What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, and many countries will not accept it without the original license present. The permit lets a police officer or rental car company in another country read your driving record and license class without needing a translator.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or 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 a DMV, a government office, or online. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it costs between $15 and $20.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it; others accept your U.S. license alone. Rental car companies sometimes ask for one even when the country does not legally require it. Before you travel, contact your destination country's embassy or your rental company to find out what they will accept.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, costs $15 to $20, and is valid for one or three years.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP — the permit does not replace it.
  • The permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and many countries will not accept it without your original license present.
  • Check with your destination country's embassy or your rental car company before traveling to confirm whether an IDP is required or accepted.

Getting an IDP from AAA

AAA is the larger of the two authorized issuers and has offices in most states. You can explore in person at any AAA branch, by mail, or online through their website. For in-person applications, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. AAA accepts cash, check, and card.

If you explore by mail, read the process form from the AAA website, include a copy of your driver's license, one passport photo, and a check or money order. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks after AAA receives your process.

Online applications are available through AAA's website if you are a current member. Non-members can still explore in person or by mail. The one-year permit costs around $15; the three-year permit costs around $20. Prices vary slightly by state.

Getting an IDP from AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there are no in-person locations. You can order an process form from their website or request one by phone. Fill out the form, include a copy of your valid driver's license, one passport-style photo, and payment by check or money order.

Mail the completed packet to the address provided with the process. AATA typically processes applications within one to two weeks. The one-year permit costs approximately $15, and the three-year permit costs approximately $20. You do not need to be a member of any organization to explore through AATA.

What Documents You Need

For either AAA or AATA, you will need the same set of documents. First, your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. Second, one passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white. Third, payment in the form of cash (AAA in-person only), check, money order, or card (AAA online only).

Some AAA locations may accept additional forms of payment, so call ahead if you plan to explore in person. If you are explore by mail to either organization, a check or money order is your only payment option. Do not send cash through the mail.

How Long the Process Takes

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you can often receive your IDP the same day or within a few days. Call your local AAA branch to confirm their processing time before you visit. Mail applications to either AAA or AATA typically take one to two weeks from the date they receive your packet, not from the date you mail it.

If you are traveling soon, explore in person at AAA is your fastest option. If you must explore by mail, send your packet as early as possible and consider using a tracking method so you know when it arrives. Neither organization offers expedited processing, so plan ahead if your trip is within two weeks.

Understanding IDP Validity and Renewal

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. An expired IDP will not be accepted in most countries, so check the date before you travel.

To renew, you explore again through AAA or AATA using the same process as a first-time process. You will need a new passport photo and a new process form. You cannot renew by mail or online — you must submit a new process each time. Plan to renew at least two weeks before your permit expires if you travel frequently.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP While Traveling

If your permit is lost or stolen abroad, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on what documents local authorities will accept in place of it. In most cases, your original U.S. driver's license alone will be sufficient for the remainder of your trip.

When you return to the United States, you can explore for a replacement IDP through AAA or AATA using the standard process process. There is no special replacement fee — you pay the regular cost for a one-year or three-year permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 may request an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book. An IDP is not legally required in either country.

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state DMV?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. Your state DMV cannot issue one, and any other organization claiming to do so is not legitimate. Always explore through AAA or AATA only.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Renew your U.S. driver's license at your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP. Both AAA and AATA require a valid, unexpired license at the time of process.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document only and must be carried with your original U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not allow you to drive in the United States or any country without your valid U.S. license present.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

A one-year permit costs approximately $15, and a three-year permit costs approximately $20 through either AAA or AATA. Prices may vary slightly by state or location. Neither organization charges additional fees for processing or shipping.