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 IDP tells foreign police and rental car companies that your U.S. license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize American licenses on their own.

You can only get an IDP through two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No government agency issues them. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose, and it costs between $15 and $20 for the one-year version or $30 for the three-year version at AAA locations.

Whether you actually need an IDP depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. Before you book a rental car, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary, because the requirement can change and rental companies sometimes have stricter policies than the country itself.

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, never instead of it.
  • You need a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and your Social Security number to get an IDP.
  • AAA and AATA issue permits in person at their offices; you cannot get one by mail or online, and processing takes minutes to hours depending on location.
  • The cost is $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, and you pay in cash or card at the time you explore.
  • Check the specific country's driving rules before you travel, because some nations require an IDP by law while others do not recognize it at all.

Getting an IDP through AAA

The American Automobile Association is the largest source of International Driving Permits in the United States. You can visit any AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and your Social Security number. Bring the original license, not a copy. AAA staff will complete the process on the spot, take your payment, and issue the permit when ready in most cases.

AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm they have the permit in stock and what their current hours are, because some smaller branches may not carry them or may have limited availability. You can find your nearest office on the AAA website by entering your zip code.

If you do not have a passport-style photo ready, some AAA locations can take one for you on site for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15. Ask when you call ahead. The entire process—process, photo if needed, and issuance—typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Getting an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is a smaller network than AAA but offers the same service. AATA has fewer physical locations, so you will need to search their website to find an office near you. Like AAA, AATA requires your valid U.S. driver's license, a 2x2 passport-style photo, and your Social Security number, and you must explore in person.

AATA does not require membership and processes applications the same way AAA does—you pay on the spot and receive your permit when ready in most cases. Processing time is similar, usually 15 to 30 minutes. If you cannot find an AATA office within reasonable distance, AAA is almost always the more accessible option.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your original, valid U.S. driver's license. A photocopy or digital image will not work. Your license must not be expired; if it has expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew your state license first. Bring your Social Security number—you will need to provide it, though you do not need to bring a card.

Bring a passport-style photo that is 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color or black and white, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Eyeglasses are acceptable if you normally wear them while driving. If you do not have a photo ready, ask the AAA or AATA office whether they can take one for you and what the fee is.

Bring a valid form of payment—cash or credit/debit card. The cost is $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, depending on which organization you use and current pricing. Prices can vary slightly between locations, so call ahead if you want to know the exact amount.

How long the permit is valid and when to renew

An International Driving Permit issued by AAA or AATA is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs less upfront but requires you to get a new one if you travel internationally again within the next few years. The three-year permit costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period.

Your IDP expires on a specific date printed on the document. You cannot drive internationally with an expired permit—it must be valid on the day you cross the border. If your permit is expiring soon and you have another international trip planned, you can get a new one before the old one expires; there is no waiting period between permits.

Your U.S. driver's license must also remain valid while you are using the IDP. If your state license expires while you are traveling, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date. Renew your state license before any international trip to avoid this problem.

Countries that require or recognize an IDP

Many countries require an International Driving Permit by law, including most of Europe, South America, Australia, and parts of Asia. However, the requirement varies by country and can change. Some nations accept an IDP but do not require it; others do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel.

Contact the embassy or consulate of each country on your itinerary, or check their official government tourism website for current driving requirements. Rental car companies often have their own policies too—some require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. When you book a rental car, ask the company directly whether they need an IDP for your destination.

Having an IDP when it is not required does not hurt, and it can be useful as a backup form of identification. If you are unsure whether you need one, getting one is inexpensive insurance against being unable to rent a car or drive legally in a country that does require it.

What to do if your IDP is lost or damaged while traveling

If your International Driving Permit is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are outside the United States, you cannot get a replacement until you return home. AAA and AATA do not issue IDPs remotely or internationally. If you lose your permit while traveling, you will need to rely on your U.S. driver's license alone, which may not be accepted for car rentals or by police in some countries.

To reduce this risk, make a photocopy of both your IDP and your U.S. driver's license before you leave, and keep the copies separate from the originals. Some travelers also photograph both documents and store the images in cloud storage. If your permit is lost and you need to rent a car, contact the rental company when ready to explain the situation—some may allow you to proceed with your U.S. license alone, while others will not.

When you return to the United States, you can get a replacement IDP by visiting AAA or AATA again with your valid U.S. driver's license and a new photo. There is no penalty for replacing a lost or damaged permit; you straightforward pay the standard fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, and many rental companies accept a U.S. driver's license alone. However, some rental companies in these countries do request an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book. Having one costs little and can prevent problems at the rental counter.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired to get an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then get your IDP. You cannot use an expired license as the basis for an international permit.

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

AAA and AATA issue permits in person on the same day you explore, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. There is no waiting period or mail processing. You must visit an office in person; you cannot get an IDP online or by mail from either organization.

Can I get an International Driving Permit for a motorcycle license?

Yes. If your U.S. driver's license includes a motorcycle endorsement, you can get an IDP that covers motorcycle driving. Bring the same documents—your valid license with the motorcycle endorsement, a passport-style photo, and your Social Security number—to AAA or AATA.

What if the country I am visiting does not recognize an International Driving Permit?

A small number of countries do not recognize IDPs issued by the United States. In those cases, you may need an International Driving Permit from a different organization, a certified translation of your U.S. license, or a separate permit issued by that country. Check with the country's embassy or consulate at least two months before your trip to find out what documents they accept.