What an International Driver's Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license, and some countries will not accept it without one. Whether you need it depends on where you are going and for how long.

Many rental car companies in Europe, Latin America, and Asia require an IDP or will charge extra without one. Some countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, technically require one by law, though enforcement varies. Other destinations have no legal requirement but rental agencies still ask for it. If you are driving in Canada or Mexico for a short trip, you typically do not need one — your U.S. license alone is usually sufficient.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs less than a replacement license. AAA is the only organization in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs, which is why you cannot get one from your DMV or any other source.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA is the only authorized issuer of International Driver's Permits in the United States, and you must explore in person at an AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on your AAA membership status, and you receive it the same day or within a few days if you explore by mail.
  • An IDP is valid for one year and works only as a companion document to your U.S. license — you must carry both when driving internationally.
  • Rental car companies in Europe and many other regions require an IDP or charge extra without one, so check your destination country's rules before you travel.
  • You do not need an IDP for Canada or Mexico in most cases, and some countries do not require one at all, so research your specific destination before paying for one.

How to Get an IDP at an AAA Office

Walk into any AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport (or passport card). Bring a completed Form DS-11 or the AAA IDP process form — AAA offices have these on hand, so you can fill it out there. You will also need one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches), though some offices can take one for you on the spot for a small fee.

The staff will verify your documents, process your process, and issue your IDP when ready in most cases. The whole visit takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you are not an AAA member, the cost is around $20. AAA members pay around $15. You walk out with the IDP in hand and can use it right away.

If you do not have an AAA office nearby or cannot visit in person, you can mail in your process. Send your completed form, a copy of your driver's license, a copy of your passport, and a passport photo to the AAA address provided on their website. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks, and the cost is the same. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the IDP returned by mail.

What Documents You Need to Bring

You must have a valid U.S. driver's license — expired licenses will not work. Your license must be in English and issued by a U.S. state or territory. If your license is from a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or Guam, it is still acceptable.

You also need a valid passport or passport card. This is your proof of citizenship and identity. A passport book and a passport card are both acceptable; a passport photo alone is not. If your passport is expired, you cannot use it for the IDP process, though you can still use an expired passport as a form of ID in some cases — ask the AAA office staff.

Bring one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches) in color or black and white. The photo should be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly, and have a plain background. If you do not have one, most AAA offices can take a photo for you for $5 to $10.

IDP Validity, Renewal, and Expiration

Your IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. After one year, it expires and is no longer accepted by rental companies or border officials. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit.

You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid, so plan ahead if you have a long trip planned near the end of the year. If you lose your IDP, you can explore for a replacement by visiting an AAA office or mailing in a new process; there is no separate replacement fee — you pay the standard IDP fee again.

Your U.S. driver's license does not expire when your IDP expires. The two documents are separate, and your license remains valid on its own schedule. However, if your U.S. license expires, your IDP becomes useless because you must carry both documents together.

Countries That Require or Recommend an IDP

France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Austria require an IDP by law, though in practice many travelers drive without one and face no consequences. Rental companies in these countries almost always require one, and you may be denied a rental or charged a penalty if you do not have it.

Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand do not legally require an IDP but rental agencies commonly ask for one. Having one makes the rental process faster and avoids disputes. In some cases, a rental company will issue you a local driving permit if you do not have an IDP, but this takes extra time and may cost more.

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP for U.S. citizens, and your U.S. license is sufficient for both driving and renting a car. Central American countries vary — Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize do not require one, but Guatemala and Honduras sometimes do. Always check the specific rules for your destination country before you travel, because requirements change and rental company policies differ from legal requirements.

Cost and AAA Membership

The IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you are an AAA member. AAA members typically pay $15, and non-members pay around $20. Some AAA clubs charge slightly different amounts, so call ahead if you want to confirm the exact price at your local office.

If you need a passport photo taken at the AAA office, that is an additional $5 to $10. If you explore by mail, the cost is the same, but you cover postage both ways unless you use a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The IDP is much cheaper than a replacement U.S. driver's license (which costs $50 to $150 depending on your state) and is valid for one year. If you travel internationally once a year or more, the cost is reasonable. If you travel rarely, you may decide it is not worth the expense — in that case, check whether your destination legally requires one or whether your rental company will waive the requirement.

Alternatives If You Cannot Get to an AAA Office

If you do not have an AAA office within reasonable distance, you can mail in your process. The process is the same: send your completed form, copies of your license and passport, and a passport photo to the AAA address on their website. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail.

Some travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities also handle IDP applications, though they are less common than AAA offices. Call ahead to confirm before visiting. The cost and processing time are usually the same as AAA.

If you are traveling very soon and cannot get an IDP in time, some rental companies will issue a temporary local driving permit at the rental counter, though this is not may provide and may cost extra. This is not a substitute for an IDP and is not accepted by border officials, so it only helps with the rental itself. Plan ahead to avoid this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Check with your rental company first. Many require an IDP regardless of rental length, especially in Europe. Some will waive it for very short rentals or charge a fee instead. It is cheaper to get an IDP ($15–$20) than to pay a rental company's surcharge, which can be $50 or more.

Can I use an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried with a valid U.S. driver's license. If your license is expired, the IDP is useless. Renew your U.S. license at your state DMV before traveling, or explore for an IDP after your license is renewed.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your rental company when ready — they may issue a temporary local permit. When you return home, explore for a replacement IDP at an AAA office or by mail. You will pay the standard fee again. An IDP is not replaced by the State Department or any government agency, only by AAA.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only and is not a license itself. Some countries issue their own international licenses, but the U.S. does not. You must carry your U.S. license with your IDP at all times when driving internationally.

How far in advance should I get an IDP before traveling?

Get it at least one week before your trip if you are explore in person, since you receive it the same day. If you are mailing your process, allow two to three weeks to be safe. Do not wait until the week before you leave.