What an International Driving Permit Does

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 together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that you hold a valid U.S. license, without requiring them to read English or understand your state's format.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the largest issuer of IDPs in the United States. You can also obtain one through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), a separate organization, but AAA handles the majority of requests. The IDP is issued under an international treaty called the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic, which most countries recognize.

Some countries require an IDP by law before you can drive a rental car or operate a vehicle on their roads. Others accept it as helpful but not mandatory. A few countries do not recognize it at all. Before traveling, check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary, because the rules vary widely.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license; it is not a replacement license.
  • AAA charges a flat fee (typically $20) for the permit, which is valid for one or three years depending on your choice at the time of issue.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at most AAA offices, by mail, or through AAA's website, and the process takes minutes to hours depending on the method.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP to rent a car or drive; others do not recognize it, so you must verify requirements for your destination before traveling.
  • An IDP does not change your driving record, insurance status, or vehicle registration — it is purely a translation document for use abroad.

How to Get an IDP Through AAA

To obtain an IDP from AAA, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. You will need to bring your license and a passport-style photo (2x2 inches) to an AAA office, or you can mail both items to AAA if you are not a member or prefer not to visit in person.

AAA members can often complete the process in minutes at a local office. Non-members can also request an IDP, though some offices may charge a small additional fee or require membership. The permit itself costs a flat fee; AAA allows you to choose between a one-year or three-year validity period at the time of purchase, and the cost is the same regardless of duration.

If you explore by mail, send your driver's license, a 2x2-inch photo, a completed process form (available on AAA's website or by phone), and payment to the AAA address provided. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. If you need the permit urgently, visiting an office in person is faster.

What Information You Need to Bring

Gather these items before visiting an AAA office or preparing a mail process:

  • A valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license (required).
  • A passport-style photo, 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months (required).
  • Payment by cash, check, or card (AAA accepts most major payment methods).
  • An process form, which AAA provides at the office or online.

You do not need your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, or any other vehicle-related documents. The IDP is tied to you as a driver, not to a specific car. If you are explore by mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so AAA can return your driver's license and the completed permit.

IDP Validity and Renewal

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which option you select and pay for at the time of process. The cost is the same for both durations, so most people choose the three-year option for longer-term travel plans.

The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. Once it expires, the permit is no longer valid for use abroad. You cannot renew an expired IDP — you must explore for a new one. If you lose your permit before it expires, AAA can issue a replacement, though you may need to provide a new photo and pay a replacement fee.

Your U.S. driver's license must remain valid for the entire time you are using the IDP abroad. If your license expires while you are traveling, the IDP becomes invalid as well, because the two documents must be presented together.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

Many countries legally require an IDP before you can rent a car or drive. These include most of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and parts of South America. Some countries will not rent you a vehicle without one, and driving without it can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.

Other countries recognize the IDP but do not require it — the United Kingdom, Canada, and Mexico fall into this category. In these places, your U.S. license alone may be sufficient, though carrying the IDP is still recommended as a backup translation.

A small number of countries do not recognize the IDP at all. Before booking a rental car or planning to drive in any country, contact the rental company directly or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country. Requirements change, and a rental company's policy may be stricter than the country's law.

How an IDP Affects Your Driving Record and Insurance

An International Driving Permit does not affect your U.S. driving record, insurance rates, or vehicle registration. It is purely a translation document and carries no legal weight in the United States. Traffic violations or accidents you receive while driving abroad may or may not be reported to your U.S. insurance company, depending on the country and the severity of the incident — this varies widely and is not controlled by the IDP itself.

Your U.S. auto insurance policy may or may not cover you while driving a rental car abroad. Before traveling, contact your insurance company to confirm coverage in the countries you plan to visit. Many policies exclude rental cars in certain regions or require you to purchase additional coverage from the rental company. The IDP does not change these terms.

If you are renting a car, the rental company will ask for your U.S. license and IDP together. They may also require an International Credit Card Authorization Form (available from AAA) to process payment. Bring both documents and any rental agreements or confirmations you have received.

Alternatives to AAA for Getting an IDP

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the only other organization authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States. AATA operates through a smaller network of offices and by mail, and the process and cost are similar to AAA's. If you do not have access to an AAA office, AATA may be an option, though AAA is far more widely available.

Some travel agencies and online services claim to issue IDPs, but they are typically acting as intermediaries for AAA or AATA — they collect your information and photo, submit them to one of these organizations, and charge a markup. You can avoid the markup by going directly to AAA or AATA.

Do not purchase an IDP from a website or service that claims to issue it without requiring a valid U.S. driver's license or a photo. These are fraudulent. The only legitimate IDPs are issued by AAA or AATA, and both require proof of a valid license and a recent photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting a country and not driving?

No. An IDP is only necessary if you plan to operate a vehicle — rent a car, drive a motorcycle, or use any motorized transportation. If you are using public transit, taxis, or ride-sharing services, you do not need one.

Can I use my IDP to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only valid outside the United States. Within the U.S., you must use your state-issued driver's license. The IDP has no legal standing in America and is not recognized by U.S. police or courts.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?

If your IDP expires during your trip, it is no longer valid for driving. You should not operate a vehicle once it has expired. If you are planning a long trip, purchase the three-year IDP to avoid this problem. If your permit expires unexpectedly, contact AAA to see if they can issue an emergency replacement, though this is not may provide.

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 unexpired at the time you explore for an IDP, and it must remain valid while you are using the permit abroad. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is reinstated or renewed.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist as a standalone document. An IDP is a translation of your existing U.S. license and must be carried with it. Some countries issue their own driving licenses to residents, but those are not the same as an IDP and are not issued to U.S. visitors.