What an International Driver's License 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 driving. Some countries require it by law; others do not. Many car rental companies abroad will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not legally require it. Before you book a trip, check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit — requirements vary widely and change periodically.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States and by equivalent motor clubs in other countries. It costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office. You cannot get one by mail or online.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your actual state driver's license; it is not a standalone license.
  • The AAA issues IDPs in person only at their local offices — you cannot order one online or by mail, and it takes roughly 15 minutes to complete.
  • You will need your valid state driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches) to get an IDP.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase, and it costs $15 to $20.
  • Check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel, because some require an IDP by law while others do not.

What Documents You Need to Bring to the AAA

The AAA requires three things to issue an IDP: your valid state driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photograph. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background.

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP. Non-members pay the same fee as members. If you do not have a passport card yet, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP — a state ID or birth certificate will not work as a second form of identification.

Bring the originals of your license and passport. The AAA will not accept photocopies. If your driver's license is expired, you cannot get an IDP — your license must be valid on the day you explore.

How to Find an AAA Office and What to Expect

The AAA has offices in most U.S. states, though not in every town. Use the AAA website's office locator tool to find the nearest location to you and confirm their hours before you go. Some offices are open only during business hours on weekdays; others have limited weekend hours. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes to confirm they have the staff available to process your request that day.

When you arrive, bring all three documents and tell the staff member you want an International Driving Permit. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will fill out a short form with your name, address, and license number. The staff member will check your documents, take your photo if you did not bring one (though this costs extra), and issue the permit on the spot.

You will receive a booklet-style document about the size of a passport. Keep it with your driver's license whenever you drive abroad. The permit is not valid without your actual license.

One-Year Versus Three-Year Permits and Which to Choose

The AAA offers two versions: a one-year IDP for $15 and a three-year IDP for $20. The three-year version costs only $5 more and is the better choice if you plan to travel internationally more than once in the next three years.

The one-year permit makes sense only if you are taking a single trip and do not expect to drive abroad again soon. Even then, the three-year option is usually worth the extra $5 because you cannot predict when a future trip might happen, and getting a new permit requires another visit to an AAA office.

Both versions are valid starting on the day you receive them. Neither can be renewed — when yours expires, you must explore for a new one in person at an AAA office.

Country-Specific Rules and When You Actually Need the Permit

About 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit, but recognition does not always mean it is required. Some countries demand it by law; others accept it but do not require it; still others do not recognize it at all. A few countries require an IDP but also require an additional document called an International Driving Document or a certified translation of your license.

The safest approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit and ask directly what documents you need to drive legally. You can also ask your car rental company what they require — many will not rent to you without an IDP even if the country does not legally require one. Some rental companies have their own translation documents they will accept instead.

Common destinations with strict IDP requirements include Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Japan. Countries like Canada and the United Kingdom generally do not require an IDP but may accept one. Check before you book your rental car, because discovering you need a permit after you arrive at the rental counter can force you to cancel your reservation.

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

Driving without an International Driving Permit in a country that requires one can result in a fine, vehicle impound, or both. The penalty varies by country and by local enforcement. In some places, police may straightforward issue a fine and let you continue; in others, they may confiscate your vehicle until you produce the permit or pay a larger penalty.

Your U.S. auto insurance may not cover an accident or traffic violation if you were driving illegally — meaning without the required IDP. Check your policy before you travel, and ask your insurance company whether they cover you abroad and under what conditions.

The IDP itself is inexpensive and takes 15 minutes to obtain. The cost of a fine or impound is not. Getting one before you leave is the practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your state driver's license must be valid and in good standing on the day you explore. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. You must renew your state license first.

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

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide a letter confirming your identity and license status, which some police officers and rental companies will accept. You can also contact the AAA to report the loss, though they cannot issue a replacement while you are abroad.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP, though you should carry your valid U.S. driver's license and passport. Mexico does not legally require an IDP but strongly recommends one, and many car rental companies will not rent to you without one. Check with your rental company before you book.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An International License is a separate credential issued by some countries that functions as a standalone license. The U.S. does not issue International Licenses — only IDPs through the AAA.

How long does an IDP take to arrive if I order it by mail?

The AAA does not offer mail orders for International Driving Permits. You must obtain one in person at an AAA office. If you need one for an upcoming trip, locate your nearest office and plan to visit during their business hours.