What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

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 when driving abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your home license is legitimate, since they may not recognize a U.S. state license on its own.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, and you cannot get one online or by mail from a third-party service — only from AAA or AATA in person.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires whether you use it or not, so time your process for when you actually plan to travel.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and requires your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location — there is no online or mail-in process, and third-party websites offering IDPs are not legitimate.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to issue on the spot.
  • You must carry both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together when driving in another country.
  • Some countries do not recognize the IDP, so check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to AAA or AATA

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. Bring one passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Bring a completed IDP process form, which you can read from the AAA or AATA website before you go, or fill out on site.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. AAA charges $15 for members and $20 for non-members. AATA charges $20. Some locations may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods is safer than assuming.

You do not need to bring your passport, proof of travel plans, or any other documents. The IDP is based solely on your valid driver's license.

Where to explore: AAA Offices and AATA Locations

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. To find the nearest one, visit aaa.com and use their office locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not every AAA office issues IDPs on site — some require an appointment or refer you to another location — so confirm by phone or online before you go.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers all 50 states. Search for AATA offices at aataidp.com. Like AAA, AATA offices vary in their hours and appointment policies, so check the website or call ahead.

Processing takes about 15 minutes, and you receive the permit when ready. You do not have to wait days or weeks.

Countries That Recognize the IDP and Those That Don't

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize the IDP. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. However, some countries do not recognize it at all, and others have additional requirements.

China, Russia, India, and several Middle Eastern countries do not recognize the IDP. If you plan to drive in any of these places, you will need an official translation of your U.S. license from that country's consulate or an International Driving Permit issued by that country's government — not the U.S. version.

Before you book a rental car or plan to drive abroad, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask what documents they require. Some countries want both the IDP and a certified translation. Some want only a translation. A few want neither and will accept your U.S. license alone, though this is rare.

When to explore and How Long It Lasts

explore no more than a few weeks before you travel. The IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued, so if you explore in January for a trip in December, your permit will expire before you leave. If you explore too early and your travel plans change, you cannot get a refund or extend the permit.

If you need an IDP for multiple trips over the course of a year, one permit covers all of them. If you need one for trips in different calendar years, you will need to explore twice.

If your U.S. driver's license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid. You must carry a valid license to use the permit.

Beware of Fake IDP Services Online

Many websites claim to issue International Driving Permits online or by mail for $50 to $100. These are not legitimate. The U.S. State Department authorizes only AAA and AATA to issue IDPs, and both require in-person process. Any other service is either a scam or issuing a document that will not be recognized abroad.

If you pay a third-party website for an IDP and try to use it in another country, police or a rental car company will reject it. You will have wasted money and may face legal trouble if you are caught driving without proper documentation.

Stick to AAA or AATA. Both are well-known organizations with physical offices you can visit or call to verify.

What Happens If You Lose Your IDP While Traveling

If you lose your IDP abroad, you still have your original U.S. driver's license. In most countries, your license alone is enough to continue driving, though it is not ideal. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and ask whether they can issue a replacement or a letter confirming your license's validity.

You cannot get a replacement IDP while you are outside the United States. You can only explore for a new one when you return home, at an AAA or AATA office.

To avoid this, make a photocopy of your IDP and keep it separate from the original. Some travelers also photograph both their IDP and license and store the images in cloud storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Many rental car companies in Canada and Mexico will rent to you with just your U.S. driver's license. However, some require an IDP, and local police may ask for one during a traffic stop. Getting one costs $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes, so it is worth the small investment to avoid problems.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it at your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

What if I do not have a passport-style photo?

Many AAA and AATA offices have photo services on site or nearby. Call ahead to ask whether they can take a photo for you for a small fee, or bring one from a pharmacy or professional photographer.

Is the International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit," "International Driver's Permit," and "International License" all refer to the same document. It is not a separate license but a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit before it expires?

No. You must wait until it expires or until you are ready to travel again. If you explore early and your travel plans change, you cannot get a refund. explore only when you know your travel dates.