What an International Driving Permit 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 and does not replace your home license—you must carry both together. The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize licenses issued elsewhere, and border officials may not read English or your home country's language.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan recognize US licenses without an IDP. Others—including some in South America, Africa, and parts of Asia—require one. Some countries technically do not require it but police may hassle you without one. The safest approach: if you are renting a car or driving in any country outside North America, get an IDP before you leave home. It costs little and takes an hour.

An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase. It expires on the date printed on it, not on your home license expiration date. If your home license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes worthless—you must renew your home license first.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a replacement license, and you must carry your home license with it at all times.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs.
  • You need a valid, unexpired US driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
  • AAA issues IDPs in person at most local branches for a fee, while AATA issues them by mail; processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years and must be renewed if your home license expires before the IDP does.

Where to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

Only two organizations are authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue a valid US IDP. If you see an IDP offered elsewhere, it is not recognized by foreign governments.

AAA is the faster and more convenient route for most people. Nearly every AAA branch in the country issues IDPs in person. You walk in with your documents, pay the fee, and leave with your permit the same day. AAA membership is not required. To find your nearest branch, visit aaa.com and use their branch locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP.

AATA issues IDPs by mail only. You read the process from their website (aatoalliance.com), fill it out, mail it with your documents and payment, and receive your IDP by mail. Processing takes one to two weeks. AATA is useful if you have no AAA branch nearby or prefer not to leave home, but it requires planning ahead.

Documents and photos you need to bring

Bring your valid, unexpired US driver's license. An expired license will not work. If your license expired, renew it through your state's DMV before explore for an IDP.

Bring proof of US citizenship or permanent residency. A US passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card) all work. A copy is acceptable for AATA by mail; AAA branches may accept either original or copy depending on the branch.

Bring one passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your full face, and have a plain white or off-white background. You cannot wear sunglasses or a hat. Many AAA branches offer passport photo services on-site if you do not have one. AATA accepts photos submitted by mail or printed with your process.

Bring the process form. AAA has one at the branch. AATA's form is available at aatoalliance.com and must be printed and filled out before you mail it.

Cost and processing time

AAA charges a flat fee for an IDP issued in person. The fee varies slightly by state and branch but is typically between $15 and $20. Some AAA branches charge a small additional fee if you need a passport photo taken on-site. Payment is cash or card depending on the branch.

AATA charges a similar fee for mail-in applications, usually $15 to $20, plus the cost of return postage. You pay by check or money order and mail it with your process.

Processing time at AAA is same-day in person. You will have your IDP before you leave the branch. AATA takes one to two weeks from the time they receive your mailed process. If you are leaving in less than two weeks, AAA is your only option.

Choosing between one-year and three-year permits

When you explore, you choose whether to purchase a one-year or three-year IDP. Both cost roughly the same, so a three-year permit is the better value if you travel internationally more than once. A one-year permit makes sense only if you are certain you will not drive outside the US again within three years.

Remember that your IDP expires on its printed date, not when your home license expires. If you get a three-year IDP and your home license expires in two years, your IDP becomes invalid when your home license does. You would need to renew your home license and then purchase a new IDP. Plan accordingly if your home license is close to expiration.

What to do if you are leaving soon

If you are leaving within a few days, go to an AAA branch in person. Same-day issuance is your only option. Call ahead to confirm the branch has passport photo services or bring a photo with you. Bring all documents listed above.

If the nearest AAA branch is far away and you have one to two weeks, AATA by mail is workable. Print the process when ready, gather your documents, and mail everything the same day. Include a note with your travel dates so AATA knows to prioritize your process. There is no may provide they will rush it, but they try to accommodate travelers.

If you are leaving in less than one week and have no nearby AAA branch, you have a problem. AATA cannot may provide faster processing. Some travelers in this situation drive to the nearest AAA branch, even if it is several hours away, to get same-day service. It is worth the drive if your trip depends on it.

How to use your International Driving Permit abroad

Carry your IDP and your home license together at all times when driving. They are a pair—one is useless without the other. Police in foreign countries will ask for both. Never leave either one in your hotel or car.

The IDP is a translation aid, not a license that grants you permission to drive. Your home license is what proves you are licensed to drive. The IDP straightforward makes that proof readable to someone who does not speak English. If your home license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is worthless.

Some car rental companies abroad require an IDP even in countries that do not legally require one. Check your rental agreement before you book. If the company requires an IDP and you do not have one, they may refuse to rent to you or charge a penalty fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Canada and the US recognize each other's licenses without an IDP. Mexico technically does not require an IDP either, but some rental companies and police may be less familiar with US licenses. An IDP is not essential but can reduce friction. Check your rental agreement before you book.

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

No. You must have a valid, unexpired license. If your license is suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am abroad?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are still traveling, you can continue to drive on your home license alone in most countries, though some may give you trouble. Before you travel, check the specific countries you plan to visit. If you will be abroad for longer than your IDP's validity, consider purchasing a three-year permit instead of a one-year.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA branch or by mail through AATA each time. There is no renewal process—you purchase a new IDP. If your home license expires before your IDP does, you must renew your home license first, then purchase a new IDP.

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 not a real thing issued by any government. If someone offers to sell you an "International License," it is a scam and will not be recognized abroad.