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 tells a foreign police officer or rental car company that your U.S. license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize American licenses on their own.

The IDP is issued by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue permits under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you purchase, and costs between $20 and $30.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country. Canada, Mexico, most of Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand accept your U.S. license alone. However, some countries — including parts of Central America, South America, Asia, and Africa — either require an IDP or make renting a car significantly harder without one. Check your specific destination's requirements before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and the permit costs $20 to $30 for one or three years.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA, but not online or through any other organization.
  • Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked; an IDP cannot be issued based on an expired or invalid license.
  • The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries but is not required in Canada, Mexico, or most Western European nations.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, the fastest route is your local AAA office. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and cash or a card. The office will complete the process on the spot, take your photo if needed, and issue the permit when ready. The one-year permit costs $20; the three-year permit costs $30. No appointment is required at most locations, but call ahead to confirm hours and whether your branch stocks the forms.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still visit an AAA office and pay a small non-member fee (typically $5 to $10 extra) on top of the permit cost. You do not need to join AAA to get an IDP. The entire transaction takes 10 to 15 minutes.

AAA also offers mail service for members. Request an process form from your local office or read it from the AAA website, complete it, and mail it with your photo, driver's license copy, and payment. Processing takes two to three weeks. This route is slower but works if no AAA office is near you.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. You can order an process form from their website or request one by phone. Complete the form, include a passport-style photo, a photocopy of your driver's license, and a check or money order. Mail everything to the AATA address listed on the form.

Processing time is typically two to four weeks from the date AATA receives your envelope. The one-year permit costs $20; the three-year permit costs $30. AATA does not accept credit cards by mail, so payment must be by check or money order. If you need the permit faster, AAA in-person service is your only option.

AATA is useful if you live far from any AAA office or prefer handling everything by mail. However, if you are in a time crunch, plan ahead — do not wait until a week before your trip.

What You Need to Bring or Submit

Your process requires four things: a valid, non-expired U.S. driver's license; a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches, color or black and white); proof of your address (for AATA mail applications); and payment. The photo must show your face clearly, taken within the last six months. You cannot use a photo from an old passport or license if it is older than that.

If explore by mail through AATA, photocopy both sides of your driver's license and include the copy with your process. For AAA in-person service, bring the license itself — they will verify it on the spot. Do not send your original license by mail to AATA; they only need a copy.

Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. If your license is expiring soon, renew it with your state before explore for the permit — the IDP is only as valid as the license it translates.

Timeline and Validity

An in-person IDP from AAA takes 10 to 15 minutes. A mail process through AAA takes two to three weeks. A mail process through AATA takes two to four weeks. Plan accordingly if you have a specific travel date.

Once issued, an IDP is valid for one year or three years, depending on which you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. The permit expires on the date shown, regardless of whether your U.S. driver's license expires before then. If your U.S. license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot use an expired license to drive, even with a current permit.

If you are traveling multiple times over the next few years, the three-year permit ($30) is usually better value than buying a one-year permit ($20) twice. However, if your U.S. license expires within the next year, buy only the one-year IDP to avoid paying for a permit you cannot use.

Countries That Require or Strongly Recommend an IDP

An IDP is required or strongly recommended in much of Latin America (including Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Argentina), parts of Asia (including Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines), parts of the Middle East, and some African nations. Rental car companies in these regions often will not rent to you without an IDP, even if the country's law does not technically require one.

In contrast, Canada, Mexico, most of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand accept a U.S. driver's license alone. However, an IDP does not hurt — it is inexpensive and can prevent confusion with a rental agent or police officer who is unfamiliar with American licenses.

Check the specific requirements for your destination country on the U.S. State Department website or with your rental car company before you book. Requirements change, and some countries have different rules for tourists versus residents.

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 risk a fine, vehicle impound, or being turned away at a rental counter. Police in some countries will not accept a U.S. license as valid identification for driving, even if you explain it is legitimate. A rental company may refuse to rent to you entirely, leaving you without a car in a foreign country.

An IDP costs $20 to $30 and takes a few minutes to obtain in person or two to four weeks by mail. The cost of being stranded or fined is far higher. If your destination requires one, get it before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and neither offers online ordering. AAA offers in-person service at local offices or mail service for members. AATA offers mail service only. Websites claiming to issue IDPs online are not legitimate.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Renew your state license first, then explore for the IDP. An IDP is only valid if the license it translates is valid.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, an IDP does not hurt and can be useful if you plan to drive in multiple countries on the same trip.

How long does it take to get an IDP by mail?

AAA mail service takes two to three weeks. AATA mail service takes two to four weeks. If you need it faster, visit an AAA office in person for when ready issuance.

Can I use an IDP without my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times. Carrying only the IDP is not legal in any country.