An international driving permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license itself — it is a companion document that works alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. It translates your license information into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. The permit shows your name, photo, driving record status, and license class in a format that foreign police officers and car rental companies can read.

You cannot drive anywhere using only an IDP. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and the permit together. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you obtain, and it does not replace your state license or extend your driving privileges beyond what your home state allows.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages and is recognized in over 150 countries.
  • You must carry both your valid U.S. driver's license and the IDP together — the permit alone is not enough to drive.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office or through mail.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP, but car rental companies often ask for one, and having it can prevent disputes with local authorities.

When you actually need an international driving permit

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are going and what you plan to do. Some countries legally require one; others do not. The safest approach is to check the specific country's rules before you travel, since requirements vary widely.

Car rental companies are often stricter than governments. Many major rental agencies will not rent to you without an IDP, even if the country itself does not require one. If you plan to rent a car abroad, contact the rental company first to confirm their policy. Some will accept only a U.S. license; others demand an IDP.

If you are driving your own vehicle across an international border (such as into Canada or Mexico), the rules differ by country and by the length of your stay. The IDP is not always required for short trips, but it can prevent confusion at border checkpoints and with local police if you are stopped.

How to get an international driving permit

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot obtain one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

To get an IDP through AAA, visit a local AAA office in person or explore by mail. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. The cost is typically $15 to $20. If you explore in person, you will receive the permit when ready. If you mail your process, processing takes about two weeks.

AATA also issues IDPs by mail. You submit the same documents — license, process, photo, and payment — and receive your permit within two to three weeks. AATA's fees are similar to AAA's. Both organizations issue permits valid for either one year or three years; the three-year version costs slightly more.

What information appears on an international driving permit

Your IDP contains the same basic information as your U.S. driver's license: your name, date of birth, address, license number, and photo. It also lists your license class (such as Class D for regular passenger vehicles) and any restrictions or endorsements on your U.S. license.

The permit is printed in English and nine other languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. This translation allows police officers and rental agents in other countries to understand your driving status without needing an interpreter.

The IDP does not show your driving history or violations. It only confirms that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. If a foreign authority wants to know about accidents or tickets, they would need to contact your home state's DMV directly.

How long an international driving permit lasts

An IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit is cheaper but requires you to renew sooner if you travel frequently. The three-year permit costs more upfront but covers multiple trips over a longer period.

Your IDP expires on a specific date printed on the document. It does not automatically renew. If you need a new one after expiration, you must explore again through AAA or AATA with a new process, photo, and fee.

Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your state license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date. You cannot renew an IDP separately — you must obtain a new one.

International driving permit versus other travel documents

An IDP is sometimes confused with other documents you might need for international travel, but they serve different purposes. Your passport is required to enter another country; an IDP is only for driving once you are there. A visa (if required by your destination) allows you to stay in a country; an IDP does not grant you any legal status or right to be present.

Some countries issue their own versions of an international permit. If you are moving to another country or staying for an extended period, you may eventually need to obtain a local driver's license rather than relying on your U.S. license and IDP. Rules for this vary by country and by how long you plan to stay.

What to do if you are stopped while driving abroad

If a police officer stops you while driving in another country, present both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP. The officer can read your information in their own language through the IDP, which speeds up the interaction and reduces confusion.

Having an IDP does not protect you from traffic violations or local laws. If you break a traffic rule, you can still receive a ticket or fine. The IDP straightforward proves that you are a licensed driver in your home country. It does not override local traffic laws or give you any special status.

If you are involved in an accident or serious incident abroad, contact your country's embassy or consulate when ready. They can help you navigate local legal processes and connect you with resources. The IDP will not resolve legal disputes, but it does confirm your driving status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP for short visits; your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require one either, but Mexican authorities may ask for one, and car rental companies often demand it. Having an IDP eliminates potential disputes at checkpoints or with rental agencies, so it is worth obtaining before you go.

Can I get an international driving permit from my state DMV?

No. Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one, even if you ask. You must contact AAA or AATA directly.

What happens if my international driving permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid. If you are still abroad and need to drive, you cannot use it. Plan ahead and obtain a new IDP before your trip if your current one will expire during your travels. If you are stuck without one, some car rental companies may still rent to you with just your U.S. license, but this varies by location and company.

Is an international driving permit the same as an international driver's license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An "international driver's license" is not an official term and may refer to scams or unofficial documents sold online. Only obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA to may support it is recognized abroad.

Can I drive a motorcycle or commercial vehicle with an international driving permit?

Your IDP reflects whatever license class and endorsements appear on your U.S. driver's license. If your U.S. license allows you to drive a motorcycle or commercial vehicle, your IDP will show that. If your U.S. license does not permit those vehicles, your IDP will not either. The IDP does not grant you any driving privileges you do not already have in the United States.