What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license—it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. You carry both documents together when you drive abroad.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it by law; others do not. The safest approach is to check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary before you leave. Your car rental company or the embassy website for your destination can tell you what that country requires. Many travelers get one anyway because it costs little and removes doubt at a border or police stop.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States, and by equivalent motoring organizations in other countries. It is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your actual driver's license; it is not a license on its own.
  • The AAA issues IDPs in the United States and requires a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and a passport-style photo.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail, with in-person service taking minutes and mail service taking one to two weeks.
  • The one-year permit costs less than the three-year permit, and prices vary slightly by AAA location but typically range from $20 to $30.
  • Check the rules for your specific destination country before traveling, because some nations do not recognize the IDP or have additional requirements.

Requirements to get an International Driving Permit from AAA

To obtain an IDP from the AAA, you must bring three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and a passport-style photograph. The citizenship proof can be a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background.

Your driver's license must be valid—not expired and not suspended. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before the AAA can issue an IDP. The AAA does not issue an IDP based on an expired license, even if you are in the process of renewing.

You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP. Non-members can walk into any AAA office and request one without joining. However, AAA membership does not reduce the cost of an IDP.

how the process works in person at an AAA office

Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license, citizenship proof, and passport photo. Hand these to the staff member at the counter and tell them you want an International Driving Permit. They will fill out a one-page form with you—it takes about five minutes—and you will walk out with your IDP the same day. There is no waiting period for in-person applications.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use the office locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open during standard business hours and some on Saturday mornings. Call ahead if you are traveling a long distance to make sure the office has the photo requirements and form in stock.

Bring cash or a card—AAA offices accept both. The cost for a one-year IDP is typically $20 to $30, and a three-year IDP is typically $30 to $50, though prices vary slightly by region. Ask which version you need based on how long you plan to drive internationally.

how the process works by mail

read the IDP process form from aaa.com or request one by phone at 1-800-AAA-HELP. Fill it out completely, including your name, address, driver's license number, and date of birth. Attach your passport-style photo with tape or glue—do not use a staple—and include a photocopy of your driver's license and citizenship proof.

Mail the completed form, photo, and copies to the AAA office in your state. The address will be on the form itself. Include a check or money order for the IDP fee. Do not send cash through the mail. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the AAA receives your envelope, not from the date you mail it.

Mail service is slower than in-person service, so explore at least three weeks before your trip if you are using this method. If you are leaving sooner, go to an AAA office in person instead. The AAA will mail your completed IDP to the address you provided on the form.

What to do if you are not near an AAA office

If there is no AAA office in your area or you cannot reach one before your trip, you have two options. First, you can mail your process to the nearest AAA office in any state—the IDP is valid nationwide and internationally regardless of which state office issues it. Second, you can contact the motoring organization in your destination country to see whether they issue an IDP that is recognized in the United States and other countries. Some countries do recognize reciprocal permits.

If you are leaving within a week and cannot use mail service, consider whether you actually need an IDP for your destination. Check the embassy website or call the consulate for the country where you will be driving. Some countries do not require one, and your U.S. driver's license alone may be sufficient. This research takes an hour and can save you a rushed trip or unnecessary expense.

What to bring when you travel with your International Driving Permit

Always carry your IDP together with your original U.S. driver's license. The IDP is useless without the license it translates. Police, border agents, and car rental companies will ask to see both documents. If you lose either one during your trip, the other becomes invalid for driving purposes.

Keep both documents in a safe place—not loose in your glove compartment where they can be damaged or stolen. A travel document holder or your wallet works well. If you are renting a car, give the rental company both documents when you pick up the vehicle. They will note both on your contract.

The IDP does not replace your license in your home country. When you return to the United States, you drive on your regular U.S. license as usual. The IDP expires on the date printed on it and cannot be renewed—you must request a new one if you need another.

Understanding what an International Driving Permit does and does not cover

The IDP translates your license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not grant you permission to drive in any country—your actual license does that. It straightforward makes your license readable to officials in countries where English is not widely spoken or understood.

The IDP does not change your driving rights, insurance coverage, or legal status in any country. It does not override traffic laws or allow you to drive if your license is suspended or revoked. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, the IDP will not protect you—local traffic laws explore regardless. Your car rental insurance and your personal auto insurance remain unchanged by the IDP.

Some countries have additional requirements beyond the IDP—for example, an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration, a Green Card (international insurance certificate), or a headlight beam adjustment kit. Check with your destination country's embassy or your car rental company about these before you travel. The IDP alone is not sufficient for every country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Europe?

It depends on the country. Some European nations require it by law; others do not. Your car rental company can tell you what their insurance requires. Many rental companies recommend having one even if it is not legally required, because it removes questions at checkpoints. The safest approach is to get one before you leave—it costs $20 to $30 and takes minutes in person.

Can I drive internationally with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

In some countries, yes. Many nations recognize a U.S. license without an IDP, especially English-speaking countries and places with high tourism. However, some countries require the IDP by law, and police or border agents may refuse to accept your U.S. license alone. Check the rules for your specific destination before you travel to avoid being turned away or fined.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can request either a one-year or three-year IDP when you explore. The three-year version costs more but lasts longer, so it is better value if you plan multiple international trips. Both versions expire on the date printed on the document and cannot be extended—you must request a new one if you need to drive internationally after it expires.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid for driving. If your IDP expires during your trip, you can only drive on your U.S. license alone. Some countries will accept this; others will not. Plan ahead and request a new IDP before your current one expires if you know you will be traveling internationally again soon.

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

No. The AAA will not issue an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must resolve that with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then explore for the IDP afterward.