What an International Driver's License Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license—it does not replace your national license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your home license and the IDP together.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept your home license with a certified translation; some accept your home license with no translation at all. The rules vary by destination country, rental car company, and insurance provider. Before you book a trip, contact the country's embassy or your car rental company to confirm what they actually require.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body. In the United States, 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. No other organization can legally issue one.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried alongside your home country's driver's license, not as a replacement for it.
  • In the United States, only the AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs; no other organization can legally do so.
  • You must bring your valid home driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and proof of age to get an IDP in person.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which type you choose, and you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new one when it expires.
  • Check with your destination country's embassy or your rental car company before traveling, because not all countries require or recognize an IDP.

How to Get an IDP from AAA or AATA

Both AAA and AATA issue IDPs in person at their offices. You cannot order one online or by mail. You must visit a location in your state, bring the required documents, and pay the fee on the spot.

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept photos taken on-site for an additional fee. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license. The process takes about 15 minutes.

AAA charges around $20 for a one-year IDP or $30 for a three-year IDP (prices vary slightly by state). AATA charges similar amounts. You pay in cash or card at the time of issue. Ask the office staff which type of IDP your destination country recognizes—some countries only accept the one-year version, and some do not recognize either.

Finding an AAA or AATA Office Near You

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. You can search for the nearest one on the AAA website by entering your zip code. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so call ahead or check the office details online before you go.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA. You can find AATA offices through their website or by calling their main office. AATA offices are concentrated in certain regions, so if you do not have an AATA office nearby, AAA is usually your faster option.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP from AAA without joining. Walk-in service is available at most offices, though some locations ask you to book an appointment online first. Check your local office's policy before you visit.

How Long an IDP Is Valid and What Happens When It Expires

A one-year IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for 36 months. The expiration date is printed on the document itself.

You cannot renew an IDP. When it expires, you must explore for a new one by visiting an AAA or AATA office again with the same documents. There is no grace period—an expired IDP is not valid for driving, even if you are still within your trip dates.

If you are planning multiple trips over several years, a three-year IDP costs less per year than buying a one-year permit each time. However, if your home country's driver's license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid—the two documents must both be current.

What Countries Require or Recognize an IDP

The rules are not uniform. Some countries require an IDP by law. Others accept your home license with a certified English translation. Some accept your home license with no translation at all. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all.

European Union countries generally accept an IDP but do not always require one if your home license is in English or has a photo and your name in Latin characters. The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand typically accept a valid home license without an IDP. Mexico, Costa Rica, and several other Latin American countries require an IDP or a certified translation.

The safest approach is to contact the embassy of your destination country before you travel, or ask your rental car company what they require. Rental companies sometimes have stricter rules than the country itself—some require an IDP even when the country does not. Getting this wrong can result in being denied a rental car or being unable to drive legally.

What an IDP Does Not Do

An IDP does not change your driving record, insurance status, or legal standing in your home country. It is purely a translation tool. If you have a suspended license at home, an IDP will not let you drive abroad.

An IDP does not cover you for insurance. You must arrange your own international driving insurance or confirm that your home insurance covers you in the countries you are visiting. Many home insurance policies do not cover international driving, and rental car insurance may not either. Check with your insurance company before you leave.

An IDP does not exempt you from local traffic laws, speed limits, or vehicle safety requirements. You are subject to the same rules as local drivers. If you are stopped by police, you must show both your home license and the IDP together.

Alternatives If You Cannot Get to an AAA or AATA Office

If you live far from an AAA or AATA office or do not have time to visit in person, you have limited options. Some travel agencies claim to issue IDPs, but they are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and their documents are not legally valid. Do not use them.

Your other option is a certified translation of your home driver's license. Many countries accept a certified English translation instead of an IDP. You can get a certified translation from a translator certified by your state court system or by a professional translation service. This costs $20 to $50 depending on the translator and your location. Check with your destination country's embassy first to confirm they accept translations in place of an IDP.

If you are traveling soon and cannot get either an IDP or a certified translation, contact your rental car company when ready. Some will rent to you with just your home license and a passport, though this is not may provide and may result in higher insurance costs or denial of service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. Both AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their offices. You must bring your driver's license, passport, and a passport-sized photo. No online or mail service is available, and any website claiming to issue IDPs by mail is not authorized by the U.S. State Department.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or the UK?

Most rental companies in Canada and the UK accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental companies require an IDP as their own policy, even though the country does not. Call your rental company before you book to confirm what they require.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid for driving. If it expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive. Make sure your IDP does not expire before your return date. If you are planning a long trip, buy a three-year IDP instead of a one-year one.

Can I use an IDP to drive in all countries?

No. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, and some require a certified translation of your home license instead. Always check with your destination country's embassy or your rental car company before you travel to confirm what documents they require.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home country's driver's license. You must carry both documents together. You cannot drive on an IDP alone.