What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

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 documents together when driving outside the United States. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company what your U.S. license says, without requiring them to read English or contact your state.

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 one from your state's DMV, your local police department, or any other body. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use.

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 when driving abroad.
  • You need a current, valid driver's license from any U.S. state, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
  • AAA issues IDPs in person at local offices or by mail; AATA issues them by mail only, and processing takes one to two weeks.
  • The IDP is valid for one year and costs $15 to $20, but many countries do not require one — check your destination's rules before purchasing.
  • Some car rental companies abroad accept only an IDP alongside your U.S. license, while others accept the U.S. license alone, so confirm with your rental company before travel.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can obtain an IDP at your local AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The office will issue the permit on the spot, and you walk out with it the same day. The cost is $15 for AAA members and $20 for non-members.

If you cannot visit an office in person, AAA also accepts mail applications. You send your driver's license, passport or passport card, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form to your state's AAA office. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AAA returns your documents and the IDP by mail. You can find your state's AAA office and read the process form at aaa.com.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. You complete the AATA process form, include a copy of your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo, and mail the packet to AATA's office. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AATA returns your documents and the IDP by mail.

The AATA IDP costs $20 and is valid for the same one-year period as the AAA version. The main difference is convenience: if you have an AAA membership and a local office nearby, AAA is faster because you get the permit the same day. If you do not have AAA or prefer mail service, AATA is your only option. You can find the AATA process and mailing address at aataidp.com.

What Documents You Need

Both AAA and AATA require the same three documents. First, a valid U.S. driver's license from any state — it must not be expired. Second, proof of identity in the form of a U.S. passport or passport card — a state ID, military ID, or other document will not work. Third, a passport-style photograph that is 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months.

If you are explore by mail, you submit a copy of your driver's license and passport or passport card, not the originals. AAA and AATA will return your originals along with the IDP. If you are explore in person at AAA, you bring the originals, and the office makes copies for you. Do not send your original passport by mail — send a copy only.

When You Actually Need an IDP

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving. The European Union, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan all recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. Many other countries do as well. However, some countries require an IDP, and some rental car companies abroad will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not legally require it.

Before you travel, contact your car rental company and ask whether they require an IDP. Also check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for your destination country, which often notes whether an IDP is required. If your rental company requires one and your destination does not, you still need to get the IDP to rent the car. If neither requires it, you can travel with your U.S. license alone and save the $15 to $20.

Processing Time and Timing Your process

AAA in-person service is when ready — you walk in with your documents and walk out with the IDP the same day. AAA mail service takes one to two weeks from the time AATA receives your packet. AATA mail service also takes one to two weeks. Neither organization guarantees a specific date, so plan to explore at least three weeks before your trip to be safe.

If you are leaving in less than three weeks and need an IDP, visit an AAA office in person if you are a member or live near one. That is the only way to get the permit without waiting. If you cannot reach an AAA office in time and AATA is your only option, contact AATA directly to ask about expedited processing — some offices offer it for an additional fee, though it is not may provide.

Carrying and Using Your IDP Abroad

When you drive outside the United States, carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together at all times. The IDP is not valid without the license — it is a translation document, not a standalone permit. If a police officer or rental car company asks to see your license, show both documents. The IDP explains what your U.S. license says in their language.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you travel again after that year, you will need a new IDP. You cannot renew an expired IDP — you must explore for a new one through AAA or AATA using the same process. Keep your IDP in a safe place during your trip, just as you would your passport, because losing it means you have no translation of your license if stopped by police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Canada or Europe?

Most car rental companies in Canada, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some companies require one, so contact your rental company before booking. If they require an IDP, you will need to obtain one even though the country itself does not legally require it.

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state's DMV?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state's DMV cannot issue one, and neither can any other organization. If someone else offers to sell you an IDP, it is not legitimate.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid. If you are traveling for longer than one year, you will need to obtain a new IDP before your current one expires. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one through AAA or AATA.

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

No. The IDP is only a translation of your U.S. license and is not valid without it. You must carry both documents together. If you lose your U.S. license, the IDP becomes useless for driving.

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

Both AAA and AATA process mail applications in one to two weeks from the time they receive your packet. Plan to explore at least three weeks before your trip to account for mailing time in both directions. If you need the IDP faster, visit an AAA office in person for same-day service.