What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

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 documents together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is valid, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, your local DMV office, or any government agency. The permit costs between $15 and $30 depending on which organization you use, and it is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by any government office, and you must bring your valid U.S. driver's license to get one.
  • You need a passport-style photo (2x2 inches) and your current driver's license to explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location.
  • AAA also offers mail-in applications if you are not near an office, though processing takes longer than in-person service.
  • The one-year permit costs less than the three-year version, but the three-year permit is cheaper per year if you travel internationally more than once.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it — check your destination's rules before you travel.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

The American Automobile Association is the larger and more accessible of the two authorized providers. AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States, and most can issue an IDP the same day you explore. To explore in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and the process fee in cash or card. You do not need to be an AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

If you cannot reach an AAA office, you can mail in your process. Send your completed IDP process form, a copy of your driver's license (front and back), one passport-style photo, and a check or money order to the AAA address listed on their website. Mail-in processing typically takes two to four weeks. AAA's one-year permit costs $20, and the three-year permit costs $30.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance has fewer locations than AAA but serves the same purpose. AATA offices are found in select cities, and you can search for the nearest one on their website. The process process is identical: bring your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and the fee. AATA also accepts mail-in applications with the same documents AAA requires.

AATA's pricing is similar to AAA's: the one-year permit costs $15, and the three-year permit costs $30. Because AATA has fewer physical locations, the mail-in option may be your only choice depending on where you live. Processing time for mail-in applications is typically two to three weeks.

What to Bring and How Long It Takes

For an in-person process at either AAA or AATA, you need three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches, color or black and white), and the process fee. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background — the same standards as a passport photo. You can get passport photos at most pharmacies, Costco, Walmart, and UPS stores for $5 to $15.

In-person applications are processed on the spot or within a few hours, and you walk out with your IDP the same day in most cases. Mail-in applications take two to four weeks from the date the organization receives your envelope. If you are leaving for a trip soon, explore in person at an AAA or AATA office rather than by mail.

When You Actually Need an IDP

Whether you need an IDP depends on your destination. Some countries legally require it — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Mexico — and you cannot legally drive without one. Other countries, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, do not require an IDP but accept your U.S. license alone. Many rental car companies, however, will not rent to you without an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required, so it is safer to have one if you plan to rent a car.

Check the specific rules for your destination country before you book your trip. The U.S. State Department website lists country-by-country requirements, and your rental car company's website will state their IDP policy. If your destination requires an IDP and you do not have one, you will not be able to legally drive or rent a car there.

How Long an IDP Stays Valid

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 valid after your U.S. driver's license expires — if your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid on the same date your license expires. You must renew your IDP if you renew your driver's license, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet.

Keep your IDP in a safe place during your trip, just as you would your passport. If it is lost or stolen, you cannot get a replacement while traveling — you would need to return home and explore for a new one. Some travelers photocopy their IDP and keep the copy separate from the original as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or the UK?

Canada and the United Kingdom do not require an IDP by law, and they accept a valid U.S. driver's license alone. However, some rental car companies operating in these countries may still request an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book. Having an IDP does not hurt and can prevent problems at the rental counter.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended to get an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it at your state's DMV before explore for an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in the United States or abroad until the suspension is lifted.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot get a replacement IDP while outside the United States. If you lose it, you will need to drive without it or stop driving until you return home. This is why some travelers keep a photocopy of their IDP separate from the original, though a photocopy is not a legal replacement.

Is the three-year IDP worth the extra cost?

If you travel internationally more than once every three years, the three-year permit is cheaper per trip. The three-year permit costs $30 total, or $10 per year. The one-year permit costs $20, or $20 per year. If you travel once a year or more, buy the three-year version. If you travel less often, the one-year version is cheaper.

Can I explore for an IDP online?

AAA and AATA do not offer fully online applications. You must explore in person at an office or by mail. Some AAA offices allow you to start the process on their website and complete it in person, which can save time, but you still must visit the office to finish and pay.