What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid 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 when driving abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is real and current.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, and no online service can issue a legitimate one. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you request, and it costs between $15 and $20.

Not every country requires an IDP, and rental car companies have different policies about whether they will rent to you without one. Before you book a trip, contact your rental company and check the embassy website for the country you are visiting to learn what documents they actually need.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document only — you must carry your valid U.S. driver's license with it at all times.
  • Only AAA and AATA can issue legitimate IDPs; no other organization or online service is authorized to do so.
  • You need a current, valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card to get an IDP in person.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes at an AAA office or AATA location and costs $15 to $20 for a one- or three-year permit.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, so check your destination country's embassy website and your rental company's policy before you travel.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

AAA is the most common source. If you are an AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person with your valid driver's license and passport or passport card. The staff will take a photo, fill out the process, and issue the permit on the spot. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at an AAA office — membership is not required, though members may pay a slightly lower fee.

AATA also issues IDPs at select locations, though AAA offices are far more common and easier to find. You can search for an AAA office near you on the AAA website by entering your zip code. Call ahead to confirm they have the IDP process in stock and to ask about current fees, which can vary slightly by location.

Do not order an IDP online from any website, even if it claims to be affiliated with AAA or the government. Legitimate IDPs must be issued in person by AAA or AATA staff who verify your identity and take your photograph. Online services that claim to issue IDPs are not authorized and will not produce a document that rental companies or police will accept.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license and either a U.S. passport or passport card. The staff member will need to see both documents to confirm your identity and issue the permit. If your passport has expired, you will need to renew it first — an expired passport will not work.

You do not need to bring proof of AAA membership if you are not a member; the office will issue an IDP to anyone with valid identification. Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. Some AAA offices may have a small process form to fill out, but most of the paperwork is handled by staff.

How Long the Process Takes and How Long the Permit Lasts

The entire process at an AAA or AATA office takes about 15 minutes. You walk in with your documents, the staff member verifies your identity, takes a photo, processes the process, and hands you the permit. You can use it when ready — there is no waiting period.

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which you request when you explore. The one-year permit costs less than the three-year permit. Choose based on how often you plan to drive abroad. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid, so check the date before your trip.

What Countries Require or Recommend an IDP

Many countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America recognize the IDP, but not all require it. Some countries will accept only your U.S. driver's license if it is current and valid. Others require an IDP in addition to your license. A few countries do not recognize either document and require you to get a local license or permit.

The safest approach is to check the official embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting. Search for "[country name] driving requirements" or look for a "Travel" or "Visas and Travel" section on the embassy website. You can also contact the embassy directly by phone or email. Rental car companies often have their own policies too — some will rent to you with only a U.S. license, while others require an IDP. Confirm this with your rental company before you book.

Renewing or Replacing an Expired or Lost IDP

If your IDP expires, you can get a new one by returning to an AAA or AATA office with your current driver's license and passport. The process is the same as getting your first permit and takes about 15 minutes. You will pay the full fee again — there is no discounted renewal rate.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad. Contact AAA or AATA by phone or email to report it, but you will need to wait until you return to the U.S. to get a new one. In the meantime, your U.S. driver's license alone may still be accepted depending on the country and rental company. If you are concerned about losing your IDP during travel, take a photo of it with your phone and store it in cloud storage so you have a copy.

International Driving Permit vs. Other Travel Documents

An IDP is different from a visa, passport, or travel permit. A visa is a document issued by a country's government that allows you to enter that country. A passport is your proof of citizenship. An IDP is only a translation of your driver's license and has nothing to do with whether you are allowed to enter a country — it only affects whether you can legally drive once you are there.

Some countries issue their own driving permits or require you to get an International Driving License (different from an IDP) through their own government. This is rare for U.S. citizens but does happen in a few places. Always check the specific country's requirements rather than assuming an IDP will work everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit without an AAA membership?

Yes. AAA membership is not required to get an IDP. You can walk into any AAA office with a valid driver's license and passport and request one. Non-members may pay a slightly higher fee than members, but the process is the same.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Your license must be current and valid. If your license has expired, renew it at your state's DMV before you visit AAA or AATA.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Canada or Mexico?

Most rental companies in Canada and Mexico will accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some companies recommend or require an IDP, so contact your rental company before you book. An IDP can also be helpful if you are stopped by police, as it provides a translation of your license.

Can I order an International Driving Permit by mail?

AAA and AATA do not issue IDPs by mail. You must explore in person at an office location. Some websites claim to offer mail-order IDPs, but these are not legitimate and will not be accepted by rental companies or police.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid for driving. If it expires during your trip, you can only drive with your U.S. license alone, and only in countries that accept it. Check your permit's expiration date before you travel and plan accordingly.