What an International Driver Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driver 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 many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license alone, even if it is valid. Some rental car companies abroad also require one, and a few countries will not issue a local driving permit without proof you hold one.

You do not need an IDP for every trip. If you are driving in Canada, Mexico, or most of Western Europe, your U.S. license is usually enough. If you are renting a car in a country where English is not widely spoken, or if you plan to drive in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, an IDP becomes practical insurance. It costs little and takes a few days to obtain, so the math often favors getting one if there is any doubt.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver Permit is a translation of your license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your original U.S. license, not instead of it.
  • You can obtain an IDP only through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — no other U.S. organization issues them.
  • The process takes five to ten business days by mail or can be done in person at an AAA office the same day, and costs between $15 and $20.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and expires even if your U.S. license does not, so you may need to renew it for a second trip.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs issued more than a year before travel, so check your destination's rules before you leave.

Who Issues International Driver Permits in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is by far the larger network, with offices in most states. AATA is smaller and operates mainly in the Northeast. No government agency, DMV, or other private company can issue an IDP.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP from AAA — membership is not required. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount on the fee. AATA requires membership to issue an IDP, so if you choose that route, you will need to join first. For most people, AAA is the faster and more convenient option because offices are more widely available.

How to Get an IDP by Mail

To order by mail, visit the AAA website and request an IDP process form, or call your local AAA office and ask them to mail one to you. You will need to fill out the form, provide a photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license (front and back), and include a passport-style photo — typically 2 by 2 inches. Some AAA offices accept digital photos; others require a printed one. Call ahead to confirm what your office accepts.

Mail the completed form, photo, and license copy to the address on the form along with a check or money order for the fee. Processing takes five to ten business days from the date AAA receives your envelope. AAA will mail the IDP to the address you provide. The entire process, including mail time, usually takes two to three weeks. If you are leaving sooner, visit an office in person instead.

Getting an IDP in Person at an AAA Office

Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and the fee in cash or card. The staff will complete the form for you, verify your license, and issue the IDP on the spot. The whole visit takes 10 to 15 minutes. This is the fastest route if you need the IDP within days of your trip.

Not all AAA offices keep photos on hand, so call ahead to ask whether you need to bring one or whether they can take a digital photo in the office. Hours and services vary by location, so confirm your office is open before you go. If you do not have an AAA office nearby, the mail route is your only option.

Cost and Validity Period

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 through AAA, depending on your state and membership status. AATA charges a similar amount. This is a one-time fee per IDP — there are no hidden charges or renewal fees built in. The fee covers the document itself and the processing.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically, and it does not extend if your U.S. license is still valid. If you travel twice in one year, you need only one IDP. If your second trip is more than a year after the IDP was issued, you must obtain a new one. Some countries also have their own rules about how old an IDP can be at the time of entry — a few will not accept one older than six months — so check your destination's requirements before you travel.

What to Bring and What Documents You Need

For an in-person visit: bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. For a mail process: send a completed form, a photocopy of both sides of your license, a passport-style photo, and payment by check or money order. Do not send your original license by mail — only a copy.

Your U.S. license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. An expired license will not work. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's DMV before you explore for an IDP. You do not need a passport to get an IDP, though you will need a passport to travel internationally anyway.

Using Your IDP Abroad and What It Does Not Cover

Carry your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together at all times when driving outside the United States. Police or rental car companies may ask to see both. The IDP is a translation tool only — it does not grant you the right to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive, and it does not override local traffic laws or age restrictions.

An IDP does not replace your home license for any purpose. It does not extend your driving privileges, waive insurance requirements, or protect you from traffic violations. If you are stopped for speeding or a traffic violation, local law applies, and the IDP will not help you. Some countries require you to carry an International Driving Permit Certificate (a different document issued by your home country's government) in addition to an IDP — check your destination's specific rules before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just the IDP and no U.S. license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried with your original U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped and have only the IDP, you will be considered unlicensed. Always carry both documents together.

What if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact your car rental company or local police to report it. An IDP is not a legal document in the way a passport is, so theft is less critical, but you should still report it. If you need to drive and cannot replace it when ready, your original U.S. license may be enough depending on the country — check with local authorities or your rental company.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and country. Many rental companies in English-speaking countries (Canada, UK, Australia) do not require an IDP. In non-English-speaking countries, most rental companies do require one or strongly recommend it. Call your rental company before you book to confirm their policy.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can obtain a new IDP at any time, even if your current one is still valid. There is no penalty for getting a new one early. If you have multiple trips planned, you may want to get a fresh IDP before the first one expires to avoid running out of validity during travel.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I have a valid IDP?

Renew your U.S. license when ready. An IDP is only valid when paired with a current, valid U.S. license. If your license expires, the IDP becomes useless for driving purposes, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet.