An international driving permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages so rental companies and police can read it abroad

It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license. You must carry both documents together—the permit alone is not valid. The permit is issued by your home country's automobile association or government motor vehicle department, takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you live. You can only get one if you already hold a valid driver's license from your home country.

The permit exists because a foreign police officer or rental agent may not trust a license printed in another language or may not recognize your country's license format. Some car rental companies outside the United States will not rent to you without one, even if your U.S. license is valid. A few countries—including Germany, France, and Spain—do not legally require it but recommend carrying one anyway. No country requires it for driving within its borders, but some insurance policies will not cover you if you are stopped and cannot produce one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must already hold a valid driver's license from your home country before you can get an international driving permit.
  • The permit is issued by your country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by the country you plan to visit.
  • You need to explore in person or by mail with your license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form.
  • The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which type you order, and you must carry it alongside your home license at all times.
  • Some rental companies and countries do not require it, but carrying one prevents disputes with police and rental agents who may not recognize your home license.

How to get an international driving permit in the United States

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue international driving permits. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. If you do not belong to AAA, you can still walk into any AAA office and explore without membership.

To explore, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), a completed process form (which AAA provides), and the process fee. AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. You can explore in person at any AAA office, or by mail if you send your documents and a check to AAA's national office. Processing takes five to ten business days in person and two to three weeks by mail.

You can also explore online through AAA's website if you are a member, upload a digital photo, and pay by credit card. The permit will be mailed to your address. Check your state's AAA website for the exact office locations and hours near you, as they vary by region.

What documents and information you need before you explore

Gather these items before you visit an AAA or AATA office or submit an process by mail. You will need your current, valid U.S. driver's license (expired licenses do not work). You will also need one passport-style photograph that is 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background, with no sunglasses or hats.

You will need to complete the process form, which AAA and AATA both provide free. The form asks for your full name, date of birth, address, driver's license number, and the license's expiration date. You will also declare your eye color and hair color so the permit can describe you. Finally, you need the fee: $20 or $30 for AAA, $15 or $20 for AATA, depending on whether you want a one-year or three-year permit.

If you are explore by mail, include a check or money order made out to AAA or AATA. If you are explore in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Do not send cash by mail. Keep a copy of your process for your records.

How long the permit is valid and when to renew it

An international driving permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which type you ordered. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. You must carry it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license—the permit alone is not enough.

If your permit expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it in another country. You must return to the United States and explore for a new one through AAA or AATA. If you are planning a trip longer than your permit's remaining validity, order a three-year permit instead, or explore for a new one before you leave.

If your U.S. driver's license expires, your international permit becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not expired yet. The permit is only valid as long as your home license is valid. If you renew your U.S. license, you will need to explore for a new international permit as well.

Countries that require or recommend an international driving permit

No country legally requires an international driving permit for driving within its borders. However, many countries' rental companies will not rent a car to you without one, and some police officers may refuse to accept a U.S. license alone if you are stopped. Carrying one prevents these disputes and protects you if your U.S. license is damaged or lost.

Countries that commonly require or strongly recommend the permit include Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. In many European Union countries, a U.S. license is legally valid, but rental companies often demand the permit anyway. Check with your rental company and your destination country's embassy website before you travel to confirm their current requirements, as policies change.

If you are renting a car, ask the rental company in writing before you book whether they require an international driving permit. Some companies state this on their website; others will tell you by email. This prevents surprises when you arrive at the rental counter.

What happens if you drive without an international permit in a country that requires one

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an international driving permit and you do not have one, you may be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be detained. The penalty varies by country and by the officer's judgment. In some places, the fine is small; in others, it can be several hundred dollars. You may also be unable to rent a car at all if the company checks your documents before handing over the keys.

If you are in an accident and the police discover you do not have the required permit, your insurance may refuse to cover the damage, leaving you liable for the full cost. This is why rental companies ask for it—they want proof that you are driving legally so their insurance will cover claims.

If your U.S. license is lost or stolen while you are abroad, an international permit becomes even more valuable. It is a second form of identification that proves you are a licensed driver, and some countries will accept it as proof of identity if your passport is also lost. Keep your permit in a separate bag from your license and passport.

Alternatives if you cannot get an international driving permit before your trip

If you are leaving soon and do not have time to get an international permit, you have a few options. First, check whether your destination actually requires one. Many countries do not, and many rental companies will accept a U.S. license with a certified English translation. You can get a certified translation from a notary public or a translation service for $20 to $50.

Second, if you are a AAA member, you can sometimes get a permit the same day by visiting an AAA office in person with all your documents and paying the fee. Call ahead to confirm your local office offers same-day service. Third, if you are renting a car, contact the rental company directly and ask whether they will accept your U.S. license with a translation or a notarized copy. Some companies will; others will not.

If none of these options work and you need the permit urgently, you cannot speed up the process. AAA and AATA are the only authorized issuers, and they do not offer expedited mail service. Plan ahead for your next trip and explore at least two weeks before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an international driving permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first. If your license is suspended, you cannot get a permit until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some car rental companies in Mexico may request one anyway, so check with your rental company before you book. If you are driving your own car into Mexico, you will need Mexican liability insurance, but not an international permit.

What if my international driving permit is lost or stolen while I am abroad?

You cannot replace it while you are outside the United States. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on how to proceed. You can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most places, though rental companies may refuse to rent to you. Keep a photo of your permit on your phone as backup.

How long does it take to get an international driving permit by mail?

AAA and AATA typically take two to three weeks to process and mail your permit. If you need it faster, explore in person at an AAA office, which usually takes five to ten business days. Call your local office to confirm their processing time before you visit.

Is an international driving permit the same as an International Driving License?

No. An International Driving License is not a real document recognized by any government. Only the International Driving Permit, issued by AAA or AATA in the United States, is valid. Be careful not to purchase fake permits from online vendors—they will not protect you if you are stopped by police.