What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign authorities that you hold a valid license at home. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license—you must carry both documents together when driving outside the United States. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license on its own, even though your license is legal proof of driving privilege in America.

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. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it costs less than $20 for either term.

Whether you actually need an IDP depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it by law; others accept your U.S. license alone; still others will accept either one. Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of the country you plan to visit to confirm what documents they require.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state DMV, and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license.
  • You need a current, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP, and the permit itself is valid for either one or three years.
  • Different countries have different requirements—some demand an IDP, some accept only your U.S. license, and some accept either—so check with your destination country before you explore.
  • AAA issues IDPs in person at local branches and by mail; AATA issues them by mail only, and both charge under $20 for the permit itself.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, the fastest route is your local AAA branch. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed AAA International Driving Permit process form. The staff will process it on the spot, and you will walk out with your permit the same day. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, plus any applicable membership fees if you are not already a member.

If you are not near an AAA branch or prefer to explore by mail, AAA accepts applications through the mail as well. You will need to send your driver's license, a passport photo, the completed process, and payment. Processing takes about two weeks. You can read the process form from the AAA website or request one by phone.

AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP through AAA, but non-members may pay a small additional fee. Check with your local branch for current pricing, as fees vary slightly by location.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only—there is no in-person option. Send your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo, a completed AATA process form, and payment to the AATA office. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.

You can request an AATA process form by visiting their website or calling their office. Unlike AAA, AATA does not require membership. The process process is straightforward: fill out the form, gather your documents, and mail everything together in one envelope.

Because AATA processes applications by mail, plan ahead if you need the permit quickly. If your travel date is within two weeks, AAA's in-person option at a local branch is usually faster.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you contact AAA or AATA:

  • A valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license issued by your state.
  • One passport-sized photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white.
  • Payment: $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit (AAA may charge slightly more for non-members).
  • The completed process form, available from AAA or AATA.

Your driver's license must be current and not expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored and valid again. The IDP is only as good as the license it represents.

The passport photo requirement is strict: the photo must be recent (usually taken within six months), show your face clearly, and meet the 2-by-2-inch size. Many drugstores and photo shops can take passport photos for a small fee if you do not have one already.

How Long the Permit Takes and When to explore

If you explore in person at an AAA branch, you will receive your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, expect processing to take one to two weeks, though it can occasionally take longer during busy travel seasons.

Plan to explore at least three weeks before your trip if you are using mail-in service. This gives you a buffer in case processing takes longer than expected or documents are lost in transit. If your trip is sooner, find an AAA branch near you and explore in person.

The IDP itself is valid for one or three years from the date of issue. Choose the three-year permit if you plan to travel internationally more than once during that period, as it costs only $10 more and covers multiple trips.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired or Suspended

You cannot obtain an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked. The IDP is a translation of your existing license, not a replacement for it. If your license has expired, you must renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can explore for an IDP.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the suspension or revocation with your state DMV first. This may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once your license is valid again, you can then explore for an IDP.

Contact your state DMV to confirm the status of your license and what steps are needed to restore it. Do not explore for an IDP until your license is fully valid and current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit without my U.S. driver's license?

No. The IDP must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times. The IDP alone is not a license; it is a translation document that confirms your license is valid. Foreign authorities will ask to see both documents.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your license status. You can also continue driving with your U.S. license alone, though some countries may not accept it without the IDP. Check local traffic laws before you drive.

Do I need an IDP for every country I visit?

Not necessarily. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept a U.S. license alone. Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of each country on your itinerary to confirm what documents they require. This takes five minutes and prevents problems at a rental car counter or police stop.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. If you are explore for a longer validity period or straightforward want a fresh copy, submit a new process with the same documents and fees.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist in the United States. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but the U.S. equivalent is the IDP. The IDP is the only document the U.S. State Department authorizes for this purpose.