An International Driving Permit is not a license — it's a translation document that some countries recognize alongside your valid U.S. driver's license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your driver's license information into ten languages. It does not replace your U.S. license and has no legal value on its own. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. Many countries do not require it at all; others treat it as optional but useful. A few require it or strongly prefer it. Whether you need one depends entirely on which countries you plan to visit and their specific rules.

The U.S. issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the State Department. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, costs between $15 and $20, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase. You cannot order one online or by mail — you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license and must be carried with your actual license when driving abroad.
  • You can obtain one only in person through AAA or AATA, not online or by mail, and the process takes about 15 minutes.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP, some prefer it but do not require it, and a smaller number do require it — check your destination country's rules before you travel.
  • An IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one or three years, but it becomes worthless if your U.S. driver's license expires.

Which countries require or prefer an International Driving Permit

No single list covers all countries because rules change and vary by region. However, some patterns are clear. European Union countries generally do not require an IDP; your U.S. license is usually sufficient for short-term visits. The same is true for Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many rental car companies in these places do not ask for one.

Countries that often prefer or require an IDP include Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and several Middle Eastern nations. "Prefer" means a police officer or rental company may ask for one, and not having it could cause delays or refusal of service, even if it is not technically required by law. "Require" means you cannot legally drive without one. The distinction matters: a preference is a practical inconvenience; a requirement is a legal violation.

Before you book a rental car or travel, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit, or ask your rental car company directly. They can tell you whether an IDP is required, preferred, or unnecessary. This takes 10 minutes and prevents surprises at a police checkpoint or rental counter.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA

You must visit an AAA office or AATA location in person. You cannot order online or by mail. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and the process fee. AAA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AATA pricing is similar. The staff will complete the process on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and hand you the booklet when ready.

Find your nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator. If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP there without joining. For AATA locations, visit aata.org. Some travel agencies and certain car rental offices also issue IDPs, but AAA and AATA are the most widely available and reliable sources.

The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. There is no waiting period. You walk out with the permit the same day. Your IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid — if your license expires, your IDP becomes worthless even if it technically has time remaining.

What information is on an International Driving Permit

An IDP contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, license class or type, and the date your U.S. license expires. This information is printed in English and then repeated in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Japanese. The booklet also includes a space for your photo and your signature.

The IDP does not grant you any driving privileges you do not already have. It straightforward makes your existing license readable to officials and police in countries where English is not widely spoken. It is not a separate license, not a permit to drive in additional categories, and not valid without your U.S. license present.

Common mistakes when using an International Driving Permit abroad

The most common mistake is carrying only the IDP and leaving your U.S. license at home or in the hotel. Police and rental companies will not accept the IDP alone. You must have both documents. If you are stopped by police, present both together.

A second mistake is assuming an IDP is required everywhere. Many travelers buy one "just in case" and then never need it. This is not harmful — it costs little and takes little time — but it is unnecessary in most developed countries. The real mistake is not checking your destination's rules beforehand and then discovering you need one when you arrive.

A third mistake is purchasing an IDP and then not renewing your U.S. driver's license before your trip. If your license expires while you are abroad, your IDP is no longer valid. Check your license expiration date before you travel and renew it if necessary.

International Driving Permit versus other travel documents

An IDP is sometimes confused with other documents. It is not a visa, not a travel permit, and not a border document. A visa is issued by a country's government and controls whether you can enter that country. An IDP is issued by a U.S. organization and controls only whether you can legally drive once you are there. You may need a visa to enter a country but not need an IDP to drive there, or vice versa.

Some countries issue their own temporary driving permits to visitors. For example, some U.S. states recognize an IDP, but some countries issue their own temporary license instead. Always check with your rental car company and your destination country's transportation authority to understand what they accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Europe?

Most European Union countries do not require one. Your U.S. driver's license is usually sufficient for short-term visits. However, some rental companies prefer one, and a few countries outside the EU may require it. Check with your rental company and the specific country's rules before you travel.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location. The process takes about 15 minutes and costs $15 to $20. There is no online or mail option.

What happens if my U.S. driver's license expires while I'm using my International Driving Permit abroad?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot legally drive with an expired U.S. license, even if your IDP still has time remaining. Renew your U.S. license before your trip if it will expire during your travels.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document only. It is not a separate license and does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. Your U.S. driver's license is your actual license; the IDP straightforward makes it readable in other languages.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP has no legal value in the United States. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license to drive here. An IDP is only for use outside the United States.