An international driver's license is a translation document, not a second license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your original license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP proves to foreign police and rental car companies that your home license is valid—it does not grant you permission to drive that you did not already have.

Most countries do not require an IDP if your home license is in English and still valid. However, some nations—including Russia, China, India, and several Middle Eastern countries—will not recognize a non-IDP license, even if it is in English. Rental car companies in Europe and Asia often demand one regardless of legal requirement, because it simplifies their insurance and liability paperwork. If you are driving in a country where English is not widely spoken, an IDP removes the risk that a police officer will turn you away because they cannot read your license.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority and must be carried alongside your original driver's license.
  • You need your valid home license, a passport-style photo, and proof of your address to obtain an IDP; the process takes one to two weeks in most U.S. states.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on your age and the country that issued it, and it expires even if your home license does not.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; many others do not, but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one.
  • Only your home country's motor vehicle authority can issue an IDP—online services that claim to issue international licenses are not legitimate.

How to get an IDP in the United States

In the U.S., the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits. You do not explore through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Both AAA and AATA issue the same document; the difference is where you go to get it.

To obtain an IDP, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches), proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease), and the process fee. AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit if you are under 18 or over 70; the fee is $20 for one year or $30 for three years for all other ages. AATA charges the same. You can explore in person at any AAA office or by mail through AATA. In-person applications are processed when ready; mail applications take one to two weeks.

Your IDP will be valid for one year if you are under 18 or over 70, and three years if you are between 18 and 70. The permit expires on a fixed date regardless of when your home license expires, so you may need to renew it before your next trip even if your driver's license is still valid.

Getting an IDP outside the United States

If you hold a driver's license from another country, your home nation's motor vehicle authority issues International Driving Permits. In Canada, Service Ontario and equivalent provincial agencies handle IDP issuance. In the United Kingdom, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) issues them. In Australia, each state's Roads and Maritime Services office handles them. Contact your home country's motor vehicle authority directly to learn the specific documents you need, the fee, and the processing time.

Some countries issue IDPs only in person at a physical office; others allow mail or online applications. Processing times vary from same-day (in some European countries) to several weeks. If you are traveling soon and your home country's IDP process is slow, check whether the destination country actually requires one—you may be able to drive legally with only your home license and a certified English translation.

Which countries require an International Driving Permit

No country in North America or Western Europe legally requires an IDP if your home license is valid and in English. However, many countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe do require one. Russia, China, India, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates will not recognize a non-IDP license. Several Latin American countries—including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina—do not legally require an IDP but strongly recommend one because police may not accept a non-English license.

The safest approach is to check the specific rules for the country you are visiting through its embassy or tourism board website before you travel. Rental car companies often have stricter rules than the law requires. Even if a country does not legally require an IDP, the rental company may refuse to rent to you without one, or may charge a higher rate or require additional insurance. Always ask the rental company about their IDP policy when you book.

What an IDP does not do

An International Driving Permit does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive. It does not override age restrictions, medical disqualifications, or license suspensions. If your home license is suspended or expired, an IDP is worthless. If you are under the legal driving age in your destination country, an IDP will not allow you to drive there. It is purely a translation tool that proves your home license is real and currently valid.

An IDP also does not provide insurance coverage. Your home country's auto insurance may or may not cover you when driving abroad—this depends entirely on your policy. Before you travel, contact your insurance company and ask whether your coverage extends to the countries you plan to visit, and whether you need to purchase additional international coverage. An IDP has no connection to insurance and will not help if you have an accident and your policy does not cover you.

Scams and fake international licenses

Many websites claim to issue "International Driving Licenses" or "International Driving Permits" online for a fee. These are not legitimate. Only your home country's authorized motor vehicle authority can issue a real IDP. In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized. Any other website selling an international license is a scam. A fake IDP will not be recognized by police or rental companies, and using one could result in fines, arrest, or both.

If you see an online service offering to issue an international license without requiring your home license number, a photo, or proof of address, it is fraudulent. Legitimate IDPs require the same documents as a real license process because they are official government documents. Do not pay for an international license from any source other than your home country's authorized issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

Not legally in most European countries, but many rental companies require one anyway. Check your rental agreement or contact the company before you book. If they do not require an IDP, bring a certified English translation of your home license as backup. Some companies will rent without an IDP if you show your passport and home license together, but this varies by location and company.

Can I drive in Canada or Mexico with just my U.S. driver's license?

Yes. Canada and Mexico do not require an International Driving Permit. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. However, if you are renting a car, the rental company may have its own policy. Check with the company before you travel. Your U.S. auto insurance may not cover you in Mexico, so contact your insurer before you cross the border.

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

In the U.S., AAA issues them when ready if you explore in person at an office. AATA mail applications take one to two weeks. In other countries, processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on the authority. If you are traveling soon, explore as early as possible or check whether your destination actually requires one—you may be able to travel with just your home license and a translation.

What happens if I drive without an International Driving Permit in a country that requires one?

You can be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be arrested, depending on the country and the officer's judgment. Some countries treat it as a minor traffic violation; others treat it as driving without a license. If you are stopped, you will not be able to prove your home license is valid. Always carry both your home license and your IDP together if you are driving in a country that requires one.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably. The official name is International Driving Permit (IDP). It is sometimes called an International License or International Driver's License, but these all refer to the same document. Do not confuse it with fake "International Licenses" sold online—those are scams.