What an international driving permit is and where to get one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license—it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. You get one from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), both of which are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

The IDP exists because some countries' police officers and rental car companies may not recognize a U.S. license on sight, even though it is legal to drive on one in most places. The permit is a translation document that proves you hold a valid license at home. It costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person, or you can order one by mail.

You cannot get an IDP online or have one shipped to you without visiting a location in person first—you must show your valid driver's license and passport or other ID to an authorized issuer. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which type you choose, and it expires whether you use it or not.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States, and you must visit a location in person with your valid driver's license and passport.
  • The IDP is a translation of your license into ten languages and is legal to use in over 150 countries, but it is not a replacement for your actual license.
  • You can get a one-year permit for around $15 to $20, or a three-year permit for slightly more, depending on the issuer and your location.
  • Some countries and rental car companies require an IDP even though your U.S. license is technically legal; check with your destination and rental company before you travel.

Getting an IDP from AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common place to get an International Driving Permit. You must be a AAA member to purchase one, though membership itself is separate from the IDP purchase. If you are not a member, you can join at the same time you explore for the permit.

Visit any AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). You will fill out an process form on the spot. The office will issue your permit when ready or within a few minutes. AAA charges around $15 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by location.

If you cannot visit an office in person, AAA allows you to mail in an process with a check or money order, your driver's license copy, passport copy, and a passport photo. Mail processing takes one to two weeks. Find your nearest AAA office at aaa.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to confirm they have permits in stock before you visit.

Getting an IDP from AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States. You do not need to be a member of any organization to get an IDP from AATA. Visit aata.org to find an authorized agent near you—AATA works through travel agencies, some AAA offices, and other partner locations rather than operating its own offices.

Bring your valid driver's license, passport or government-issued photo ID, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). The agent will complete your process and issue the permit on the spot. AATA charges $20 for a one-year permit and $35 for a three-year permit. You can also order by mail through aata.org; mail orders take one to two weeks and require the same documents plus a check or money order.

Because AATA uses partner locations rather than dedicated offices, availability varies by area. Some regions have many agents, while others may have only one or two. Check the AATA website to see which agents are near you and whether they currently have permits in stock.

What documents you need to bring

You will need four things to get an International Driving Permit in person: a valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (usually your passport), one passport-style photo measuring 2x2 inches, and cash or a card to pay the fee. The photo must be recent—taken within the last six months—and show your face clearly against a plain background.

If you are explore by mail, you will need copies of your driver's license and passport instead of the originals, plus a signed check or money order. Both AAA and AATA provide mail process forms on their websites; read the form, fill it out, and mail it with your documents and payment.

Do not laminate your IDP once you receive it, even though your driver's license may be laminated. Some countries' border officials will not accept a laminated permit because they cannot verify the security features underneath.

How long an IDP takes and how long it lasts

If you visit an AAA or AATA office in person, you will receive your International Driving Permit when ready or within a few minutes. The issuer will hand it to you before you leave. If you explore by mail, expect one to two weeks for processing and delivery.

An IDP is valid for one year or three years depending on which type you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. The permit expires on that date regardless of whether you have used it, so if you buy a one-year permit six months before your trip, you will have only six months of validity left. Check the expiration date before you travel and order a new one if yours will expire during your trip.

You can renew your IDP by visiting an AAA or AATA office again with the same documents, or by mail using the same process. There is no grace period—once it expires, it is no longer valid.

Whether you actually need an IDP for your destination

An International Driving Permit is legal to use in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, legal and required are not the same thing. Some countries and rental car companies demand an IDP even though your U.S. license is technically valid.

Before you book a rental car or travel, contact the rental company directly and ask whether they require an IDP. Many major companies—Hertz, Avis, Budget, and others—have different policies by location. Some require an IDP for certain countries but not others. Your destination country's embassy or tourism website will also state whether an IDP is required for driving.

Even if an IDP is not required, some travelers carry one as insurance. If you are stopped by police and the officer does not recognize your U.S. license, the IDP translation may prevent confusion or delay. The cost is low enough that many people get one straightforward to avoid the possibility of a problem.

What an IDP does not do

An International Driving Permit does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where you would not be allowed to drive on your U.S. license alone. It does not change the age restrictions, vehicle class restrictions, or any other rules that explore to your license. If your U.S. license is suspended or expired, an IDP will not make it valid.

An IDP is not a visa, travel document, or proof of residency. It does not give you permission to stay in a country or work there. Border officials may ask to see it, but it serves only as a translation of your license, not as proof of anything else about your status.

An IDP also does not replace your actual driver's license. You must carry both documents together when you drive. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most places, though you may want to contact your embassy or the local police to report the loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. You must visit an AAA or AATA office in person to show your driver's license and passport, or you can mail in an process with copies of those documents. Online-only services that claim to issue IDPs are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and their documents will not be recognized.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some companies require an IDP for any rental, even a short one. Call the rental company before you book and ask their specific policy for your location. If they do not require one, you do not need to get one.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP will no longer be valid for driving. You can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may not recognize it without the translation. If you are traveling for more than a year, order a three-year permit instead of a one-year permit, or renew before you leave.

Can I get an IDP from my state's DMV?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles cannot issue one, even though they issue your regular driver's license.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country. If you move to another country permanently, you will need to get that country's license, not just an IDP.