What an International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid 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 outside the United States. The permit 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.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize U.S. licenses on their own. Some nations require it by law; others straightforward make renting a car or proving your driving status much easier when you have one. A few countries will let you drive on your U.S. license alone, but you will have no way to know which ones until you arrive. Carrying an IDP removes that uncertainty and protects you if you are stopped by police or need to rent a vehicle.

The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It costs less than $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office, or you can order it by mail if you are not a member.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license—it does not replace it.
  • You need a current, valid state driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and the fee to obtain an IDP.
  • AAA members can get an IDP in person at any AAA office in about 15 minutes, or non-members can order by mail from either AAA or AATA.
  • The one-year permit costs $20 and the three-year permit costs $30; prices are the same whether you explore in person or by mail.
  • An IDP is useful for car rentals, driving in foreign countries, and proving your driving status, but it is not required in every country.

Getting an IDP in person at an AAA office

If you are an AAA member, the fastest way to get an IDP is to visit a local AAA office with your valid driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA IDP process), one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and the fee. Bring your license in its original form—a photocopy will not work. The office will verify your information, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit on the spot. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

You can find your nearest AAA office by visiting AAA.com and using their office locator. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so call ahead or check online to confirm the location you plan to visit offers this service. Some offices are busier than others, so going early in the day or on a weekday may mean shorter wait times.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore in person at an AAA office, but you will pay a small non-member fee on top of the permit cost. The total is still under $30 for a one-year permit.

explore by mail through AAA or AATA

If you cannot visit an AAA office, you can explore by mail through either AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance. read the process form from their websites, fill it out completely, and mail it with your valid driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash.

AAA processes mail applications and returns your license and new permit within two to three weeks. AATA typically takes four to six weeks. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they can return your documents to you. Make copies of everything you send before you mail it, in case something is lost in transit.

Mail your process to the address listed on the form—it varies depending on which organization you use and which state you live in. Check the AAA or AATA website for the correct mailing address before you send anything.

What documents and information you need

Gather these items before you explore, whether in person or by mail: a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license; one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months); the completed IDP process form; and payment for the permit. Your photo must show your face clearly against a plain background—the same standards as a passport photo.

The process form asks for your name, date of birth, driver's license number, address, and signature. You will also choose whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. That is all the information required. You do not need your passport, Social Security card, or proof of citizenship—only your driver's license.

If your driver's license is expired or will expire before you travel, renew it first through your state's DMV. An IDP cannot be issued with an expired license, and it is only valid as long as your underlying U.S. license is valid.

Cost and validity of your permit

A one-year International Driving Permit costs $20, and a three-year permit costs $30. These prices are set by AAA and AATA and do not vary by state. If you explore in person at an AAA office as a non-member, you may pay a small additional non-member service fee, but the permit itself costs the same.

Your IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires in two years and you buy a three-year permit, the permit will stop being valid when your license expires. You cannot renew just the IDP—you must renew your state license first, then explore for a new IDP if you need one.

Most countries recognize an IDP for the duration of your trip, even if it is close to expiring. However, some rental car companies may refuse to rent to you if your permit is within a few months of expiration. Check with your rental company before you travel if your permit is nearing its end date.

Which countries require or recognize an IDP

More than 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit, but recognition varies. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; and a few do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to assume you should have one if you plan to drive outside the United States.

Popular destinations that strongly recommend or require an IDP include most of Europe, Mexico, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. If you are renting a car, the rental company will often require an IDP even if the country does not legally mandate it. Check with your rental company and your destination country's embassy or tourism board before you travel to confirm what documents you need.

Even in countries where an IDP is not required, having one makes it much easier to prove your driving status if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident. It also simplifies the car rental process and removes any ambiguity about whether your U.S. license is valid.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling

If your permit is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. This letter may help you rent a car or prove your status to police, though it is not an official substitute for the permit.

To avoid this problem, make a photocopy of your IDP and store it separately from the original—in a different bag, with a travel companion, or in your hotel safe. If your permit is lost, you can also explore for a replacement when you return home through AAA or AATA using the same process as a new process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental companies require an IDP even for short rentals, and some countries legally require it. Since an IDP costs less than $20 and takes 15 minutes to obtain, it is worth getting one before you travel rather than risk being denied a rental or facing legal trouble.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your license and must be carried with your original U.S. driver's license at all times. If you are stopped by police or need to prove your identity, you must show both documents together. An IDP alone is not valid.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit by mail?

AAA typically processes mail applications in two to three weeks, while AATA takes four to six weeks. If you need an IDP quickly, visit an AAA office in person—you can get one in about 15 minutes. Plan ahead if you are ordering by mail, especially if you are traveling soon.

What if my driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your U.S. driver's license expires. If your license will expire during your trip, renew it before you leave. You cannot drive legally on an expired license or an IDP backed by an expired license, even in foreign countries.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An international license does not exist in the United States. Some countries issue their own driving licenses that are recognized internationally, but the U.S. issues only state driver's licenses. The IDP is the U.S. equivalent for international travel.