You need an International Driving Permit only if you plan to rent a car or drive in certain countries outside the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together to be valid. Whether you need one depends entirely on where you are going and what you plan to do there.

If you are traveling to most countries and will not be driving — or will only be using ride-sharing services like Uber or taxis — you do not need an IDP. If you plan to rent a car or drive a personal vehicle in another country, check that country's specific rules. Some nations require an IDP by law; others accept your U.S. license alone; still others accept neither without additional steps.

The IDP costs between $15 and $30 depending on which organization issues it, takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person, and is valid for one or three years. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must explore in person at a specific location.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages and is required by law in some countries but not others.
  • You must carry your U.S. driver's license and the IDP together; the IDP alone is never valid without your state license.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at a AAA office or AATA location in about 15 minutes, and it costs $15 to $30 depending on validity length.
  • Before traveling, contact the car rental company or check the destination country's embassy website to confirm whether an IDP is required.

Which countries require an International Driving Permit

About 150 countries recognize the IDP, but fewer than half actually require it. Countries that require an IDP by law include Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, and Thailand. If you plan to drive in any of these places, you must have one.

Many other countries — including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand — accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some of these countries recommend carrying one anyway because it removes any ambiguity at a traffic stop or rental counter. A few countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, do not recognize either document and require you to obtain a local license before driving.

The safest approach is to contact your destination country's embassy or consulate before you book a rental car. You can also call the rental company directly; they know their local requirements and can tell you when ready whether an IDP is necessary for your reservation.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA

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. Both charge similar fees and follow the same process, so you can use whichever is more convenient.

To obtain an IDP, you must visit a AAA office or AATA location in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). You will fill out a one-page form, pay the fee, and receive the permit when ready. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. AAA locations are found in most U.S. cities; AATA has fewer locations but covers all 50 states. You can find the nearest office on their websites.

The IDP is valid for one year ($15 to $20) or three years ($25 to $30), depending on which you choose. There is no online or mail-in option — you must be present in person. If you are traveling soon and do not have a passport-style photo, many AAA offices can take one for you on the spot for an additional fee.

What to bring and what to expect at the office

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a 2-by-2-inch passport-style photo. If you do not have a passport, a passport card (which costs less and takes less time to obtain) is sufficient. Some AAA offices will take your photo if you do not have one, though this adds time and cost.

The form itself is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number. You will sign it in front of the staff member. There is no test, no background check, and no waiting period. You walk out with the permit in hand. If you are renewing an IDP that has expired, bring the old one along; the staff will note it on the new process.

If you are explore for a three-year permit, the expiration date will be three years from the date of issue. Plan accordingly if your passport will expire before then — some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and the IDP cannot extend your passport's validity.

International Driving Permit vs. other documents you might need

An IDP is not the same as a visa, a travel permit, or a vehicle registration. It only translates your driving credentials. If you are traveling to a country that requires a visa — such as China, Russia, or Brazil — you must obtain that separately through the country's embassy. The IDP does not help with visa applications.

If you are bringing your own car across an international border, you will also need a vehicle registration document, proof of insurance, and often a carnet (a customs document for temporary vehicle import). These are separate from the IDP and must be arranged through your insurance company or a customs broker.

For ride-sharing, public transportation, or walking, you do not need an IDP at all. Your U.S. driver's license is sufficient identification in most countries for non-driving purposes. If you are renting a car, the rental company will ask for both your U.S. license and the IDP (if required in that country) at the counter.

What happens if you drive without an International Driving Permit in a country that requires one

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you risk a fine, vehicle impoundment, or both. The penalty varies by country. In some places, such as France or Italy, police may issue a fine on the spot. In others, such as Mexico, they may impound the vehicle until you produce the required documents or pay a penalty.

A rental car company may also refuse to rent to you if you cannot produce an IDP when required, or they may charge you a fee to cover their liability if you are stopped. Some companies will not rent to you at all without one. This is why confirming the requirement before you book is important.

If you are stopped and do not have an IDP, having your U.S. license and passport will help explain your situation, but it will not satisfy the legal requirement in countries where an IDP is mandatory. The safest approach is to obtain one before you travel if there is any chance you will drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Canada or Mexico with just my U.S. driver's license?

Yes. Canada and Mexico both accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an International Driving Permit. However, you should also carry your passport or passport card, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. An IDP is not required but does not hurt to have.

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

You receive it when ready after explore in person at a AAA or AATA office. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. There is no waiting period or processing time. You must explore in person; there is no online or mail option.

What if my passport expires before my three-year IDP expires?

The IDP is still valid, but some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Check your destination country's entry requirements. You can renew your passport separately; the IDP does not need to be renewed unless you want to update it.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

It depends on the country. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Greece require one by law. The United Kingdom does not. Check with your rental company or the specific country's embassy before booking. Most rental companies will tell you when ready whether one is required for your reservation.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP. You must renew or restore your U.S. license first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.