What an international license actually is and whether you need one
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license that replaces your home country's driver's license. It is a translation document that sits alongside your regular license and tells police and rental companies in other countries what your home license says. You carry both documents together — the IDP has no value without your original license in your pocket.
Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. The United States, Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand do not require an IDP — your U.S. driver's license is recognized on its own. Many other countries do require one, either by law or because rental car companies will not hand you keys without it. Some countries technically do not require it but police will treat you more fairly if you have one, because it removes the language barrier that causes misunderstandings at roadside stops.
The safest approach: if you are renting a car or driving in any country outside North America, Western Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, get an IDP before you leave home. They cost between $15 and $30, take 15 minutes to obtain, and solve the problem entirely.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your regular driver's license and must be carried with your original license at all times.
- You obtain an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States, not from your state's DMV.
- The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase, and costs $15 to $30.
- Many countries outside North America and Western Europe require an IDP by law, and rental car companies often will not rent to you without one.
- You must explore in person with your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo; there is no online or mail process.
Where to get an International Driving Permit in the United States
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. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, your local police department, or any online service. If a website offers to mail you an IDP, it is not legitimate.
AAA is the larger network — they have local offices in most states and many cities. You walk in with your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo (2×2 inches), and cash or a card. The staff fills out the form in front of you, you sign it, and you walk out with the permit. The whole process takes 15 minutes. AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit as of 2024, though prices may vary slightly by location.
AATA operates through a smaller network of offices and also accepts mail applications if you cannot visit in person. With AATA, you mail in your process, license, photo, and payment, and they mail the permit back. This takes one to two weeks. AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. Check their website to find an office near you or to request a mail process kit.
If you are not a AAA member, you can still walk into any AAA office and buy an IDP without joining. Membership is not required.
What documents and information you need to bring
Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. Bring a passport-style photo that is 2 inches by 2 inches. If you do not have one, many pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) and post offices can take one on the spot for $10 to $15, usually while you wait.
Bring payment: cash or a debit or credit card. AAA and AATA both accept all three. You will also need to know your date of birth, your signature, and your home address — all of which will be on your license, so you do not need to write anything down beforehand.
If you are explore by mail through AATA, request the process kit first. They will send you the form, instructions on photo size, and a prepaid return envelope. Fill it out, include your license and photo, and mail it back. Do not send your original license by mail unless AATA specifically instructs you to — some offices only need a photocopy.
How long an IDP is valid and when to renew
An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs less but expires faster. The three-year permit costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period. Choose based on how often you travel internationally.
An IDP expires on a specific date printed on the document itself. It does not renew automatically — you must obtain a new one when the old one expires. You cannot extend an expired IDP; you have to start over and pay the full fee again. If you are planning a trip and your IDP will expire before you return home, get a new one before you leave.
Your IDP is only valid if your underlying U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes worthless even if it technically has time left on it. Carry both documents together and check both expiration dates before any international trip.
Countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP
The following regions and countries either require an IDP by law or make it very difficult to rent a car without one: most of Central and South America, Mexico, most of Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos), China, Russia, and many Eastern European countries. If you are driving in any of these places, assume you need an IDP and get one before you leave.
Western Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland) does not legally require an IDP, and your U.S. license is recognized. However, some rental car companies in these countries prefer to see an IDP because it removes any question about whether your license is valid. It is not mandatory, but having one can speed up the rental process and reduce friction if you are stopped by police.
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand recognize a U.S. driver's license without an IDP. Japan and South Korea also accept a U.S. license, though some rental companies may ask for an IDP as a courtesy. Check with your rental car company before your trip — they will tell you whether they require one.
What happens if you drive without an IDP in a country that requires one
If you are stopped by police in a country that legally requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can be fined, have your car impounded, or in some cases be detained. The severity depends on the country's laws and the officer's judgment. In many places, the fine is small (equivalent to $20 to $50 USD), but in others it can be much larger. You may also be unable to rent a car at all if the rental company checks and finds you do not have one.
The bigger practical problem is that without an IDP, a police officer cannot easily read your license if it is in English and they do not speak English. This creates confusion and mistrust. Even in countries where an IDP is not legally required, having one prevents this problem entirely and takes the guesswork out of a roadside interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail without visiting an office?
AATA allows mail applications, but AAA does not. With AATA, you request an process kit, fill it out, include your photo and license, and mail it back. The process takes one to two weeks. AAA requires you to visit an office in person. Do not use any online service that claims to issue IDPs — they are not authorized by the U.S. State Department.
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car in Canada or Western Europe?
No. Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and most other Western European countries recognize a U.S. driver's license without an IDP. Your regular license is sufficient. However, some rental companies may ask for an IDP as a courtesy — call ahead and ask.
What if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?
An expired IDP is not valid, and you cannot renew it while you are out of the country. If your IDP will expire before you return home, obtain a new one before you leave. Plan ahead and check the expiration date on both your IDP and your driver's license before any international trip.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that supplements your regular license. It is not a separate license and has no value without your original U.S. driver's license. You must carry both documents together.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. Prices may vary slightly by location. Both organizations accept cash and cards.