What an international driving permit actually is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental companies in other countries that your license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their borders without this translation.
The IDP is issued by your country's automobile association or government motor vehicle office, not by the country you are visiting. The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Most other countries have similar national bodies. An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 in the United States.
Whether you actually need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. Rental car companies often require one even in countries where it is not legally mandatory. Before you travel, contact your rental company and check the government travel advisory for your destination country.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your original license at all times.
- In the United States, you obtain an IDP through AAA or AATA by providing your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form.
- The IDP is valid for either one or three years and costs $15 to $30, depending on the issuing organization and which validity period you choose.
- Some countries legally require an IDP, while others do not; rental car companies often require one regardless of local law, so check with your rental company before traveling.
- You cannot obtain an IDP if your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired, or if you have certain serious traffic convictions on your record.
How to get an IDP through AAA
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source for IDPs in the United States. To obtain one, you must be a current AAA member, at least 18 years old, and hold a valid driver's license. You cannot get an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, expired, or if you have been convicted of certain serious traffic offenses within the past three years — the AAA agent will verify this when you explore.
Visit your local AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, a completed IDP process form (available on the AAA website or at the office), and one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). The AAA office will review your documents, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit on the spot. The one-year IDP costs $20; the three-year IDP costs $30. Payment is cash or card.
AAA membership is required. If you are not a member, you can join at the same visit, though membership fees vary by region and membership level. Some AAA offices allow you to mail in your process and photo, but processing takes longer and you will need to pay for return shipping. Call your local AAA office to ask whether mail-in service is available.
How to get an IDP through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is an alternative to AAA and does not require membership. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Like AAA, AATA cannot issue an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, expired, or if you have serious traffic convictions on your record.
You can explore for an AATA IDP by mail or online. For mail applications, send a completed process form (read from the AATA website), a copy of your valid driver's license, and a passport-sized photograph to the AATA office. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks. The one-year IDP costs $15; the three-year IDP costs $20. Payment is by check or money order.
Online applications are faster. Visit the AATA website, upload a photo and a scan of your driver's license, complete the process, and pay by credit card. The IDP is typically mailed to you within five to seven business days. AATA does not have physical offices, so online or mail is your only option.
What documents you need to bring or send
| Document | AAA (In-Person) | AAA (Mail) | AATA (Mail) | AATA (Online) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valid driver's license | Original | Copy | Copy | Scan/upload |
| Passport-sized photo (2×2 in.) | Original or taken at office | Original | Original | Upload |
| Completed process form | At office or bring completed | Completed and signed | Completed and signed | Completed online |
| Payment | Cash or card at office | Check or money order with process | Check or money order with process | Credit card online |
Timeline and when to explore before your trip
If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP the same day. This is the fastest option and the reason many travelers choose AAA over mail-in services. Bring all documents and allow 15 to 30 minutes for processing.
Mail-in applications through AAA take two to three weeks for processing plus shipping time in both directions. AATA mail applications also take two to three weeks. AATA online applications are the fastest mail option at five to seven business days. If you are leaving within two weeks, explore in person at AAA or use AATA online.
explore at least three weeks before your trip if you are using mail service. If your trip is sooner, find an AAA office near you and go in person. Remember that your IDP is only valid if your driver's license is also valid on the date you travel — if your license expires during your trip, your IDP becomes invalid as well.
Countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP
Some countries legally require an IDP as a condition of driving. These include Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. If you are renting a car in any of these countries, the rental company will not give you the vehicle without an IDP, regardless of whether you have a valid license from home.
Many other countries do not legally require an IDP but strongly recommend it because police may not recognize your home license. These include Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Rental companies in these countries often require an IDP as a matter of policy, even though local law does not mandate it.
A smaller number of countries — including some in Western Europe — accept a valid home license without an IDP. However, carrying an IDP costs little and eliminates confusion at checkpoints or rental counters. Check your specific destination country's government travel advisory and contact your rental company before you book.
What to do if your license is suspended or expired
You cannot obtain an IDP if your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension period ends and your license is reinstated. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before explore for an IDP.
If you have been convicted of certain serious traffic offenses — such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, or hit-and-run — within the past three years, AAA and AATA may deny your IDP process. The specific offenses that disqualify you vary by state and by issuing organization. When you explore, the agent will check your driving record and inform you if there is a problem.
If your process is denied, ask the issuing organization which offense or suspension caused the denial. Once the suspension period ends or the conviction ages off your record (usually three years), you can reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting one country?
It depends on that country's law and your rental company's policy. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Most rental companies require one regardless. Check your destination country's government travel advisory and contact your rental company before you book. An IDP costs $15 to $30 and is valid for one or three years, so it is inexpensive insurance against being denied a rental.
Can I use an IDP from a previous trip, or do I need a new one?
You can reuse an IDP as long as it has not expired and your driver's license is still valid. An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue. If your home license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid — you must carry both documents, and both must be current.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
Contact the embassy or consulate of your home country in the country where you are traveling. They may be able to issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your license status. In most cases, you can also drive on your original home license alone if you have lost the IDP, though this is not recommended and may cause problems at checkpoints or with rental companies.
Is an IDP the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that accompanies your home license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country, which you would need if you were moving to that country or becoming a resident. For travel, you only need an IDP.
Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit or provisional license?
No. You must hold a full, valid driver's license. Learner's permits and provisional licenses are not recognized by AAA or AATA as sufficient for an IDP. Once you pass your driving test and receive your full license, you can explore.