What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid US license, and it has no legal standing on its own. You carry both documents together when you drive outside the United States.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it by law; others accept your US license alone. Many countries fall in the middle: they do not require it, but police may fine you if you cannot produce one during a traffic stop. The safest approach is to check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you leave.

An IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you obtain. It does not renew automatically and cannot be renewed by mail — you must explore in person each time it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you must explore in person at a local office.
  • You need a valid US driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
  • The one-year permit costs around $20 and the three-year permit costs around $30, though prices vary slightly by issuing organization and location.
  • Processing takes minutes to hours if you explore in person; there is no mail-in option and no online process.
  • An IDP is not required in all countries, so check the driving rules for your destination before you explore.

Where to explore for an International Driving Permit

Only two organizations in the United States issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot obtain one online, by mail, or through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

AAA has the widest network of local offices. If you are already an AAA member, you can walk into any AAA office and explore the same day. If you are not a member, you can still explore at most AAA locations, though some offices may require membership or charge a small additional fee. Use the AAA office locator on their website to find the nearest location and confirm they issue IDPs.

The AATA operates fewer offices but covers areas AAA does not. You can find AATA member organizations through their website. Both organizations issue the same internationally recognized permit — the choice is straightforward which office is closest to you.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring these items in person to your chosen office:

  • A valid US driver's license (your current license must not be expired)
  • A valid passport or passport card
  • One passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months

Some offices accept photos taken on-site for an additional fee if you do not have one ready. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers this service.

You do not need to bring proof of membership if you are explore through AAA, though you may be asked to join or renew membership at the time of process. Bring your membership card if you have one.

Cost and Processing Time

The one-year International Driving Permit costs approximately $20, and the three-year permit costs approximately $30. Prices vary slightly between AAA and AATA offices and may differ by location, so confirm the exact fee when you call or visit.

If you explore in person, you will receive your permit the same day or within a few hours. There is no waiting period. The office will take your photo, verify your documents, and issue the permit on the spot. You walk out with both your US license and your new IDP.

Do not wait until the day before your trip to explore. Although processing is fast, offices can become busy, and you want to confirm your documents are in order before you travel.

What Countries Require or Recognize an International Driving Permit

Requirements vary widely by country and change periodically. Some nations require an IDP by law; others accept your US license alone; still others accept either one but may fine you if you cannot produce an IDP during a traffic stop.

The US State Department and your destination country's embassy website both list current driving requirements. Many countries in Europe, South America, and Asia recognize IDPs, but the rules are not uniform. For example, some countries require an IDP only if your US license is in English and does not include a photo, while others require it regardless.

Before you book your trip, visit the embassy website for your destination country and search for "driving requirements" or "international driving permit." If the information is unclear, contact the embassy directly. A five-minute call can save you from a fine or a problem at a border crossing.

Renewing an Expired International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit cannot be renewed. When yours expires, you must explore for a new one in person at an AAA or AATA office, just as you did the first time.

If your US driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid — they are linked documents, and you cannot use an IDP with an expired US license. Renew your US license first, then explore for a new IDP if you still need one.

If you are planning another international trip after your current IDP expires, plan to explore at least a few days before you leave. Although the office can issue one the same day, you do not want to rely on that if your schedule is tight.

International Driving Permits and Car Rentals Abroad

Many car rental companies outside the United States require an International Driving Permit as a condition of renting to you, even if the country itself does not legally require one. This is a company policy, not a law, and it varies by rental agency and location.

When you reserve a car, check the rental company's requirements. If they require an IDP and you do not have one, you may not be able to rent from them. Some companies will accept your US license alone; others will not. It is easier to obtain an IDP before you travel than to discover the requirement when you arrive at the rental counter.

Bring both your US license and your IDP when you pick up the rental car, even if the rental company did not explicitly ask for the IDP. Having it in your possession protects you if local police stop you during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a valid US driver's license?

No. Your US driver's license must be valid and not expired. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your current license. If your US license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored or renewed.

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

No. An international license does not exist. An IDP is a translation document only — it is not a license itself and has no legal authority without your US driver's license. You must carry both documents together.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

You can choose a one-year or three-year permit when you explore. Both are valid for their stated duration from the date of issue. Neither can be renewed by mail or online — you must explore in person for a new one when it expires.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Your US driver's license is still valid. You can drive with your US license alone in most countries, though you may face a fine in some places if police stop you and you cannot produce an IDP. Contact your nearest US embassy or consulate if you need help. You cannot obtain a replacement IDP while abroad — you must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office in the United States.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both accept a valid US driver's license without an IDP. However, check current requirements before you travel, as rules can change. Your US auto insurance may not cover you in these countries, so contact your insurance company separately about coverage before you cross the border.