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 state license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States.
The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it costs between $15 and $20. You do not need to pass a test or prove driving experience beyond holding a current, valid driver's license. The main purpose is to help foreign police officers and rental car companies understand your license information if you are stopped or need to rent a vehicle.
Many countries do not legally require an IDP, but some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and some countries have begun requiring them for certain situations. Before you travel, check the specific rules for your destination country — your embassy website or the country's tourism board will have this information.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA and must be carried alongside your valid state driver's license when driving outside the United States.
- The permit costs $15 to $20 and is valid for either one or three years, with no test or renewal requirements beyond holding a current license.
- You can obtain an IDP in person at most AAA offices or by mail through AATA, and the process typically takes one to two weeks by mail.
- Requirements vary by country, so you should verify whether your destination requires or recommends an IDP before traveling.
Getting an IDP Through AAA
The fastest way to get an International Driving Permit is through a local AAA office. You will need to bring your valid driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot, so call ahead to confirm what your location accepts.
AAA issues the permit on the same day in most cases. The one-year permit costs $15 and the three-year permit costs $20. You do not need to be an AAA member to purchase an IDP, though members may receive a small discount. To find the nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator, or search "AAA near me" in your browser.
If you cannot visit an office in person, AAA also processes applications by mail, though this takes longer. You will mail in your driver's license, a completed process form, a passport photo, and payment. The turnaround is typically two to three weeks, and AAA will return your original license with the permit.
Getting an IDP Through AATA by Mail
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the other official IDP issuer in the United States and operates primarily through mail-in service. This route is useful if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person. You will mail a completed process form, a copy of your driver's license, a passport photo, and a check or money order to AATA's address.
AATA's processing time is typically one to two weeks from the date they receive your process. The one-year permit costs $15 and the three-year permit costs $20, the same as AAA. You can read the process form from aata.org or request one by phone at 1-800-622-7070.
One advantage of AATA is that you can mail your process from anywhere in the country without needing a local office. However, you will need to wait for mail delivery both ways, so plan to start the process at least three weeks before your trip if you are using this method.
What Documents You Need to Bring or Send
| Document | AAA In-Person | AAA by Mail | AATA by Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid driver's license | Original | Original (returned) | Copy |
| Government photo ID | Original | Not required | Not required |
| Passport photo (2x2 inches) | Original or digital | Original | Original |
| Completed process | Not always required | Yes | Yes |
| Payment | Cash, card, check | Check or money order | Check or money order |
Your driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. The passport photo must meet standard passport photo requirements: a clear, color photo of your face taken within the last six months, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats.
When explore by mail, make copies of your documents rather than sending originals, except for the passport photo. Keep a copy of your process for your records. If you are explore through AAA by mail, they will return your original driver's license along with the permit, so you will have both documents back.
Timing and Planning Before Your Trip
If you are obtaining an IDP in person at an AAA office, you can typically get it the same day, so you can wait until a few days before your trip. However, if you are using mail service through AAA or AATA, you should start the process at least three to four weeks before you leave. Mail delivery can be delayed, and processing times can vary depending on volume.
Check your destination country's requirements as soon as you book your trip, not the week before you leave. Some countries have specific rules about how long your IDP must be valid, and some require it only in certain regions or for certain types of vehicles. Your country's embassy website or the tourism board will have this information.
Remember that an IDP is only valid if you also carry your original state driver's license. If you lose your license before your trip, you will need to renew it through your state's DMV before the IDP becomes useful. Plan for this possibility if you are traveling soon.
What to Do If You Cannot Get an IDP Before Your Trip
If your trip is in the next few days and you cannot reach an AAA office, contact AATA by phone at 1-800-622-7070 to ask about expedited mail service. Some locations may offer faster processing for an additional fee, though this is not may provide. Be honest about your timeline so they can tell you whether it is possible.
If you cannot get an IDP in time, check whether your destination actually requires one or only recommends it. Many countries do not legally require an IDP, and you may be able to drive with just your valid U.S. license and passport. However, rental car companies often have their own policies and may refuse to rent without an IDP, so contact your rental company before you book.
If your destination does require an IDP and you cannot obtain one before departure, you may be able to get one at your destination through your hotel concierge or a local automobile club, though this is not reliable and may cost more. Plan ahead to avoid this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, and your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. However, some rental car companies in these countries may request an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book. An IDP can be helpful if you are stopped by police and want to avoid language barriers.
What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
An expired IDP is not valid, so you should not rely on it if it has passed its expiration date. If you are planning a long trip and your IDP will expire during your travels, purchase the three-year permit instead of the one-year permit. Check the expiration date on your permit before you leave.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my license is suspended or expired?
No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must restore or renew it through your state's DMV first. An IDP cannot be issued without a current, valid license.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together when driving outside the United States.
Can I renew my IDP by mail or do I have to go in person?
You can renew by mail through AATA or by visiting an AAA office in person. There is no special renewal process — you straightforward explore for a new permit using the same method you used to obtain the original. Your old permit will expire on its printed date.