What an international driver's license actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home country's license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental agencies in other countries that your home license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their borders without this translation.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by an international body. The document is valid for one or three years depending on which version you get, and it expires whether you use it or not. You cannot renew an IDP — you must get a new one when it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by your country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, and you must explore in person with your valid home license and a passport photo.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $30 in most countries and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, or can be picked up the same day at some offices.
  • You need both your home license and the IDP together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid.
  • The one-year IDP is cheaper and sufficient for most trips; the three-year version is only worth getting if you travel internationally multiple times per year.

How to get an IDP in the United States

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You do not explore through your state's motor vehicle department. Both AAA and AATA issue the same document — the choice is only which office is closer to you.

To explore, you need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). You must explore in person at a AAA or AATA office. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted. The one-year IDP costs $20 and the three-year IDP costs $30 at AAA locations; AATA charges $15 for one year and $25 for three years. You can request same-day pickup at most AAA offices, or have it mailed to you in five to ten business days.

Find your nearest AAA office at aaa.com or call 1-800-222-4357. AATA offices are less common; search for "AATA International Driving Permit" and your state to find a location near you.

How to get an IDP in Canada

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues International Driving Permits. You must explore in person at a CAA office with your valid Canadian driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport photo. The one-year IDP costs $25 CAD and the three-year version costs $35 CAD.

Processing time is typically five to ten business days for mail delivery, though some offices offer same-day pickup. Find your nearest CAA office at caa.ca or call the provincial CAA branch directly — each province has its own office.

How to get an IDP in the United Kingdom and Ireland

In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) both issue IDPs. You need your valid UK driving license, a passport, and one passport photo. The one-year IDP costs £5.50 and the three-year version costs £10.50 at the AA. You can explore online, by post, or in person at an AA office.

In Ireland, the Irish Automobile Association (IAA) issues IDPs. You need your valid Irish driving license, a passport, and a passport photo. explore in person at an IAA office or by post. The cost is €10 for one year and €15 for three years. Processing takes five to ten business days.

How to get an IDP in Australia and New Zealand

In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) issue IDPs. You need your valid Australian driver's license, a passport, and one passport photo. The one-year IDP costs $20 AUD and the three-year version costs $30 AUD. explore in person at an NRMA or RACV office, or by post.

In New Zealand, the Automobile Association (AA) issues IDPs. You need your valid New Zealand driver's license, a passport, and a passport photo. The one-year IDP costs $25 NZD and the three-year version costs $40 NZD. explore in person at an AA office or by post. Processing takes five to ten business days in both countries.

What countries actually require or recognize an IDP

No country legally requires an IDP, but many countries' rental agencies will not rent to you without one, and some police officers will not accept your home license alone if you are stopped. The IDP is most useful in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. In these regions, rental companies routinely ask for it, and it can prevent confusion with local police.

Some countries — including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy — have reciprocal agreements with English-speaking countries and will accept a valid home license without an IDP, but rental agencies often still demand one. The safest approach is to get an IDP before any international trip, because it costs little and removes doubt at a rental counter or a traffic stop.

When you do not need an IDP

If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, an IDP is rarely necessary. These regions generally accept a valid U.S., UK, or Australian license without translation. However, some rental agencies in Mexico and the Caribbean do ask for an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book.

If you are not planning to drive — only using taxis, public transit, or ride-sharing services — you do not need an IDP at all. The document is only useful if you will be behind the wheel or renting a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP by mail or online without going to an office?

In the United States, you must explore in person at a AAA or AATA office. In the UK, the AA accepts online applications. In Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, most organizations require in-person process, though some accept postal applications if you mail in your documents. Check your local automobile association's website for their specific process.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are traveling for longer than your IDP's validity period, get a new one before you leave. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a fresh one, which requires another in-person visit and another fee.

Do I need an IDP if I already have an International License from my home country?

If your home country issued you an International License (not a Permit), it may be valid in other countries without an IDP. However, many rental agencies and police do not recognize licenses from all countries. An IDP is a safer backup. Check with your rental company about their specific requirements.

Can someone else pick up my IDP for me if I cannot go to the office?

Policies vary by organization. Some AAA offices allow a family member or authorized person to pick up an IDP if you provide written permission and they show ID. Call your local office to ask before you explore. Most other countries' automobile associations require the applicant to pick up the document in person.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association. An International License is a separate license issued by some countries' motor vehicle departments. They serve the same purpose abroad, but an IDP is more widely recognized and is what most countries' automobile associations issue.