An International Driver License is a translation document, not a replacement for your US license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your valid driver license into ten languages. It does not replace your US license, does not give you any driving rights you don't already have, and is only useful when you're driving outside the United States. If you're planning to rent a car or drive in another country, you may need one alongside your regular license. If you're staying in the US, you don't need one at all.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the US State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, and no other organization can legally issue one in the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing US driver license and is only valid when you carry both documents together.
  • AAA and AATA are the only authorized issuers in the United States, and both charge around $20 for a permit valid for one year or three years.
  • You need a valid US driver license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to get an IDP.
  • Many car rental companies outside the US require an IDP, but requirements vary by country and rental agency, so check before you travel.
  • An IDP does not change your driving rights, insurance coverage, or legal status — it only translates your existing license.

When you actually need an International Driving Permit

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car in another country and the rental company requires one. This is the most common reason Americans get one. Many European, Latin American, and Asian rental agencies will not hand over a car without seeing an IDP alongside your US license, even though your US license is legally valid in most countries.

You do not need an IDP to drive in the United States under any circumstance, even if you are a visitor or have a foreign license. You do not need one to cross into Canada or Mexico if you're driving your own car — your US license is sufficient. Check the specific rental company's website or call them before you book, because requirements differ. Some agencies accept a US license alone; others require the IDP; a few require both the IDP and an official translation from a notary.

If you are moving to the US and have a valid foreign license, you can drive on that license for a limited time (usually 30 to 90 days depending on the state) before you must get a US license. An IDP does not extend that period and is not a substitute for getting a US license.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA

Both AAA and AATA issue IDPs in person at their offices. AAA has thousands of locations nationwide; AATA has far fewer. You will need to bring three things: a valid US driver license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). Some locations accept digital photos taken on the spot; others require you to bring a printed photo. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

The process takes about 15 minutes. AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit as of 2024, though prices may vary by location. AATA charges similar amounts. You walk out with the booklet the same day. If you cannot visit in person, AAA offers mail-in service — you send your documents and a check, and they mail the permit back, which takes one to two weeks.

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP from AAA, though members sometimes receive a small discount. You do not need to renew your IDP when you renew your US license — they are separate documents with separate expiration dates.

What documents you need and how to prepare them

Start with a valid US driver license. It must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until it is restored or renewed.

Next, bring a passport or passport card. A state ID card does not work. If you don't have a passport, you'll need to get one first through your state's passport office or a post office that handles passport applications — that process takes several weeks. A passport card is faster and cheaper than a full passport if you only need it for the IDP, but it still requires a separate process.

Finally, bring one passport-style photo. The photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a white or off-white background. You can get passport photos printed at CVS, Walgreens, Costco, or most post offices for $10 to $15. Some AAA locations will take the photo for you on the spot for a small fee.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew it

An IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which one you buy. The three-year permit costs $10 more but is the better value if you travel internationally more than once. The expiration date is printed on the front cover.

You renew an IDP the same way you get a new one — by visiting AAA or AATA in person or by mail. You cannot renew it online. If your IDP expires while you're traveling, it is no longer valid, so plan ahead if you know you'll be driving abroad near the expiration date.

An IDP is only valid when carried together with your US driver license. If your US license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes useless even if it hasn't expired yet. If you get a new US license with a different number, you should get a new IDP as well, though some rental companies may accept the old one if the photo still matches you.

What an International Driving Permit does not do

An IDP does not change your driving rights. It does not allow you to drive in countries where your US license would not be valid. It does not extend your legal driving age or remove any restrictions on your US license (such as corrective lenses or automatic transmission only). It does not change your insurance coverage — your US auto insurance policy applies the same way it would with just your US license.

An IDP does not change your legal status in the United States. If you are a visitor on a tourist visa, an IDP does not make you a resident or give you any immigration benefit. If you are undocumented, an IDP does not change that status, though it may help you rent a car in another country if you're traveling abroad.

An IDP is not a government ID and cannot be used for identification at airports, banks, or any other purpose besides driving. It is purely a translation document.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your US driver license is valid in both countries. An IDP is only required if a car rental company demands one, which is rare in Canada and Mexico. Check with your rental company before you book.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. Only AAA and AATA can issue them, and both require you to appear in person or mail in your documents. Websites claiming to issue IDPs online are not legitimate.

What if my US driver license is suspended or expired?

You cannot get an IDP until your US license is valid again. The IDP is a translation of your license, so it must be valid to translate.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Driver License?

Yes. "International Driving Permit" and "International Driver License" refer to the same document. The official name is International Driving Permit, but both terms are used interchangeably.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA and AATA both charge around $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit as of 2024. Prices may vary slightly by location. Mail-in service costs the same but takes longer.