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 and does not replace your home license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their borders, even if the license is valid and current.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept your home license alone; still others accept either. The safest approach is to get one before you travel, because the rules vary by country and sometimes by rental car company, and you cannot obtain an IDP while you are abroad. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can get an IDP only from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — no other organization is authorized to issue them.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be obtained before you travel, and you must carry it together with your valid home driver's license at all times.
  • U.S. citizens can obtain an IDP only from AAA or AATA, and the process takes one to two weeks by mail or can be done in person at an AAA office on the same day.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form; the cost is typically $20 to $30 depending on the issuing organization.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not extend your driving privileges — it only translates your existing license into other languages.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit before you travel.

How to get an IDP from AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed IDP process form. AAA will issue the permit on the same day. The cost is typically $20 for AAA members, though prices vary slightly by state and region.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your process to AAA. Send your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, the completed process form, and a check or money order to your state's AAA office. Processing by mail usually takes one to two weeks. AAA will return your original license and the new IDP in the same envelope.

You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP from AAA, though non-members may pay a slightly higher fee. Contact your local AAA office or visit the AAA website to confirm current pricing and to find the mailing address for your state.

How to get an IDP from AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorized issuer of IDPs for U.S. citizens. AATA operates primarily by mail. You will need to send your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, a completed process form, and payment (typically $20 to $30) to AATA's office.

Processing time is usually one to two weeks. AATA will return your original license and the IDP by mail. Unlike AAA, AATA does not have walk-in offices, so the mail route is your only option. You can find AATA's mailing address and current fees on their official website.

What documents and photos you need

You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license issued by your state or territory. The IDP is a translation of your existing license, so if your license has expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew it. Bring or send the original license itself — both AAA and AATA will return it to you.

You will also need a passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches in size. This is the same size used for passport photos. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color or black and white, and show your face clearly. You can have passport photos taken at most AAA offices, drugstore photo departments, or professional photography studios.

Finally, you need a completed process form. AAA and AATA both provide these forms on their websites, or you can pick one up at an AAA office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete.

How long an IDP is valid and what it covers

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. This is a fixed term and does not extend if your home license is still valid. If you plan to travel internationally more than once in a year, one IDP covers all your trips during that year. If you travel after the IDP expires, you will need to obtain a new one.

The IDP does not extend your driving privileges or change the rules that explore to you. If your home license is suspended or revoked, the IDP becomes invalid as well. If your home license expires, the IDP is no longer useful, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired. The IDP is purely a translation tool — it tells a police officer or rental car company in another country what your home license says, in their language.

Countries that require an IDP and those that do not

Many European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some countries require an IDP by law. These include Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several others. Some countries have no official requirement but rental car companies will not rent to you without one.

The rules change, and they sometimes differ between government agencies and rental companies. Before you book a trip, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and ask whether an IDP is required. Also contact the rental car company you plan to use and ask what documents they require. This step takes fifteen minutes and can prevent you from being stranded at an airport or unable to rent a vehicle.

If you are unsure, obtaining an IDP is inexpensive and takes little time, so the safest choice is to get one before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your home license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must resolve that first. Once your license is valid again, you can then obtain an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries require an IDP by law regardless of trip length. Contact the rental company and the country's embassy before you travel to confirm their requirements.

What happens if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

You cannot obtain a replacement while you are abroad. If you lose it, you still have your valid home license, which many countries will accept. However, you may have difficulty renting a car or proving your identity to police. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on what to do next.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires, or do I have to wait until it runs out?

You can obtain a new IDP at any time. There is no requirement to wait until the old one expires. If you plan to travel internationally again within the next year, you can get a new IDP when ready after the first one is issued.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An international license does not exist as a separate credential. You must always carry your home license together with the IDP.