What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and confirms you hold a valid license in your home country. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual driver's license, which you must carry at the same time. Whether you need one depends entirely on where you are driving. Most countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East recognize IDPs. Some do not require them if your U.S. license is in English and has a photo. Others will not accept your U.S. license at all without one.

The practical rule: if you are renting a car abroad, call the rental company first and ask what they require. If you are driving your own vehicle across a border, check the entry requirements for that specific country on its government website or through your country's embassy. An IDP costs between $15 and $30 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, so ordering it before your trip is safer than assuming you will not need it.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your actual U.S. driver's license; it is not a standalone license.
  • You obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through your state's DMV.
  • The permit costs $15 to $30, requires a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo, and arrives in one to two weeks by mail.
  • Requirements vary by country — some require an IDP, some accept only your U.S. license, and some accept either; rental car companies often have their own rules separate from national law.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not renew; you must order a new one for each trip if yours has expired.

How to Order an International Driving Permit Through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the primary issuer of IDPs in the United States. You do not need to be a AAA member to order one, though members pay a lower fee. To order in person, visit any AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and cash or a card. The office will complete the process on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and you can walk out with your permit the same day — though this is only available at some locations, so call ahead.

To order by mail, read the IDP process from AAA's website, fill it out, and mail it with a photocopy of your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order. Processing takes one to two weeks. You can also order online through AAA's website if you are a member; non-members can order by mail or in person only. The cost is $20 for non-members and $15 for members when ordered by mail, or $30 for non-members and $20 for members when ordered in person.

Ordering Through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second official IDP issuer recognized by the United Nations. It operates primarily by mail and online. To order, visit the AATA website, fill out the process, upload a digital photo, and pay by credit card. The permit arrives in seven to ten business days. AATA charges $20 for the permit itself, plus a $5 processing fee, for a total of $25.

AATA does not have physical offices, so in-person ordering is not an option. However, the online process is straightforward and faster than AAA's mail route. If you are ordering fewer than two weeks before your trip, AATA's online option is usually your best bet. Both AAA and AATA issue permits that are identical in legal standing — the choice comes down to convenience and timing.

What Documents and Photos You Need

You will need a valid U.S. driver's license (not expired), a passport-style photo, and proof of your address if ordering by mail. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from your driver's license or passport unless it meets these exact specifications. If you do not have a passport-style photo, AAA offices can take one for you on the spot for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.

If ordering by mail through AAA, you will also need a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back) and a check or money order for the fee. If ordering through AATA online, you upload a digital photo instead of mailing a physical one. Do not send your original driver's license — always send a photocopy. Keep your original license with you at all times when driving abroad.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically. If your permit expires before your next trip, you must order a new one. There is no such thing as renewing an expired IDP — you straightforward order a fresh one through AAA or AATA using the same process.

Check the issue date on your permit before you travel. If it is more than one year old, order a replacement before you leave. Some rental car companies will refuse an expired IDP, and some countries' border agents will not accept one either. If you travel internationally multiple times per year, you may find it easier to order a new IDP each time rather than trying to track whether your current one is still valid.

What Countries Require or Recognize an IDP

Most countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, recognize U.S. driver's licenses with an IDP. Many also accept a U.S. license alone if it is in English and has a photo, though an IDP removes any ambiguity. In Asia, countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand require an IDP or an official translation of your license. Australia, New Zealand, and Canada accept a U.S. license without an IDP, though some rental companies may ask for one anyway.

The safest approach is to contact the country's embassy or consulate before you travel, or to ask your rental car company directly what they will accept. Rules change, and rental companies sometimes have stricter requirements than national law. If you are driving your own vehicle across an international border, the entry requirements are set by that country's government, not by rental companies. Check the specific country's official government website or call the embassy to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit without my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your actual U.S. driver's license. If a police officer or rental company asks to see your license, you must show both documents. Carrying an IDP alone is not sufficient and may be treated as driving without a license in some countries.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance. In most cases, you can continue driving with your U.S. license alone, though rental companies may refuse to let you keep the car. If you are driving your own vehicle, losing your IDP does not make you illegal, but you should report it to AAA or AATA when you return home. You cannot get a replacement while abroad — you must order a new one once you are back in the United States.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries do not require one for short visits if your U.S. license is valid and in English. However, most rental companies require an IDP regardless of trip length. Since an IDP costs $15 to $30 and takes one to two weeks to arrive, ordering one before any international driving trip is the safest choice.

Can I order an IDP at the last minute?

AAA offices can issue one the same day if you visit in person with your license and a photo, but not all locations offer this service — call ahead. AATA processes online orders in seven to ten business days. If your trip is sooner than that, your only option is an in-person visit to an AAA office. Plan ahead if possible, since mail processing takes one to two weeks.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation and verification document. An international license does not exist in the United States. Some countries issue their own versions of driving documents for citizens traveling abroad, but the U.S. does not. Your U.S. driver's license is your actual license; the IDP straightforward confirms its validity to authorities and rental companies in other countries.