An IDP is a document that translates your driver's license into multiple languages so you can drive legally in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a separate document — not a replacement for your regular driver's license — that shows your driving information in ten languages. It works alongside your U.S. driver's license when you rent a car or drive in another country. Many rental companies and some countries require it or strongly prefer it, even though your U.S. license is technically valid in most places.

The IDP does not give you any driving privileges you do not already have. It straightforward translates your license details so a police officer or rental agent in another country can understand your driving record and restrictions without needing an interpreter. You must carry both documents together — the IDP alone is not valid.

The U.S. State Department does not issue IDPs. Instead, two organizations are authorized to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same internationally recognized document, and the choice between them comes down to where you can explore and how quickly you need it.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP translates your driver's license into ten languages and must be carried with your actual license when driving abroad.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and both charge around $20 for the document.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA, with in-person service typically taking minutes and mail service taking one to two weeks.
  • Some countries and rental companies require an IDP, while others accept a U.S. license alone, so check your destination's rules before you travel.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed — you must obtain a new one if you need it after expiration.

When you actually need an IDP versus when it is optional

Whether you need an IDP depends on your destination and your rental company. Some countries legally require one, some treat it as optional but strongly recommended, and some do not require it at all. The safest approach is to check both your destination country's driving rules and your rental company's policy before you book.

Countries that require an IDP include Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand, among others. If you plan to drive in any of these places, you should have an IDP before you leave the United States. Rental companies in Europe, Latin America, and Asia often refuse to rent to you without one, even if the country itself does not legally require it. Some U.S. rental companies will not let you take a car across the border into Mexico or Canada without an IDP either.

If you are only visiting a country where an IDP is optional and you are not renting a car — for example, you are using taxis or ride-sharing apps — you do not need one. However, if there is any chance you might rent a car or drive, getting an IDP before you leave is cheaper and faster than trying to obtain one while traveling.

How to get an IDP through AAA

AAA issues IDPs at its local offices across the United States. You do not need to be an AAA member to get one, though members sometimes receive a small discount. To explore in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued ID, and a completed AAA process form (which you can fill out on the spot). The process takes about ten to fifteen minutes, and you walk out with your IDP the same day.

The cost is typically around $20, though some AAA offices charge slightly different amounts. AAA also offers mail-in service if you do not have an office nearby. You fill out the process, mail it with copies of your license and passport, and receive your IDP by mail within one to two weeks. Check the AAA website to find your nearest office or to request a mail process.

How to get an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. You complete an process on the AATA website, print it, and mail it along with a photocopy of your driver's license and a passport photo. AATA charges around $20 for the IDP and typically processes applications within one to two weeks.

The main advantage of AATA is convenience if you prefer to handle everything by mail and do not have an AAA office nearby. The main disadvantage is the wait time — if you need an IDP quickly, AAA's in-person service is faster. AATA also requires a passport photo, which you may need to obtain separately if you do not have one on hand.

What information appears on an IDP and how long it lasts

An IDP contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, license class or type, and any restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only). It also includes your photograph and signature. The document is printed in English and nine other languages, so officials in other countries can read your information without translation.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It cannot be renewed — once it expires, you must obtain a new one if you need it. This means if you get an IDP in January and do not travel until December, you will need to get another one before you leave. Plan ahead and check your travel dates against your IDP's expiration date.

What to do if your driver's license changes or expires

If you renew your driver's license before your IDP expires, your IDP is still valid and you do not need a new one. However, you must carry both your new license and your old IDP together when you drive abroad. If your license is suspended, revoked, or you receive new restrictions, your IDP becomes invalid and you should not use it.

If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, you cannot drive legally anywhere — the license is what matters, not the IDP. You will need to renew your license through your state's DMV before you can drive in another country. Once you have a new license, your old IDP is still valid as long as it has not expired.

IDP requirements for specific countries and rental companies

Requirements vary widely, and what one rental company requires another may not. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise all have different policies, and European rental companies often have stricter rules than U.S. companies. Before you book a rental car, call the rental company directly or check their website for their specific IDP policy.

Some countries have reciprocal driving agreements with the United States that make an IDP optional, while others do not. For example, Canada and the United Kingdom generally accept a U.S. license alone, but Mexico and most European countries prefer or require an IDP. The U.S. State Department website lists driving rules by country, and your rental company can also tell you what they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

In many countries, yes — your U.S. license is technically valid. However, rental companies often refuse to rent to you without an IDP, and some countries legally require one. Check your destination country's rules and your rental company's policy before you travel. It is safer to have an IDP than to find out too late that you cannot rent a car.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

In-person at AAA takes about ten to fifteen minutes and you receive it the same day. Mail service through AAA or AATA typically takes one to two weeks. If you need an IDP quickly, find an AAA office near you and explore in person.

Do I need a new IDP every time I travel?

No. One IDP is valid for one year, so you can use it for multiple trips during that year. You only need a new one after it expires or if your driver's license changes significantly (such as a new license number or class).

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your rental company or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Some embassies can issue a replacement IDP, though this is not may provide. To avoid this, keep your IDP in a separate place from your passport and license, and take a photo of it on your phone as a backup.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works with your U.S. license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country. You cannot get an international license in the United States — you would need to obtain one from the country where you hold residency or citizenship.