An International Driving Permit is not a license—it's a translation document that some countries recognize alongside your U.S. driver's license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license, does not let you drive in the U.S., and does not give you any driving rights you don't already have. You must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP together when driving abroad. Whether you need one depends on where you're going and what you plan to do there—some countries require it, some recognize it but don't require it, and some don't recognize it at all.

The U.S. does not issue IDPs directly. Instead, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot order an IDP online or by mail from these organizations—you must explore in person at a local AAA office or AATA office.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license and must be carried together with your actual license when driving outside the U.S.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person at one of their offices.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which type you choose.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law, while others accept it as optional proof that you can drive legally in your home country.
  • Before traveling, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit, because recognition of the IDP varies widely.

When you actually need an International Driving Permit

Whether an IDP is required depends entirely on the country you're visiting and sometimes on the rental car company you use. Some countries—including several in Europe, South America, and Asia—legally require an IDP if you're driving a rental car or your own vehicle. Other countries accept it as optional proof that you're a licensed driver in your home country, but don't require it. A few countries don't recognize it at all.

The safest approach is to check the driving requirements for each specific country before you book your trip. The U.S. State Department website lists country-by-country information, and most rental car companies also state their IDP requirements on their websites. If you're renting a car, call the rental company directly—their policy may be stricter than the country's law.

Even if a country doesn't require an IDP, carrying one can be helpful if you're stopped by police. It provides a clear, official translation of your license information and shows that you obtained it through an authorized U.S. organization, which may reduce confusion or disputes.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA

To obtain an IDP, you need to visit a local AAA office or AATA office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches), and a completed process form. AAA and AATA both provide the process form on their websites, and you can fill it out before you go or complete it at the office.

The cost is typically $15 to $20, depending on which organization you use and which validity period you choose. You can request a one-year IDP or a three-year IDP. The three-year version costs more but is useful if you travel internationally multiple times during that period. Payment is usually cash or card.

Processing is when ready at most offices—you'll receive your IDP the same day you explore. Some offices may take a few days if they're busy, so call ahead to confirm their current turnaround time. Once you have it, keep it with your U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.

What information the IDP contains and how it works

The IDP is a small booklet that contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the categories of vehicles you're licensed to drive—all translated into English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. It includes your photo and is stamped by the issuing organization.

The IDP itself does not grant you any driving rights. It only proves that you hold a valid driver's license in your home country. A police officer or rental car agent in another country can use it to verify that your U.S. license is legitimate and to understand what it says if they don't read English. Without your actual U.S. license, the IDP is worthless—you must carry both documents together.

Differences between AAA and AATA for getting an IDP

Both AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and the documents they produce are identical and equally valid. The main difference is location: AAA has thousands of offices across the country, while AATA has far fewer locations. Most people find an AAA office more convenient.

If you're an AAA member, you may receive a small discount on the IDP fee, though the savings are minimal. You do not need to be a member to obtain an IDP from AAA—membership is not required. Both organizations charge similar fees and issue the same valid document.

What happens if you drive internationally without an IDP when one is required

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you don't have one, you may face a fine, be denied the ability to rent a car, or have your vehicle impounded. The specific consequences depend on the country's laws and the discretion of local police. Some countries treat it as a minor traffic violation with a small fine; others treat it more seriously.

Rental car companies often check for an IDP before handing over the keys in countries where it's required. If you don't have one, they may refuse to rent to you, leaving you without transportation. This is why checking requirements before you travel is important—it's far easier to spend 20 minutes at an AAA office before your trip than to deal with legal or logistical problems while you're abroad.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and what to do when it expires

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which option you choose when you explore. The expiration date is printed on the front of the booklet. Once it expires, it is no longer valid, even if your U.S. driver's license is still current.

If your IDP expires while you're traveling, you cannot renew it remotely—you must return to the U.S. and visit an AAA or AATA office in person to obtain a new one. If you plan to travel internationally multiple times over the next few years, the three-year IDP is usually the better choice because it covers multiple trips and costs only slightly more than the one-year version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP has no validity in the U.S. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license to drive here. The IDP is only for use outside the United States when driving in countries that recognize it.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I'm only visiting as a tourist and not renting a car?

No. If you're not driving, you don't need an IDP. You only need one if you plan to operate a vehicle—whether it's a rental car, a borrowed car, or your own vehicle that you've shipped abroad.

What if the country I'm visiting doesn't recognize International Driving Permits?

Some countries do not recognize IDPs and instead require you to obtain a local driving permit or an official translation of your U.S. license from a certified translator. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel. Your rental car company can tell you what documents they accept.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and active.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international driver's license?

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably. There is no separate document called an "international driver's license"—the official document is the International Driving Permit (IDP). It is not a license itself but a translation document that accompanies your U.S. license.