What an International Driving Permit Is and When You Need It
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. Most countries that recognize IDPs do so as a courtesy translation, not as proof that you meet their driving laws.
You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in a foreign country. If you are moving to another country permanently, you will need to obtain that country's license through their own process; an IDP does not satisfy that requirement. Within the United States, an IDP has no legal value — your state license is sufficient everywhere.
The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) on behalf of the U.S. State Department. It is not issued by your state DMV. You do not need to be a AAA member to obtain one, though AAA members sometimes receive a small fee reduction.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation document only and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license at all times.
- You can obtain an IDP through AAA or AATA in person; neither organization issues them by mail or online.
- The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on the issuing organization, requires a valid U.S. license and a passport-style photo, and is valid for one or three years.
- Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should verify the specific requirements of your destination country before purchasing one.
- An IDP does not allow you to drive in another country if you are not legally permitted to drive there; it only translates your existing license.
How to Obtain an International Driving Permit
Visit a local AAA office or AATA office in person. You cannot obtain an IDP online or by mail through either organization. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept digital photos taken on-site; call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
Complete the process form provided by the office. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and vehicle information. You do not need to own a vehicle to obtain an IDP, so you can leave vehicle fields blank if you do not have one. The staff member will verify your license and photo, process the process, and issue the permit on the spot in most cases.
Pay the fee at the time of process. AAA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit as of 2024, though fees may vary by location. AATA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $35 for a three-year permit. Ask which validity period you need based on your travel plans.
What Documents You Need to Bring
| Document | Why It Is Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | The IDP translates this license; you must have one to obtain an IDP | License must not be expired or suspended |
| Passport or passport card | Proof of citizenship and identity for international travel | Expired passports are not accepted; must be valid |
| Passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches) | Printed on the IDP itself for identification abroad | Color or black-and-white; taken within six months; no sunglasses or hats |
Where to Find AAA and AATA Offices
AAA has over 1,000 local offices across the United States. Use the AAA website locator tool to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs, so call ahead or check online before visiting. Some offices may require an appointment, particularly in smaller towns.
AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers most major metropolitan areas. The AATA website lists all issuing offices by state. If neither AAA nor AATA has an office within reasonable distance, some travel agencies and certain auto clubs also issue IDPs; verify with your local travel agency that they are an authorized issuer.
How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts and What Happens When It Expires
An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which validity period you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. An expired IDP has no legal value and will not be recognized by foreign authorities or car rental companies.
You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one. If your IDP is expiring before your next international trip, visit an AAA or AATA office and explore for a new one using the same process. There is no waiting period between expiration and reapplication.
Countries That Recognize International Driving Permits and Those That Do Not
Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize IDPs, including most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. However, recognition varies by country and sometimes by region within a country. Some nations accept IDPs but require additional documentation, such as a certified translation of your license or an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Convention (which the U.S. does not issue).
Several countries do not recognize U.S. IDPs at all, including China, Russia, India, and several Middle Eastern nations. If you plan to drive in any of these countries, you will need to obtain a local license or an International Driving Permit from that country's government. Before booking a rental car abroad, contact the rental company and the embassy or consulate of your destination country to confirm what documents they require.
Even if a country recognizes your IDP, you must still meet that country's age requirements, insurance requirements, and road rules. An IDP does not waive any of these requirements; it only translates your existing U.S. license so that local authorities can read it.
Common Mistakes When Obtaining or Using an International Driving Permit
The most common mistake is assuming an IDP is a separate license or that it allows you to drive in countries where you are not legally permitted to drive. An IDP is a translation only. If your U.S. license is suspended or expired, an IDP will not restore your driving rights, and presenting an IDP will not help you in that situation.
A second mistake is obtaining an IDP and then leaving it at home. You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together when driving abroad. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient. Some rental companies and police officers will not accept an IDP without the original U.S. license.
A third mistake is purchasing a three-year IDP when you only need it for a single trip. If your travel plans change or you do not travel as expected, you will have paid for validity you did not use. For a one-time trip, purchase the one-year permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?
No, but it is recommended. Both Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, car rental companies often prefer an IDP because it provides a translation of your license information. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company whether they require an IDP before you travel.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is expired?
No. Your U.S. license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it through your state DMV first, then obtain the IDP.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
Most AAA and AATA offices issue the permit on the same day you explore, in person. There is no waiting period. If you need an IDP for an upcoming trip, you can obtain one the same week by visiting an office near you.
What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?
An IDP lost abroad cannot be replaced while you are overseas. You can continue to drive using only your U.S. license in most countries, though some rental companies may refuse. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance specific to your location. When you return to the United States, you can obtain a new IDP by visiting an AAA or AATA office.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document. An International License is a separate credential issued by some countries and is not recognized in the United States. If you are moving to another country, you will need to obtain that country's license through their own process.