What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license, and you must carry both documents when you drive abroad. Some countries require it, some recognize it but do not require it, and a few do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific rules for the country where you will drive.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive a personal vehicle, or operate any motor vehicle in another country. Even if a country does not legally require one, car rental companies often do. An IDP costs between $15 and $30 and is valid for one or three years depending on which type you choose. The permit itself does not prove you can drive — your U.S. license does — but it proves your license is real and current to foreign police and rental agencies.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States, and you must explore in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport.
  • You will need one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), your valid U.S. driver's license, and your passport or birth certificate to prove citizenship.
  • The one-year IDP costs $15 to $20 and the three-year IDP costs $30, depending on which organization issues it, and both are ready the same day or within a few days.
  • An IDP is valid only outside the United States and only when carried together with your U.S. driver's license.
  • Check your destination country's rules before you travel, because some countries do not recognize IDPs and some require additional documents like an International Certificate of Competency.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

Only two organizations in the United States issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is the larger and more widely available option — most cities have a local AAA office. AATA operates through select travel agencies and online, but availability varies by region. Both issue the same document and follow the same international standard.

To find an AAA office near you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator tool. To find AATA locations, visit aata.org. You must explore in person; neither organization issues IDPs by mail or online. Walk-in appointments are often available, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is wise, especially during peak travel seasons.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring these four items to your appointment:

  • Your valid U.S. driver's license
  • Your passport or birth certificate (to prove U.S. citizenship)
  • One passport-sized photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months
  • Payment in cash or card (AAA and AATA accept both, but confirm with your local office)

The passport-sized photo is the most commonly forgotten item. You can have one taken at most AAA offices, drugstores, or photo studios for $5 to $15 if you do not have one ready. Your driver's license must be current and not expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until it is restored or renewed.

Cost and Processing Time

An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. The exact price depends on whether you go through AAA or AATA and your location. Most offices issue the permit the same day you explore, though some may take a few business days. Call your local office to confirm their current turnaround time before you visit.

The IDP itself is a small booklet about the size of a passport. It contains your name, photo, license number, and the date it expires. Keep it with your U.S. driver's license at all times while driving abroad. If you lose it, you will need to explore for a replacement at the same office, which usually takes the same amount of time and costs the same amount.

What Your IDP Covers and Does Not Cover

An IDP translates your driving record and license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It tells foreign police and rental agencies that your U.S. license is valid and current. It does not replace your U.S. license, does not grant you permission to drive in any country, and does not cover insurance or traffic violations.

Your IDP is valid only outside the United States. You cannot use it to drive in the U.S., even if your U.S. license is expired — you must carry your actual U.S. license. If you are stopped by police abroad, you must show both documents. If you receive a traffic ticket or are in an accident, your U.S. license and your home insurance are what matter; the IDP is only a translation aid.

Checking Requirements for Your Destination Country

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you will drive. Some countries require an IDP by law, some accept it but do not require it, and some do not recognize it. A few countries require additional documents like an International Certificate of Competency or a certified translation of your U.S. license from a specific agency.

Car rental companies often have their own rules separate from the country's law. Many require an IDP even in countries that do not legally mandate one. When you book a rental car, ask the company directly whether they require an IDP for your destination. If they do and you do not have one, you may not be able to rent the vehicle, even if the country itself does not require it.

Renewing or Replacing Your IDP

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it outside the United States. You must renew it in person at an AAA or AATA office before you travel again. If your IDP is lost or stolen, explore for a replacement at the same office where you got the original. Bring the same documents you brought the first time, plus a new passport-sized photo.

If your U.S. driver's license is renewed, suspended, or revoked, your IDP is no longer valid. You will need to explore for a new IDP with your new license. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid on the date your license expires, even if the IDP booklet itself is still current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a valid U.S. driver's license?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. An IDP is a translation of your license, not a replacement for it. If your license is expired or suspended, you must renew or restore it first.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP by law, but car rental companies often do. Check with your rental company before you book. Your U.S. driver's license alone is usually enough for police, but the rental company may refuse to rent to you without an IDP.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

You can choose a one-year permit or a three-year permit when you explore. Both are issued the same day in most cases. The permit is valid only outside the United States and only when carried with your U.S. driver's license.

What if I get a traffic ticket while driving with my International Driving Permit?

Your IDP does not affect how traffic violations are handled. The ticket is issued against your U.S. license, and you handle it through your home state's traffic court or the foreign country's system, depending on where the violation occurred. Your insurance company will be notified as usual.

Can I use my International Driving Permit to drive in all countries?

No. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, and some require additional documents beyond an IDP. Always check the specific rules for each country where you plan to drive before you travel. Contact the country's embassy or consulate, or ask your car rental company.