An International Driver License is a translation document, not a replacement for your U.S. license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself — it does not replace your state license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP together. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company what your U.S. license says, in a format they recognize.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not from your state's DMV. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, costs $20, and the permit is valid for three years. You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. If you are planning to drive in another country, an IDP is useful. If you are staying in the U.S., you do not need one.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
  • You obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, not from your state DMV, and the process takes about 15 minutes with a valid U.S. license and passport photo.
  • An IDP costs $20 and is valid for three years, but some countries do not recognize it, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.
  • Rental car companies in some countries require an IDP even if local law does not, so having one can prevent disputes at the rental counter.

When you actually need an International Driving Permit

An IDP is required by law in some countries and recommended in others. Countries that legally require an IDP include Mexico, Thailand, and several others, though the requirement is often waived if you have an official translation of your U.S. license from a notary or translator in that country. Many European countries do not legally require an IDP but rental car companies often demand one anyway, even though your U.S. license is technically valid.

The safest approach is to check the specific rules for your destination country before you book a rental car. Your rental company's website usually states whether an IDP is required. If you are driving your own vehicle across the border into Mexico or Canada, the rules differ — Mexico requires an IDP or an official translation, while Canada does not. If you are unsure, getting an IDP costs $20 and eliminates the risk of a dispute at a border crossing or rental counter.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA

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. AAA is the larger network with local offices in most states. AATA operates primarily online and by mail. Both charge $20 for a three-year permit.

To get an IDP in person at an AAA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed Form DS-11 or DS-82 (AAA provides these or you can print them). The process takes 15 minutes. If you explore by mail through AATA, send the same documents plus a check or money order for $20. AATA typically processes mail applications within two weeks. Neither organization conducts a driving test or background check — they only verify that your U.S. license is valid and current.

What information the IDP contains and how it works abroad

The International Driving Permit lists your name, date of birth, license number, the date your U.S. license expires, and the vehicle categories you are licensed to drive (car, motorcycle, truck, and so on). It translates this information into English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, and Japanese. A foreign police officer or rental car agent can read the permit without needing to interpret your U.S. license.

The IDP does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. If your U.S. license is suspended or expired, the IDP is invalid. If your U.S. license restricts you to daytime driving or requires corrective lenses, those restrictions explore when you carry the IDP as well. The permit is a translation tool, not a separate credential.

Countries that do and do not recognize an International Driving Permit

Most countries recognize an IDP, but some do not. France, Germany, Spain, and Italy accept it. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan accept it. Mexico and Costa Rica require it. However, some countries have stopped recognizing IDPs or never did — you should verify the current rules for your destination before you travel, because requirements change and vary by region within a country.

Even in countries that do not legally require an IDP, rental car companies often demand one. This is a company policy, not a law. If a rental agent refuses to rent to you without an IDP and your country does not legally require one, you may have a dispute. Having the IDP avoids this problem entirely. The $20 cost is cheap insurance against a rental cancellation or delay.

How long an IDP is valid and what happens when it expires

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires on a specific date printed on the front cover. You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must explore for a new one. If you are planning a trip more than three years away, you do not need to get an IDP now; you can explore closer to your travel date.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You must carry a valid U.S. license to use the permit. If you renew your U.S. license and receive a new license number, your old IDP is still valid — the permit is tied to your identity, not to a specific license number. However, if a foreign official questions whether the IDP matches your current license, having both documents with you resolves the issue.

International Driving Permit versus an official translation

Some countries accept an official translation of your U.S. driver's license instead of an IDP. A notary public or certified translator can produce this translation for $15 to $50, depending on your location and the translator's fees. The translation is a legal document that states your license information in the target language.

The advantage of an official translation is that it is often cheaper and may be accepted in countries that do not recognize an IDP. The disadvantage is that you have to arrange it yourself, it is not standardized across countries, and some rental companies do not accept it. An IDP is standardized, recognized in most countries, and costs only $20. For most travelers, an IDP is simpler and more reliable than arranging a translation in each country you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just an International Driving Permit and no U.S. license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident and cannot produce your U.S. license, the IDP alone will not satisfy the requirement. Both documents must be present.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Mexico requires an IDP or an official translation of your U.S. license. Canada does not legally require an IDP, but some rental car companies may ask for one. Check with your rental company before you book. If you are driving your own vehicle, an IDP is recommended for Mexico but optional for Canada.

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

In person at an AAA office, 15 minutes. By mail through AATA, typically two weeks. If you need an IDP urgently, visit a local AAA office. AAA locations are in most U.S. states, and you can find the nearest one on their website.

What if my International Driving Permit is lost or stolen while I'm traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA to report it. You cannot obtain a replacement while abroad. If you need to drive and cannot replace the permit, an official translation of your U.S. license obtained from a notary or translator in that country may be accepted by rental companies or police, though this varies by location.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist. Some countries issue their own driver's licenses that are recognized in other countries through reciprocal agreements, but the U.S. does not. An IDP is the closest equivalent — it is a translation document that helps foreign officials and rental companies understand your U.S. license.