An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license itself — it is a companion document to your existing driver's license. It contains the same information as your license (name, photo, driving categories you are authorized for) but printed in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Greek, and Arabic. When you drive in a foreign country, you carry both your home license and the IDP together.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by the country you are visiting. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot obtain an IDP from a foreign government or embassy.

An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It does not replace your driver's license and becomes worthless without it — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license when driving in other countries.
  • You need a current, valid driver's license and a passport to obtain an IDP; the IDP cannot be issued if your license is expired or suspended.
  • The one-year IDP costs around $20 and the three-year IDP costs around $30, though prices vary slightly by location and issuing organization.
  • An IDP is not required by law in most countries but is strongly recommended by car rental companies and can help if you are stopped by police.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA or AATA office, or by mail if you are a member of AAA.

Who Issues IDPs and Where to Get One

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is the larger and more widely available option, with offices in most states. AATA is smaller and operates primarily in the Washington, D.C. area, though it can issue IDPs by mail to anyone in the country.

To obtain an IDP from AAA, you can visit a local AAA office in person or, if you are an AAA member, request one by mail. Non-members can also obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office. To obtain one from AATA, you must explore by mail and include copies of your driver's license and passport. Neither organization issues IDPs online or through third-party websites.

Processing time is typically same-day or next-day if you explore in person at an AAA office. By mail, processing usually takes one to two weeks. Some AAA offices can issue an IDP while you wait; call ahead to confirm your local office offers this service.

Documents You Need to Bring

To obtain an IDP, you must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is renewed or the suspension is lifted. You will also need a valid passport or passport card — a state ID card alone is not sufficient.

Bring the originals of both documents with you. If you are explore by mail to AATA, send photocopies of both your driver's license and passport, not the originals. You will also need to complete the IDP process form, which AAA and AATA provide on their websites or at their offices.

If you are explore in person at AAA, bring payment in cash or card. If explore by mail, include a check or money order. Some AAA offices accept online payment before you visit, which can speed up the process.

One-Year Versus Three-Year Permits

You can request either a one-year IDP or a three-year IDP. The one-year permit costs approximately $20 and the three-year permit costs approximately $30, though exact prices vary by AAA club location and by AATA. The three-year permit is the better value if you plan to drive internationally more than once during that period.

Both versions are identical in what they contain and how they are used. The only difference is the expiration date printed on the document. Choose the one-year option if you are unsure whether you will drive abroad again, or if you are taking a single trip. Choose the three-year option if you travel internationally regularly or plan multiple trips within the next three years.

An IDP cannot be renewed — you must explore for a new one when it expires. There is no grace period; an expired IDP is not valid for driving, even if it expired only days ago.

When You Actually Need an IDP

An IDP is not legally required in most countries, but it is strongly recommended and often expected by car rental companies. Many rental agencies will not rent to you without one, or will charge a higher deposit if you cannot produce one. Some countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, do not legally require an IDP but police may ask to see one if you are stopped, and having one can prevent confusion or fines.

A few countries do legally require an IDP: these include China, Russia, Taiwan, and several others. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit. Your rental car company can tell you whether an IDP is required for your destination, or you can contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting.

Even if an IDP is not required, it is useful because it translates your license information into multiple languages. If you are stopped by police who do not speak English, the IDP helps them understand your driving status and the categories of vehicles you are authorized to drive.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Expired

You cannot obtain an IDP if your driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked. The IDP process process includes a check of your license status. If your license is not valid in your home state, it will not be valid abroad, and no IDP will be issued.

If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated before you can obtain an IDP. If your license is expired, you must renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before explore for an IDP. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP when ready.

If you are caught driving in a foreign country with an expired or suspended license, even with an IDP, you face the same legal consequences as driving with an invalid license in your home country — fines, arrest, or both. The IDP does not override the validity of your underlying license.

IDP and Car Rental Companies

Most major car rental companies — including Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget — request an IDP when you rent a car outside the United States. Some companies will rent to you without one but may charge a higher security deposit or refuse certain vehicle classes. Smaller local rental agencies vary in their requirements.

When you make a reservation, ask the rental company whether an IDP is required for your destination. If it is, obtain one before you travel — you cannot obtain an IDP in a foreign country. If you arrive at the rental counter without an IDP and the company requires one, you may be denied the rental or charged additional fees.

The IDP is useful even if the rental company does not require it, because it provides a translation of your license that local authorities can understand. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, the IDP helps establish that you are a licensed driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

In most countries, yes, but many car rental companies will not rent to you without an IDP, and some countries legally require one. Even where not required, police may ask to see an IDP if you are stopped, and having one prevents confusion. Check your destination country's requirements and your rental company's policy before you travel.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

Same-day or next-day if you explore in person at an AAA office. By mail through AATA or AAA, processing typically takes one to two weeks. If you are traveling soon, explore in person at a local AAA office rather than by mail.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?

An expired IDP is not valid. You cannot renew it while abroad — you must obtain a new one in the United States. If your IDP expires during your trip, you are technically driving without a valid permit. Plan ahead and obtain an IDP that will remain valid for the entire duration of your trip plus any buffer time.

Do I need an IDP if I am only driving in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, and most car rental companies in those countries will accept a U.S. driver's license alone. However, having an IDP is still recommended because it provides a translation of your license and can help if you are stopped by police.

Can someone else pick up my IDP for me?

If you are explore in person at AAA, you must be present with your ID and passport. If you are explore by mail through AATA or AAA, you can have the IDP mailed to your address and someone else can receive it, but you must complete and sign the process yourself.