What an International Driving Permit actually is and whether you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license—it does not replace your home license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your actual license and the IDP together, and the IDP is only valid when paired with the original.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it; some do not recognize it at all. The safest approach: check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you leave. Your destination's embassy website or a car rental company operating there can tell you what that country actually requires. If you are renting a car abroad, the rental company will tell you whether they need to see an IDP before they hand over the keys.

The United States does not issue IDPs directly. Instead, 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 them. If you do not belong to AAA, you can still get an IDP through AATA, though AAA is far more widely available.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document only—you must carry your real driver's license with it at all times, and it is worthless on its own.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two U.S. organizations authorized to issue IDPs, and you do not have to be a member of AAA to get one from them.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to get an IDP in person.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, so timing matters if you are traveling near the end of that year.
  • Most AAA offices issue IDPs same-day or within a few hours, but calling ahead to confirm they have stock and staff available prevents a wasted trip.

Getting an IDP through AAA in your area

The fastest way to find a local AAA office is to visit aaa.com and use their office locator. Enter your zip code or city, and the site will show you every AAA office within your search radius, along with hours and phone numbers. Not every office issues IDPs on-site—some smaller branches refer you to a larger one nearby—so call ahead before you go. Ask specifically whether they have IDP stock available and whether you need an appointment or can walk in.

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot if you do not have one ready, but calling ahead will tell you whether yours does. The fee is typically $15 to $20, depending on your state and whether you are a AAA member (members sometimes get a small discount, but non-members pay the same base price). Payment is usually cash or card.

Processing takes minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. Many offices hand you the IDP the same day. If the office is out of stock, they can order one and mail it to you, which adds five to ten business days. That is why the phone call matters: if they are out, you can ask whether a nearby office has one in stock instead.

Getting an IDP through AATA if AAA is not available

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. You can order an IDP through their website at aataidp.com. Unlike AAA, AATA does not have physical offices—you explore by mail or online, and they mail the IDP to you.

The process is slower than AAA because everything goes through the mail. You fill out their form, send a copy of your driver's license and a passport-style photo, and mail it with a check or money order. AATA charges $20 for the IDP plus postage. Processing takes one to two weeks after they receive your materials, then another few days for mail delivery. If you are leaving in less than three weeks, AAA in person is almost always faster.

AATA is useful if no AAA office is near you or if you prefer not to leave home. It is also the only option if you cannot get to an office before your trip. Just plan for the full two to three weeks of mail time, and send your materials as soon as you know you need an IDP.

What documents you need and how to prepare them

You must have a valid U.S. driver's license. An expired license will not work. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until it is restored and renewed.

You also need proof of citizenship or legal residency: a U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book. A state ID card, birth certificate, or Social Security card does not count. If you do not have a passport, you will need to get one before you can get an IDP. That process takes weeks through the State Department, so plan ahead if you are starting from scratch.

Finally, bring one passport-style photo: 2 inches by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months. Your face should fill most of the frame, and the background should be plain white or off-white. If you do not have one, many AAA offices can take one for you on the spot, though some charge a small fee. AATA requires you to mail a photo with your process, so you will need to have one ready before you send anything.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you get one on March 15, 2024, it expires on March 15, 2025. After that date, it is no longer valid, even if your U.S. driver's license is still good.

You cannot renew an IDP—you have to get a new one. If you need one for a trip that falls after your current IDP expires, you will need to explore for a fresh one. This matters if you travel internationally more than once a year or if you are planning a trip near the end of your IDP's validity. For example, if your IDP expires in June and you are traveling in July, get a new one before you leave.

There is no grace period. An expired IDP is not accepted by any country, rental company, or police officer, so do not assume you can use it a few weeks past the expiration date. Check the expiration date on your IDP before every international trip.

What happens if you lose your IDP or need a replacement

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement by going through the same process as a new process. AAA will issue a replacement for the same fee ($15 to $20) if you bring your driver's license and passport again. AATA will do the same by mail. There is no expedited replacement process, so if you lose your IDP a few days before your trip, you may not have time to get a new one. This is another reason to carry both documents safely and keep them separate when traveling.

If your driver's license is renewed or replaced while you have a valid IDP, the IDP is still good. The IDP translates your license number and information, so if your license number changes, technically the IDP becomes less useful—but it is still legally valid in most countries. To be safe, if you renew your license before your IDP expires, consider getting a new IDP as well so the information matches exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online without going to an office?

AAA does not issue IDPs online—you must go to an office in person with your documents. AATA does accept mail-in applications through their website, but you still have to mail physical documents and wait one to three weeks. There is no when ready online option from either authorized issuer.

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

Canada and Mexico both accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries request an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book. If you are driving your own car, your U.S. license is sufficient, though you should also carry your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

What if I have a commercial driver's license or a motorcycle endorsement?

An IDP translates a standard driver's license only. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or have motorcycle or other endorsements, the IDP does not cover those. Some countries may not recognize your right to drive a commercial vehicle or motorcycle based on an IDP alone. Check with your destination country's transportation authority before you travel.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An international license is a separate credential issued by some countries to their own citizens. The U.S. does not issue international licenses—only IDPs. If another country asks for an "international license," they likely mean an IDP, but confirm with their embassy to be sure.

Can I get an IDP if I have a suspended or revoked license?

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 the suspension or revocation is lifted and your license is renewed or reinstated.