What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your 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 together when driving outside the United States. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is valid, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.
The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, your local police department, or any other source. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on the issuing organization.
Whether you actually need an IDP depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. Before you book a rental car or cross a border, check the specific country's requirements with its embassy or consulate, because the rules change and vary by region.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license issued only by AAA or AATA, and you must carry your actual state license with it.
- You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to get one.
- AAA issues permits in person at local offices or by mail; AATA issues them by mail only, and processing takes one to two weeks.
- Some countries require an IDP by law, while others do not recognize it, so check your destination country's rules before you travel.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years and costs less than $30, but it does not extend your U.S. license or change your driving record.
Getting an IDP Through AAA
If you are an AAA member, the fastest route is your local AAA office. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). The office will issue your permit on the spot, usually within 15 minutes. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.
If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP through AAA by mail. Fill out Form DS-11 (available on the AAA website), include a copy of your driver's license, a passport or passport card, a passport-style photo, and payment. Mail the packet to your nearest AAA office. Processing takes one to two weeks, and the cost is the same as in-person.
AAA also offers IDP renewal by mail if your permit is expiring soon. You do not need a new photo for renewal, only a completed form, your expiring permit, and payment. Check the AAA website for your local office address and current processing times, because they vary by location.
Getting an IDP Through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. You will need to complete the AATA process form, include a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order. Mail the packet to the AATA address listed on their website.
AATA processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your process. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. AATA does not accept credit cards by mail, so you must pay by check or money order. If you need your permit faster, AAA in-person service is your only option.
AATA also handles renewals by mail using the same process. Like AAA, you do not need a new photo for renewal, only the completed form, your expiring permit, and payment. Keep track of your permit's expiration date so you can renew before it lapses if you plan to drive internationally again.
What Documents You Need to Bring or Send
The requirements are the same whether you go through AAA or AATA. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license — it cannot be expired, suspended, or revoked. You also need either a U.S. passport or passport card. A passport book and a passport card are equally acceptable; a passport card is smaller and costs less if you do not have one yet.
You will need one passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, with a white or off-white background. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your full face, and be in color. Black-and-white photos are not accepted. You can get passport photos at most drugstores, post offices, and photo studios for $10 to $20.
For in-person AAA service, bring the originals of your license and passport. For mail service through either organization, send copies of your license and passport, not the originals. Keep your originals in a safe place. Both organizations will return your documents if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, though this is optional.
Timeline and Costs
| Service | Processing Time | 1-Year Cost | 3-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA in-person | 15 minutes | $15 | $30 |
| AAA by mail | 1–2 weeks | $15 | $30 |
| AATA by mail | 1–2 weeks | $20 | $30 |
If you are traveling within two weeks, AAA in-person is your only option. If you have more time, mail service through either organization is cheaper (AAA) or the same cost (AATA for a three-year permit). The three-year permit is usually the better value if you plan to drive internationally more than once in the next few years.
Neither organization charges extra for rush processing or expedited mail. The timelines above are standard. If you miss your travel date, you can still use your U.S. license alone in some countries, but check your destination's rules first — some will not rent to you without an IDP, and some police will not accept a U.S. license without one.
Which Countries Require or Recognize an IDP
Requirements vary widely by country and region. Many European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, recognize an IDP but do not require it if your U.S. license is in English and you carry an English translation of your license information. However, some countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America do require an IDP by law, and rental car companies in those regions often will not rent to you without one.
The safest approach is to check with the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to drive before you book a rental car. They can tell you whether an IDP is required, whether your U.S. license alone is acceptable, and whether any additional documents (like an International Driving Permit from another organization) are needed. Some countries also require a certified English translation of your license, which is different from an IDP.
Rental car companies sometimes have stricter rules than the law requires. Even if a country does not legally require an IDP, the rental company may refuse to rent to you without one. When you reserve a car, ask the rental company directly whether they require an IDP. If they do, get one before you travel, because you cannot obtain one in most foreign countries.
What to Do If Your IDP Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged
If your permit is lost or stolen while you are traveling, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, which some rental car companies and police will accept in place of the permit. Keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate location from the original, in case you need proof of the permit number.
If your permit is damaged but still readable, you can continue to use it. If it is unreadable or the information is no longer legible, you will need to request a replacement from the organization that issued it. Contact AAA or AATA with your original permit and a new process, and they will issue a replacement. Processing time and cost are the same as a new permit.
If you are still in the United States when your permit is lost or damaged, request a replacement by mail from AAA or AATA before you travel. Do not wait until you are abroad. If you lose your permit after you have already left the country, the embassy letter is your backup, but it is not as widely recognized as the actual permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?
Canada does not require an IDP, and your U.S. license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but some rental car companies in Mexico will not rent to you without one. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require one, order it before you travel, because you cannot get one in Mexico.
Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in all countries?
No. Some countries do not recognize an IDP at all, and a few require a different type of international permit or a certified translation of your license instead. Always check the specific country's requirements with its embassy or consulate before you travel. An IDP is not a universal document.
How long does an International Driving Permit last?
You can choose a one-year or three-year permit when you explore. Both are valid for their full term, even if your U.S. driver's license expires during that time. However, you must carry both your IDP and your valid U.S. license together — if your license expires, the IDP alone is not enough.
What if my passport expires before my International Driving Permit does?
Your IDP remains valid as long as you have a valid U.S. driver's license. You do not need to renew your IDP when your passport expires. However, you must carry a valid passport or passport card when you travel internationally, so renew your passport before it expires if you plan to drive abroad.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?
No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP through AAA or AATA.