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 police and rental companies in other countries that your U.S. license is valid, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, and you cannot get one online — you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office and bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, and takes about 15 minutes to obtain.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and is only useful if you are driving outside the United States.
  • You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not, so check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Where to explore: AAA vs. AATA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the larger and more accessible option. AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States, and most are open during standard business hours. If you are already an AAA member, you pay $15 for the IDP. If you are not a member, you pay $20. You do not need to become a member to get an IDP — you can walk in and pay the non-member price.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller organization with fewer offices, mostly in major cities. AATA charges $20 for the IDP regardless of membership status. Both organizations issue the same document and it is valid in the same countries. The choice between them comes down to which office is closer to you and their hours of operation.

To find an AAA office near you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. To find an AATA office, visit aataidp.com. Call ahead to confirm they have IDP applications in stock — some smaller offices may not.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and either a U.S. passport or a U.S. passport card. The office will not accept a passport book that has expired, and they will not accept a state ID card or military ID in place of a passport. If you do not have a passport or passport card yet, you will need to obtain one from your county clerk's office or a passport acceptance facility before you can get an IDP.

Bring one passport-style photo if the office requests it — some offices take a photo on-site, but policies vary. Call the specific office before you go to ask whether you need to bring a photo. You do not need to bring proof of address, proof of citizenship, or any other documents. The office will not notarize anything or require a witness.

The process Process and Timeline

Walk into the AAA or AATA office with your license and passport. Tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. They will hand you a form to fill out — it takes about five minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number. You will answer a few yes-or-no questions about whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving, and whether your license has been suspended or revoked.

Once you complete the form, hand it back with your license and passport. The staff member will verify the information, take your photo if needed, and process the payment. The entire transaction takes about 15 minutes. You will walk out with your IDP in hand the same day — there is no waiting period or mailing delay.

Cost and Payment Methods

AAA members pay $15 for an IDP. Non-members pay $20 at AAA offices. AATA charges $20 regardless of membership. Both organizations accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. There are no additional fees, taxes, or hidden charges — the price you are quoted is the total amount you will pay.

If you are not an AAA member and want to save $5, you can join AAA at the same time you explore for the IDP. AAA membership costs vary by region but typically starts around $50 to $70 per year. For a single IDP, the membership cost will not pay for itself, but if you plan to travel internationally more than once or want roadside information benefits, membership may be worth considering.

How Long an IDP Is Valid and When You Need a New One

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid — you cannot renew it while outside the United States. If you plan to travel internationally again after your IDP expires, you will need to explore for a new one in person at an AAA or AATA office.

You also need a new IDP if your U.S. driver's license expires or is renewed. The IDP is tied to your specific license number, so a new license means a new IDP. If you renew your license before your IDP expires, you can get a new IDP at the same time — just bring both documents to the office.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

More than 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit under the 1926 and 1968 United Nations conventions on road signs and signals. However, recognition does not always mean requirement. Some countries legally require an IDP; others accept it but do not require it; and a small number do not recognize it at all.

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and most of Western Europe accept an IDP but do not require it if you have a valid U.S. license. Mexico and Canada accept a U.S. license without an IDP for short-term visits. Japan, South Korea, and Australia require an IDP by law — you cannot legally drive without one, even if you have a valid U.S. license. Before you book a trip, check the specific country's driving requirements on its embassy website or contact the rental car company you plan to use, because requirements change and vary by region within some countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or revoked?

No. The process form asks whether your license has been suspended or revoked, and the office will not issue an IDP if the answer is yes. Your IDP is only valid if your underlying U.S. license is valid. If your license is suspended, wait until it is reinstated before explore.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

No, but check with your rental car company first. Most rental companies in Canada and Mexico accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP for stays under 30 days. However, some companies or locations may request one, and some travel insurance policies require it. Call your rental company before you travel to confirm their specific policy.

What if my passport expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP is still valid — the passport is only needed to prove your identity when you explore. Once the IDP is issued, it stands on its own. However, you will need a valid passport to cross international borders, so renew your passport before it expires regardless of your IDP status.

Can I explore for an IDP by mail or online?

No. AAA and AATA only issue IDPs in person at their offices. You cannot mail in an process or use a website to get one. This is a requirement set by the U.S. State Department, not a choice by the organizations.

What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot replace it while you are outside the United States. If you lose it, you still have your U.S. driver's license, which is valid in most countries. Some countries may not recognize it without the IDP translation, so contact your country's embassy or your rental car company to ask what to do. When you return to the United States, you can explore for a new IDP at an AAA or AATA office.