What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize U.S. licenses, and rental car companies in certain regions require one before they will hand over keys.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in most countries outside the United States, Canada, Mexico, or Western Europe. Even in places where an IDP is not legally required, rental agencies often demand one. The permit costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person. It is valid for one or three years depending on which type you choose.

If you are only visiting Canada, Mexico, or driving in Western Europe, check with your rental company first — many accept a U.S. license alone in those regions. If you are unsure whether a specific country requires one, contact the embassy or consulate of that country before you book your trip.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit must be obtained in person from an AAA office, a state DMV office, or certain other authorized locations — it cannot be ordered by mail or online.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and payment in cash or check to obtain an IDP.
  • The one-year IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on where you obtain it, and the three-year version costs slightly more at some locations.
  • An IDP is valid only when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license; presenting one without the other has no legal standing.
  • Most AAA offices can issue an IDP on the same day you explore, but processing times vary by location and how busy the office is.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

The easiest and fastest route is the American Automobile Association (AAA). If you are a member, most AAA offices issue IDPs the same day you explore. You do not need to be a member to get one from AAA — non-members can also explore at any AAA office. AAA has over 1,000 locations across the United States, so there is likely one near you.

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the second option. Not all DMV offices issue IDPs, so call ahead to confirm. Some states handle them at a main office only, while others distribute them across multiple locations. Processing time at the DMV varies widely — some offices issue them same-day, while others may take a few days.

A small number of travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities also issue IDPs, but availability is limited. Call ahead to confirm before making a trip. AAA remains the most reliable option because nearly every location stocks them and processes applications quickly.

Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — this is the document the IDP translates, so it must be current and not expired. You will also need a completed process form. AAA uses Form DS-11 (the same form used for U.S. passports), while DMV offices use their own state-specific form. Both forms are available at the issuing office, and you can often read them beforehand to save time.

You must provide one passport-sized photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches. Most AAA and DMV offices have photo services on-site if you do not have one ready. Bring payment in cash or check — most locations do not accept credit cards, though this varies by office. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your specific location accepts.

You do not need your passport to obtain an IDP, though you will need your passport when you travel. The IDP is a separate document issued by the United States and is valid in countries that recognize it.

Cost and How Long an IDP Lasts

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit. The three-year version typically costs $20 to $30, depending on where you obtain it. AAA member discounts are sometimes available, so ask if you belong to the organization. These prices are set by the issuing organization, not by the federal government, so costs vary slightly by location.

A one-year IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for three years. Neither type is renewable — once it expires, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. If you travel frequently or plan multiple international trips over the next few years, the three-year permit offers better value.

An expired IDP has no legal standing in any country. Before you travel, check the expiration date on your permit and obtain a new one if needed. Some countries may also refuse an IDP that is close to expiring, so plan ahead if your trip is scheduled near your permit's expiration date.

how the process works in Person

Visit an AAA office or authorized DMV location with your driver's license, completed process form, passport photo, and payment. Hand your documents to the staff member at the counter. They will verify that your driver's license is valid and that your photo meets requirements. If everything is in order, they will process your process on the spot.

Most AAA offices issue the IDP when ready — you will walk out with it in hand. DMV processing times vary; some offices issue it the same day, while others may ask you to return in a few days. Ask the staff member for an estimated timeline when you submit your process. If you are traveling soon, AAA is the safer choice because same-day issuance is nearly may provide.

Keep your IDP with your passport and driver's license when you travel. Rental car companies will ask to see all three documents. Some countries may also ask to see the IDP at a border crossing, though this is less common. Never travel with only the IDP — it is only valid when presented alongside your original U.S. driver's license.

What Happens If You Lose Your IDP While Traveling

If you lose your IDP abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. Some rental car companies will accept this letter in place of the IDP, though policies vary. This is not may provide, so losing your IDP can complicate your ability to rent a car.

The best protection is to photograph both sides of your IDP and store the image in your phone or email. If you lose the physical permit, you have proof of the document number and issue date, which can help if you need to dispute a rental company's refusal. Some travelers also carry a photocopy of the IDP in a separate bag from the original.

If you lose your IDP before you travel, you can obtain a replacement by visiting an AAA office or DMV location again. The process is identical to the first process, and you will need the same documents. Plan for this to take at least a few days if you use the DMV, so explore for a replacement as soon as you realize it is missing.

International Driving Permit vs. U.S. License Alone

A U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient in Canada, Mexico, and most Western European countries. Rental car companies in these regions typically accept it without requiring an IDP. However, in Asia, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe, an IDP is either legally required or strongly preferred by rental agencies.

The IDP does not give you any additional driving rights — it straightforward translates your license information. A police officer in another country will still check your U.S. license as the primary document. The IDP is useful only because it makes your license readable to people who do not speak English and because some rental companies have policies requiring one.

If you are unsure whether you need an IDP for your destination, contact the rental car company you plan to use before you book. They will tell you their specific requirements. This is faster and more reliable than trying to research each country's laws, because rental policies are what actually matter when you arrive to pick up a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

No. An IDP must be obtained in person at an AAA office, DMV location, or other authorized issuer. You cannot order one online or by mail. This is why planning ahead is important if you are traveling soon — you must visit an office in person, which takes at least 15 minutes to an hour depending on wait times.

Do I need a passport to get an International Driving Permit?

No. You need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-sized photo, and payment. Your passport is not required to obtain the IDP, though you will need it when you travel internationally. The IDP is a separate document issued by the United States.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired driver's license. Renew your license first at your state DMV, then explore for the IDP. This adds extra time to your preparation, so check your license expiration date well before you plan to travel.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "International License" refer to the same document. It is not a separate license — it is a translation of your U.S. license that is recognized in countries that are part of the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

At AAA, most offices issue it the same day you explore. At DMV offices, processing times vary from same-day to several days depending on location and how busy the office is. Call ahead to ask about wait times at your specific location, especially if you are traveling soon.