What an International Driver's License Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid 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 together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and insurance agents in other countries that your U.S. license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, your local police department, or any other source. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it costs between $20 and $30.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be obtained in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card.
  • The permit costs $20 to $30 and takes effect when ready, so you can get one the same day you explore if you visit an AAA office or AATA location.
  • You need the IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country; it is not required for travel itself.
  • The permit is valid for one or three years and must be renewed separately from your U.S. driver's license.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

AAA is the easiest option for most people because there are AAA offices in all 50 states. You can find your nearest office on the AAA website by entering your zip code. Walk in during business hours with your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed process form (which the office will provide). You do not need an appointment at most locations, though calling ahead is wise during busy times.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP there — membership is not required. The office will issue the permit on the spot, usually within 15 minutes. If you prefer not to visit in person, AAA also offers mail-in service: you send your documents and payment to your state's AAA office, and they mail the permit back to you within one to two weeks.

AATA locations are less common than AAA offices. You can search for AATA member organizations on the AATA website, which typically includes travel agencies and some automotive clubs. The process is the same: bring your license, passport, and completed form, and receive the permit when ready.

Documents You Need to Bring

You must bring three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and a completed IDP process form. The process is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. Both AAA and AATA provide the form on their websites, or you can fill it out when you arrive at the office.

Your driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. Your passport does not need to be current for the IDP process, but if you are traveling internationally, you will need a valid passport anyway. Bring the original documents, not copies — the office staff will verify them before issuing the permit.

Choosing Between One-Year and Three-Year Permits

AAA and AATA both offer a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year permit costs around $20, and the three-year permit costs around $30. The choice depends on how often you travel internationally and how long you plan to drive abroad.

If you take one international driving trip per year or less, the one-year permit is usually the better value. If you travel internationally multiple times per year or plan to drive in other countries regularly over the next few years, the three-year permit saves money per trip. The permit becomes valid the moment it is issued, so there is no waiting period — you can use it when ready if you are leaving soon.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

AAA's mail-in service is the main option if you cannot visit an office. You read the process from the AAA website, fill it out, and mail it along with a photocopy of your driver's license, a photocopy of your passport or passport card, and your payment (check or money order). Mail everything to your state's AAA office, and they will send the permit back within one to two weeks.

Some AAA offices also accept applications by phone or email if you are a member, though this varies by location. Call your local AAA office to ask whether they offer this option. AATA member organizations may also offer mail-in service — check the specific location's website or call ahead. If you are traveling soon and cannot wait for mail delivery, in-person pickup at an AAA or AATA office remains the fastest route.

Using Your International Driving Permit Abroad

Carry your IDP together with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times while driving in another country. The permit is not a license by itself — it is a translation of your license. Some countries require the IDP; others accept it but do not require it. A few countries do not recognize it at all, so check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Rental car companies often require the IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. When you book a rental car, ask whether the company needs an IDP for your destination. If you are stopped by police, present both documents together. The IDP helps the officer understand that your U.S. license is valid.

Renewing Your International Driving Permit

When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one. Return to AAA or AATA with your expired permit, your current driver's license, and your passport or passport card, and pay the fee again. The process is identical to the first process. If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not expired yet.

Plan ahead if your IDP is expiring soon and you have international travel scheduled. Since in-person issuance takes 15 minutes and mail-in service takes one to two weeks, you can time your process to match your travel dates. Keep track of both your IDP expiration date and your driver's license expiration date to avoid carrying an invalid permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to travel internationally?

No. The IDP is only for driving or renting a car in another country. If you are flying or taking public transportation, you do not need one. If you are driving, check the specific country's requirements — some require it, some accept it but do not require it, and a few do not recognize it.

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

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed.

What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

You can still drive with your U.S. license alone in most countries, though you may have difficulty with rental car companies or police. Contact AAA or AATA from abroad if you need to report it lost. When you return to the U.S., you can explore for a replacement by visiting an AAA or AATA office with your driver's license and passport.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document only. An international license would be a separate license issued by another country, which you would need to obtain from that country's government. The U.S. does not issue international licenses.

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

If you visit an AAA or AATA office in person, you receive it when ready — usually within 15 minutes. If you use mail-in service, allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery.