What an International Driver's 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 is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued by two organizations in the U.S.: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

Many countries require an IDP before they will recognize your U.S. license at all. Some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, even in countries where it is technically optional. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it.

If you are planning to drive in Europe, Asia, or anywhere outside North America, check the specific country's requirements before you travel. Some nations have stopped requiring an IDP in recent years, but others have made it mandatory. Your rental car company's website will usually state their requirement clearly.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual license when driving abroad.
  • You can obtain an IDP through AAA or AATA in person or by mail, and the process takes one to two weeks if you mail your process.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card to get an IDP.
  • The permit costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one year, so check your travel dates before you order to avoid paying for a permit that expires before your trip.
  • Many car rental companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandatory, so confirm your rental company's policy before you travel.

Getting an IDP through AAA

If you are an AAA member, the fastest route is to visit your local AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The office will issue your IDP on the spot, usually within 15 minutes. The cost is $15 for AAA members and $20 for non-members, and you can pay by cash or card.

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your process to AAA. You will need to fill out the IDP process form (available on the AAA website), include a copy of your driver's license, a copy of your passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo. Mail the packet to your state's AAA office — the address is on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks, and you will receive your permit by mail.

AAA has offices in most U.S. states. If you are not a member, you can still obtain an IDP through AAA by paying the non-member fee, but membership costs less if you plan to use AAA services during your trip (roadside information, travel discounts, and hotel bookings).

Getting an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance also issues IDPs and does not require membership. You can explore online through their website, by mail, or in person at select locations. The online process is the fastest option: you upload a photo, provide your driver's license and passport information, and pay the $20 fee by credit card. Your permit ships within one to two business days.

If you prefer to explore by mail, read the AATA process form, include a passport-sized photo and copies of your driver's license and passport, and mail the packet to the address on the form. Processing takes five to seven business days after AATA receives your process.

AATA has fewer in-person locations than AAA, so check their website to see if there is an office near you. If there is, you can walk in with your documents and receive your IDP the same day for $20.

Documents you need before you explore

You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license issued by your state. The license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired or will expire before your trip, renew it through your state's DMV before you explore for an IDP.

You also need a valid passport or passport card. A passport card is smaller than a full passport and costs less, but it is only valid for land and sea travel — if you are flying, you need a full passport. Both documents must be unexpired at the time you explore.

Finally, you will need a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). This is the same size photo used for a passport process. You can have one taken at most pharmacies, post offices, or photography studios for $10 to $15, or you can print one at home if you have a digital photo and a color printer. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background.

Timeline and cost breakdown

If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you will receive your IDP the same day for $15 to $20. This is the fastest option and works well if you have an office nearby and your trip is within the next few days.

If you explore by mail or online, expect one to two weeks for processing and shipping combined. Order your IDP at least three weeks before your trip to avoid delays. If your trip is sooner than that, visit an office in person instead.

The total cost is $15 to $20 for the permit itself, plus $10 to $15 for a passport photo if you do not already have one. If you are not an AAA member and choose to explore through AAA, you will pay the non-member fee of $20 instead of $15. Membership costs vary by state but typically runs $50 to $150 per year.

What to do if your IDP expires before your return

An IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. If your trip is longer than one year, or if you are planning multiple trips over the next year, order your IDP as close to your departure date as possible so it remains valid for the entire time you are abroad.

If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid for driving. You cannot renew it while you are outside the United States — you must wait until you return home and explore for a new one. Plan your trips accordingly and do not let your IDP expire mid-journey.

If you are taking multiple trips over the next year, consider ordering your IDP early so you have it on hand. You can carry it for up to a year before you use it, so there is no penalty for ordering ahead.

Checking country-specific requirements before you travel

Not every country requires an IDP, and requirements change. Before you book a rental car or travel, visit the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page for your destination country. The page will list whether an IDP is required, recommended, or optional.

Contact your rental car company directly and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. Some companies require it in certain countries but not others, and some require it for all international rentals regardless of local law. Getting this in writing before you travel prevents surprises at the rental counter.

If you are driving a personal vehicle or a borrowed car, the country's law is what matters. If the country requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can be fined or have your vehicle impounded. If it is optional, you are not legally required to have one, but carrying one makes it easier to prove you are a licensed driver if you are stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my U.S. driver's license?

It depends on the country. Some nations accept a U.S. license alone, but many require an IDP or will not recognize your license without one. Rental car companies often require an IDP even when the country does not legally mandate it. Always check both the country's requirements and your rental company's policy before you travel.

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

In-person applications at AAA or AATA offices are processed the same day. Mail and online applications take one to two weeks for processing and shipping. Order at least three weeks before your trip to account for delays.

What if my passport expires soon?

Your passport must be valid at the time you explore for an IDP. If it expires within a few months, renew your passport first through the U.S. State Department, then explore for your IDP. A new passport takes four to six weeks to arrive by standard mail.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

Check your rental company's policy. Many require an IDP for any international rental, regardless of duration. Some countries also legally require it for any driving, even a single day. Confirm before you arrive at the rental counter.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.