What an International Driving Permit 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 documents together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid without your original license.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize U.S. licenses on their own. Some rental car companies also require it, even in countries where it is not legally mandatory. The permit 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.

The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you purchase. It does not grant you any driving privileges you do not already have — it straightforward proves you hold a valid license in your home country.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit must be obtained from AAA or AATA before you travel, and you must have a valid U.S. driver's license to get one.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office, or can be ordered by mail.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form (Form DS-11 or equivalent).
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years and must be carried alongside your original U.S. license when driving outside the country.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, but many car rental companies do, so check your destination and rental company requirements before you travel.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can obtain an IDP at any AAA office. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and a completed process. AAA staff will process it on the spot, and you will walk out with the permit in about 15 minutes. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit.

If you are not near an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person, you can order by mail. read the process from the AAA website, include your photo and license copy, and send it to the address listed on the form. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks. You do not need to be an AAA member to purchase an IDP.

AAA also offers the option to renew an expiring IDP by mail using the same process. If your IDP is lost or stolen while traveling, AAA cannot replace it abroad, so keep it in a safe place separate from your license.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not have physical offices, so all applications are handled by mail. You will need to read the process from the AATA website, include your passport-style photo and a copy of your valid driver's license, and mail the completed packet to their address.

Processing time for AATA is typically three to four weeks. The cost is the same as AAA: $15 for one year or $20 for three years. AATA serves the same function as AAA and produces an identical document — the choice between them is mainly about convenience and whether you have an AAA office nearby.

Documents You Will Need

Before you contact AAA or AATA, gather these items:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (expired licenses do not work)
  • One passport-style photo, 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months
  • The completed process form (provided by AAA or AATA)
  • Payment for the permit ($15 or $20, depending on duration)

If you are explore by mail, you will also need to include a copy of your driver's license — do not send the original. Some people use a photocopy; others photograph it with their phone and print the image. Either method works.

You do not need a passport to get an IDP, though you will need one to travel internationally. The IDP is separate from passport applications and does not involve the State Department directly.

Timing: When to explore Before Your Trip

If you are explore in person at an AAA office, you can get the permit the same day. If you are explore by mail through AAA, allow three to four weeks. If you are using AATA, allow four to five weeks. Plan accordingly based on your travel date.

Many travelers explore for the IDP at the same time they renew their driver's license or a few months before a planned trip. There is no rush — the permit is valid for up to three years, so you can obtain it well in advance of travel and use it on multiple trips.

If your trip is coming up soon and you do not have time for mail processing, visit an AAA office in person. AAA has thousands of locations across the country, and most can issue the permit when ready.

Whether You Actually Need an IDP

Requirements vary by country and by rental car company. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Many car rental companies require one regardless of local law. Before you book a rental car, check the rental company's website or call to confirm whether they require an IDP for your destination.

Common destinations that legally require an IDP include Mexico, Costa Rica, and several European countries. However, this list changes, and some countries accept a U.S. license alone. The U.S. State Department website lists country-specific driving rules, though it does not always specify IDP requirements — your rental company is usually the most reliable source.

If you are unsure, getting an IDP is inexpensive insurance. A three-year permit costs $20 and can be used on multiple trips. If you travel internationally even occasionally, having one on hand prevents last-minute complications.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP When One Is Required

If a country requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be stopped by police and fined. The fine amount varies by country but can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. In some cases, you may be unable to rent a car at all if the rental company requires an IDP and you cannot show one.

If you are already abroad and realize you need an IDP, you cannot obtain one while traveling. The permit must be issued in the United States before you leave. If you are stuck without one, your options are limited: contact your country's embassy or consulate to ask about temporary solutions, or arrange to have someone mail you a copy of your U.S. license and hope that is accepted in place of an IDP (this is not reliable).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries accept a U.S. license alone; others require an IDP. Most major car rental companies require an IDP regardless of local law. Check your specific destination and rental company before you book.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

You can purchase a one-year permit for $15 or a three-year permit for $20. The three-year option is usually better value if you travel internationally more than once. The permit expires on the date printed on the document, not when your U.S. license expires.

Do I need a passport to get an International Driving Permit?

No. You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and the process form. A passport is required for international travel itself, but not for obtaining the IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid at the time you explore. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

AAA and AATA cannot replace it while you are abroad. Keep the permit in a safe place separate from your original license. If it is lost, you will need to obtain a replacement after you return to the United States.