An International Driving Permit from AAA lets you drive legally in certain countries outside the United States, but only when you carry it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license—it supplements it. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to show both documents together when stopped by police or asked to present credentials at a rental counter. Without your actual U.S. license in your possession, the IDP alone has no legal standing.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the National Automobile Club. AAA issues the permit in person at its local offices, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you walk in with the required documents. You cannot order an IDP by mail or online through AAA.

Whether you actually need an IDP depends on where you are driving. Some countries require one by law. Others do not recognize them at all. Many accept them but do not require them if your U.S. license is in English and has a photo. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary—not all countries treat the IDP the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation document that must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license; it does not work alone.
  • AAA issues IDPs in person at local offices only, and you must bring your valid U.S. license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • Not all countries require or recognize an IDP; check the driving rules for each country before you travel.
  • An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive; it only translates your existing license.

What documents you need to bring to AAA

Walk into any AAA office with three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent—taken within the last six months—and show your face clearly against a plain background. AAA will not accept photos from a driver's license renewal or photos that are damaged, faded, or show you wearing sunglasses or a hat.

Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, AAA cannot issue you an IDP. The passport or passport card proves your citizenship and identity; AAA will not accept a birth certificate, state ID, or military ID as a substitute. If you do not have a passport or passport card yet, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP.

Bring the original documents, not copies. AAA staff will examine them in person and return them to you after the IDP is printed. The entire transaction happens at the counter; you do not mail anything in or wait for processing by mail.

How much an IDP costs and how long it lasts

AAA charges either $15 or $20 for an IDP, depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. The one-year permit costs $15 and is valid from the date of issue through the end of that calendar year. The three-year permit costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue. Both versions are printed on the spot; you leave the office with the permit in hand.

The three-year option is usually the better value if you travel internationally more than once every three years or if you are unsure when you will travel next. The one-year option makes sense if you have a specific trip planned within the next few months and do not expect to drive internationally again soon.

AAA membership is not required to purchase an IDP. Non-members pay the same price as members. If you are not an AAA member, you can still walk into any AAA office and buy an IDP without joining.

Which countries recognize an International Driving Permit

Over 150 countries have signed the international convention that recognizes IDPs, but that does not mean every country enforces the requirement equally or accepts the permit without question. Some countries treat the IDP as mandatory; others treat it as optional but helpful; still others do not recognize it at all.

Countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, generally recognize IDPs and many require them by law. Most countries in Central and South America recognize IDPs. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan accept them. However, Canada and Mexico do not require or formally recognize IDPs—your U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient in both countries.

The safest approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit, or check the official government driving rules for that country online. Rental car companies often have their own policies about IDPs that may differ from the country's legal requirement. Some rental agencies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandatory. Ask your rental company before you book.

What an IDP does not do

An IDP does not give you the right to drive in a country where you are not otherwise permitted to drive. It does not waive age restrictions, medical requirements, or visa requirements. If you are under the legal driving age in a country, an IDP will not change that. If a country requires a visa and you do not have one, an IDP will not let you enter the country to drive.

An IDP does not replace your U.S. license for any purpose. You must carry both documents together. If you are stopped by police and show only the IDP, you are technically driving without a valid license in the eyes of that country's law. An IDP also does not cover insurance, vehicle registration, or road tax in any country. You are still responsible for obtaining the correct insurance and registration for the vehicle you are driving.

An IDP does not extend the validity of an expired U.S. driver's license. If your U.S. license expires while you are traveling, the IDP becomes invalid as well, because the IDP is only valid when paired with a current U.S. license. Renew your U.S. license before it expires if you plan to drive internationally.

How to find an AAA office near you

AAA has local offices in most U.S. states. To find the office closest to you, visit the AAA website and use the office locator tool, or call AAA's main customer service line. You can also search online for "AAA office near me" along with your city name. Not every AAA office is open on weekends, and hours vary by location, so call ahead or check the office's hours online before you go.

Some AAA offices are busier than others, especially during travel season (spring and summer). If you are traveling soon, do not wait until the last minute to get your IDP. Walk in early in the week if possible, when offices tend to be less crowded. The IDP is printed when ready, so you do not need to return for pickup.

Renewing or replacing an IDP

If your IDP expires and you need a new one, return to any AAA office with the same three documents: your valid U.S. driver's license, passport or passport card, and a new passport-sized photo. The process is identical to getting your first IDP. You do not need to bring your old IDP, though you can if you want AAA to note that you are renewing rather than obtaining a new one.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement by returning to AAA with your license, passport, and photo. AAA will issue a new permit with a new expiration date based on the version you choose (one-year or three-year). There is no additional fee for a replacement beyond the standard IDP cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico do not require or recognize an IDP. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient to drive in both countries. However, you should still carry your passport or passport card when crossing the border, as border agents may ask for it.

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. AAA only issues IDPs in person at its local offices. You cannot order one online or by mail. You must visit an office with your documents and have the permit printed on the spot.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

AAA cannot issue an IDP if your U.S. license is expired or suspended. You must renew your license with your state's DMV first, then return to AAA with the valid license to get an IDP.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by AAA or the National Automobile Club. An international license is a separate credential issued by some countries to their own citizens. You cannot get an international license from the United States; you can only get an IDP.

Will an IDP help me if I get into an accident or have a traffic violation abroad?

An IDP translates your license information but does not protect you legally. If you are in an accident or receive a traffic citation, you are subject to the laws of that country. Your IDP straightforward helps police understand your U.S. license. You should carry international travel insurance and know the traffic laws of each country you visit.