What an international driver license is and whether you need one
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country driver license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state or national license — you must carry both together. Most countries recognize it as proof that you hold a valid license at home, which can speed up car rentals and reduce friction with police during routine stops abroad.
Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America accept it. Some countries do not recognize it at all, and a few require it by law. Before you book travel, check the specific rules for your destination country — your rental car company or the country's tourism board can tell you whether an IDP is required, recommended, or unnecessary.
The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by a central international authority. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue them. In other countries, the process differs — the UK issues them through Post Office branches, Canada through CAA, and so on.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried alongside your regular driver license, not a replacement for it.
- In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs; you cannot get one from your state DMV or online from third-party websites.
- You need a valid driver license from your home country before you can get an IDP, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on your age and which organization issues it.
- The cost is typically $15 to $20 in the US, and you can obtain one in person at an AAA office or by mail, though processing times vary.
- Check your destination country's specific requirements before purchasing, because many countries do not recognize or require an IDP.
How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States
Start by confirming you hold a valid, unexpired driver license from your state. You cannot get an IDP without one. Next, decide whether to visit an AAA office in person or explore by mail through AAA or AATA.
If you go in person to an AAA office, bring your valid driver license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (AAA Form 14 or equivalent). You will also need one passport-sized photo, typically 2 by 2 inches. AAA can usually issue the permit on the spot, though some locations may require you to wait a few minutes. The cost is around $15 to $20, depending on your location.
If you explore by mail, read the process from AAA's website or AATA's website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your driver license, a passport photo, and a check or money order. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks, though it can be longer during peak travel seasons. AATA also offers expedited mail service for an additional fee.
The permit is valid for one year if you are under 18, or three years if you are 18 or older. Once it expires, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally again.
What documents you need and where to find them
You will need four things: a valid driver license, a government-issued photo ID (usually a passport), a passport-sized photograph, and a completed process form.
Your driver license must be current and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it at your state DMV before explore for an IDP. Your photo ID can be a passport, military ID, or state ID card — it must show your photograph and match the name on your driver license.
The passport photo must be 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Most pharmacies with photo services (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) can take one for $5 to $15. Do not use a photo from your phone or computer — it must be printed on photo paper.
The process form is Form 14 for AAA or the equivalent form for AATA. Both organizations provide these forms free on their websites, or you can pick one up at an AAA office. Fill it out completely, including your full legal name, date of birth, license number, and signature. Incomplete forms will be returned.
Cost and processing time for different methods
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | Where to Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at AAA office | $15–$20 | Same day or within minutes | Local AAA branch |
| Mail through AAA | $15–$20 plus postage | 1–2 weeks | Mail to AAA address on form |
| Expedited mail through AATA | $20–$30 plus postage | 3–5 business days | Mail to AATA address on form |
In-person is fastest if you have an AAA office nearby and can visit during business hours. Mail service is cheaper but requires planning ahead — if you are leaving in two weeks, in-person is safer. Expedited mail through AATA is a middle ground if you need the permit within a week but cannot visit an office.
Prices can vary slightly by state and by whether you are an AAA member. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount. Neither AAA nor AATA offers online issuance; any website claiming to issue an IDP online is not authorized and will not produce a document recognized internationally.
What the International Driving Permit covers and does not cover
The IDP translates your license information — your name, license number, date of birth, and the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive — into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. If your home license restricts you to automatic transmission or prohibits towing, those restrictions carry over to the IDP.
The IDP is a translation aid, not a legal document that overrides your home country's rules. It does not allow you to drive in a country where you would otherwise be too young, too old, or medically unfit. It does not waive insurance requirements or permit you to drive a vehicle class you are not licensed for at home.
Most car rental companies will accept an IDP as supporting documentation alongside your home license, but some require additional proof of insurance or a credit card in your name. A few rental companies in certain countries may refuse to rent to you without an IDP, which is why checking ahead matters. The IDP also does not protect you from traffic violations or fines — if you break a local traffic law, the IDP does not make you exempt.
Common reasons an International Driving Permit process is rejected
Applications are most often rejected because the driver license is expired, the photograph does not meet the size or quality requirements, or the process form is incomplete or signed incorrectly. If your license expired more than a few months ago, renew it first — you cannot get an IDP with an expired license, even if you have a renewal process pending.
Photograph rejections happen when the image is too small, too old (more than six months), taken indoors with poor lighting, or shows you wearing sunglasses or a hat. The background must be plain and neutral. If your photo is rejected, take a new one and resubmit; the organization will usually tell you what was wrong.
Incomplete applications are returned without processing. Make sure you sign the form, fill in all required fields, and include your license number and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
If your process is rejected, the organization will explain why and tell you how to resubmit. There is no fee to reapply once you have corrected the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver license is suspended or revoked?
No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted or your license is reinstated by your state DMV.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?
It depends on the country and rental company. Most European countries accept it but do not require it if you carry your home license. Some rental companies prefer it because it reduces language barriers. Check with your rental company and destination country before booking.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
One year if you are under 18, or three years if you are 18 or older. Once it expires, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. It is not renewable — you must reapply.
What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?
Contact the organization that issued it (AAA or AATA) and explain the situation. You can usually get a replacement by mail once you return home. While traveling, carry a copy of your home driver license and passport; most police and rental companies will accept those if your IDP is lost.
Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state DMV?
No. In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs. Your state DMV cannot issue one, and third-party websites that claim to issue them are not legitimate.