How to Get an International Driver's License

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 companies, and insurance agents in other countries that your U.S. license is real and current.

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.

An IDP lasts for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your U.S. license expires before the year is up, the IDP becomes invalid on that same date.

Key Takeaways

You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs; you cannot get one from your state DMV, online, or from any other vendor.
You need one passport-style photo, your valid driver's license, and a completed process form to get an IDP in person.
The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to issue at an AAA or AATA office.
Some countries do not recognize the IDP, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

AAA is the most common source. If you are an AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in the country and request an IDP. If you are not a member, you can still get one at an AAA office — membership is not required. To find the nearest office, go to AAA.com and use their office locator.

AATA is the second authorized issuer. AATA offices are less common than AAA offices and are located in select cities. You can find an AATA office through their website or by calling their main office to ask which locations near you issue IDPs.

Walk-in service is available at most AAA and AATA offices, but wait times vary. Some offices take appointments, which you can usually book online or by phone. Calling ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment is the safest approach.

What You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — this is required and non-negotiable. The license must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP.

Bring one passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches. Most AAA and AATA offices can take the photo on-site if you do not have one, usually for an additional $10 to $15. If you bring your own photo, it must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color or black and white, and show your face clearly against a plain background.

Bring a completed IDP process form. AAA and AATA provide these forms at their offices, or you can read and fill one out before you arrive. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete.

The Cost and How Long It Takes

The IDP costs $15 to $20, depending on whether you need a photo taken on-site. If you bring your own photo, the cost is typically $15. If you need a photo taken at the office, add $10 to $15 to that total. AAA and AATA accept cash, debit, and credit cards.

The entire process — process, photo check, and issuance — usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You walk out with your IDP the same day. There is no waiting period or mail delivery.

What Happens After You Get Your IDP

Keep your IDP and your U.S. driver's license together at all times when driving abroad. Neither document is valid without the other. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot get a replacement overseas — you would need to return to the U.S. and visit an AAA or AATA office again.

Check your destination country's specific rules before you travel. Some countries accept the IDP without question. Others do not recognize it at all and require a separate national license or permit. A few countries accept it only if your U.S. license meets certain conditions, such as being a standard (not commercial) license. Your rental car company or the embassy of your destination country can tell you what is required.

If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended while you are traveling, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if the one-year IDP expiration date has not arrived. Renew your U.S. license before your trip if it is close to expiring.

When You Cannot Get an International Driving Permit

You cannot get an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You must have a valid, current license. If your license is suspended or revoked, you need to resolve that issue with your state's DMV before you can get an IDP.

You cannot get an IDP if you do not have a valid passport-style photo or cannot provide one. Most offices can take a photo for you, so this is rarely a barrier, but it does add to the cost and time.

You cannot get an IDP by mail, online, or from any source other than AAA or AATA. If a website or service claims to issue IDPs remotely or for a significantly higher price, it is not legitimate. The State Department has not authorized any other entity to issue them.

International Driving Permit vs. Other Documents

The IDP is different from a national driver's license issued by another country. If you move abroad or plan to stay longer than a few months, you may need to get a local license in that country instead. The IDP is for tourists and short-term visitors.

The IDP is also different from an international license card issued by some countries to their own citizens. If you are a citizen of another country and hold a license from that country, you may not need an IDP at all — your own country's license may be sufficient. Check the rules for your destination.

Some travel insurance or car rental companies ask about an IDP during booking, but having one does not change your insurance coverage or rental rates. It straightforward confirms that your U.S. license is valid and recognized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and rental company. Many European and Asian rental companies require or strongly recommend an IDP alongside your U.S. license. Some will rent to you without one but may charge extra or limit your coverage. Contact your rental company before you book to ask what they require.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is from a different state than where I live now?

Yes. Your IDP is based on your current valid U.S. driver's license, regardless of which state issued it. Bring the license you currently hold and use.

What if my International Driving Permit expires while I'm traveling?

You cannot get a replacement abroad. You would need to return to the U.S. and visit an AAA or AATA office. Plan ahead and get your IDP early enough that it will not expire during your trip.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An international license is a separate license issued by another country. If you are moving abroad or staying long-term, you may need a local license, not an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes, you can get an IDP with a commercial license. However, some countries do not recognize commercial licenses for regular driving and may require you to have a standard license as well. Check your destination's rules before you travel.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.