What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

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 home license — you must carry both together. Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and some police officers in certain countries will not accept your U.S. license alone as proof you are allowed to drive.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going and how you plan to travel. If you are renting a car, check the rental company's website first — many state the requirement clearly. If you are driving your own vehicle or a friend's car, the country's rules matter more than the rental company's. Some nations (parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand) accept a U.S. license with an IDP as a courtesy; others (some countries in South America, Asia, and Africa) may require one by law or may not recognize a U.S. license at all without it.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and costs between $15 and $20, valid for one or three years.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license in hand before you explore, and you will need to provide a passport-style photo and proof of your U.S. address.
  • AAA issues permits in person at most AAA offices and by mail, while AATA issues them by mail only; processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at AAA.
  • The IDP itself does not grant you permission to drive — your home license does — so an expired or suspended license means you cannot get an IDP.
  • An IDP is valid only while you are outside the United States and must be carried together with your original U.S. driver's license at all times.

Who Issues International Driving Permits in the United States

Only two organizations in the U.S. are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document — there is no difference in what you receive — but they differ in how and where you can obtain one.

AAA has physical offices in most states and can issue an IDP in person on the same day or by mail within one to two weeks. AATA operates by mail only and takes one to two weeks for processing. If you need an IDP quickly and live near an AAA office, going in person is faster. If you prefer to avoid a trip or live far from an office, mail is your only option with either organization.

What You Need to Bring or Submit

To obtain an IDP, you will need to provide the following documents and information:

  • A valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license (the IDP cannot be issued if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked).
  • A passport-style photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background and meet standard passport photo rules (no sunglasses, no hats, no filters).
  • Proof of your current U.S. address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your signature on the process form.
  • Payment: AAA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit; AATA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.

Do not send your original driver's license to AAA or AATA — they do not need it and you must carry it with you when you travel. You only need to show it in person at an AAA office, or provide a photocopy with a mail process.

how the process works in Person at AAA

If you have an AAA membership and an AAA office near you, explore in person is the fastest route. Visit the office during business hours with your valid driver's license, passport-style photo, and proof of address. Fill out the process form on site (AAA staff can provide it), pay the fee, and you will receive your IDP when ready. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP, but membership can speed up the process at some offices. If you are not a member, call ahead to confirm the office has the form and photo requirements in stock, since some smaller offices may not.

how the process works by Mail Through AAA or AATA

To explore by mail, contact AAA or AATA directly to request an process form, or read it from their websites. Complete the form with your name, address, driver's license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years). Attach a passport-style photo, a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back), and proof of your U.S. address. Include payment by check or money order (both organizations accept these; credit card payment may be available online).

Mail the completed process to the address provided on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive it. AAA typically mails the permit to your address; AATA does the same. Track your mail or contact the organization if you do not receive it within three weeks of mailing.

When Your International Driving Permit Expires and How Long It Lasts

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which term you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. Unlike a driver's license, an IDP is valid only outside the United States — it cannot be used to drive within the U.S., and it does not extend the validity of your home license.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid because it is tied to your home license. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one if you need it after expiration. Plan ahead if you are taking multiple trips: a three-year permit may be more economical than buying a one-year permit for each trip.

What to Do If You Are Denied an IDP

AAA or AATA will deny an IDP process if your U.S. driver's license is expired, suspended, revoked, or invalid. They will also deny the process if the information on your license does not match the information on your process, or if your photo does not meet passport photo standards.

If your process is denied, contact the organization that rejected it to find out the specific reason. If your license is expired or suspended, you must resolve that with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before reapplying for an IDP. If the photo was rejected, take a new one that meets the requirements and resubmit. There is no appeal process — you straightforward reapply once the underlying issue is fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An IDP is valid only outside the United States. Within the U.S., you must use your state-issued driver's license. The IDP is a translation document meant for foreign police and rental companies, not for domestic use.

What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA from abroad to report the loss. They can issue a replacement, but it may take time to arrive. In the meantime, carry your original U.S. driver's license and any police report of the loss. Most rental companies and police will accept your U.S. license alone if you can explain the IDP is lost, though this varies by country.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on your plans. If you are renting a car, check the rental company's policy — many require an IDP even for short trips. If you are not renting and do not plan to drive, you do not need one. If you are driving a friend's car or your own vehicle, research the country's specific rules, as some require an IDP by law regardless of trip length.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AATA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. Fees do not include shipping if you explore by mail. Neither organization charges additional fees for processing or expedited service.