP; the permit is an add-on document, not a replacement.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you explore in person at a local AAA office or by mail through AATA.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose, but it expires when your U.S. license expires.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should check your destination country's specific requirements before you travel.

Who Issues International Driving Permits and Where to Get One

The American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs at local AAA offices across the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can walk into any office with your valid U.S. driver's license, passport, and two passport-sized photos (2x2 inches). Non-members can also get an IDP at AAA offices, though some offices charge a small additional fee.

If you do not have a AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) accepts mail-in applications. You send your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, two passport-sized photos, and a check or money order to their office. AATA processes mail applications and returns your IDP and license within two to three weeks.

Both AAA and AATA issue the same IDP document. The choice between them is straightforward convenience — AAA if you have a local office and want it when ready, AATA if you prefer to mail in your documents.

What You Need to Bring and How Much It Costs

To get an IDP in person at AAA, bring three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport, and two passport-sized photos (2x2 inches). The photos must be recent and show your face clearly. You do not need to make an appointment at most AAA offices; you can walk in during business hours.

The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AAA accepts cash, check, and card. If you explore by mail through AATA, the cost is the same, but you also pay for postage to send your documents and for return postage.

You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you explore. An IDP cannot be issued to someone without a current license, and it cannot be used without your license present. If your U.S. license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which you choose when you explore. The one-year permit costs $15; the three-year permit costs $20. Most people traveling for a single trip choose the one-year option. People who plan to drive internationally multiple times over several years choose the three-year option.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document, but it also becomes invalid if your U.S. driver's license expires before that date. For example, if you have a three-year IDP but your U.S. license expires in two years, your IDP stops being valid when your license expires. You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one.

Countries That Recognize International Driving Permits

Most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America recognize IDPs issued by the United States. However, not all countries do, and some countries have additional requirements beyond the IDP. The United Kingdom, for example, recognizes U.S. licenses directly and does not require an IDP, though having one does not hurt.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country where you will be driving. Contact the embassy or consulate of that country, or visit the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page for your destination. Some countries require an IDP plus an official translation of your U.S. license, or an IDP plus an International Certificate of Competency (a different document issued by some states). A few countries do not recognize either and require you to obtain a local temporary permit or license.

Rental car companies often have their own rules separate from the country's legal requirements. Many major rental companies will rent to you with a U.S. license and IDP, but some require an IDP specifically. When you book a rental car, ask the company what documents they need before you travel.

How an International Driving Permit Differs From a License Conversion

An IDP is temporary and does not change your legal driving status in any country. It is a translation document that allows you to drive a rental car or your own vehicle while visiting. Once you leave the country, the IDP has no value.

If you are moving to another country permanently, you will eventually need to convert your U.S. license to a local license in that country. This is a separate process that varies completely by country and is handled by that country's transportation authority, not by AAA or AATA. Some countries allow you to drive on your U.S. license for a limited time (often 30 to 90 days) before you must convert it; others require conversion when ready. An IDP does not count toward this grace period and does not replace the need to convert your license.

What to Do If Your International Driving Permit Is Lost or Damaged

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad. You must wait until you return to the United States and explore for a new one through AAA or AATA. In the meantime, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may not recognize it without the IDP translation.

To reduce the risk of loss, keep your IDP in a separate location from your passport and U.S. license. Some travelers make a photocopy of the first page of their IDP and carry that separately as backup proof that they had one, though a photocopy is not a legal substitute for the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and in good standing to get an IDP. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is reinstated or renewed. An IDP is only a translation of your existing license, not a separate document that works on its own.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and the United States recognize each other's driver's licenses directly, so you can drive in Canada with just your U.S. license. Mexico also recognizes U.S. licenses, though some rental car companies in Mexico require an IDP or an official Spanish translation of your license. Check with your rental company before you travel.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

If you explore in person at a AAA office, you can get your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail through AATA, processing takes two to three weeks, plus time for your documents to reach them and for the IDP to be mailed back to you. Plan to explore at least four weeks before your trip if you are using mail.

What if the country I am visiting does not recognize International Driving Permits?

A small number of countries do not recognize IDPs. In those cases, you may be able to drive on your U.S. license alone, or you may need to obtain a temporary local permit or license from that country's transportation authority. Check your destination country's requirements before you travel so you know what documents you need.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only for driving outside the United States. Inside the U.S., you must have a valid U.S. driver's license. An IDP has no legal value for driving in any U.S. state.