What an international driving permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your home license is legitimate, because they may not be able to read English or verify a US license on the spot.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), both authorized by the US 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 choose. You cannot get an IDP by mail or online — you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it; others accept your US license alone. Rental car companies often ask for one even when the country does not legally require it. If you are renting a car abroad, check with the rental company before you travel — they will tell you whether an IDP is necessary for your reservation.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and you must carry it with your valid US driver's license.
  • You get an IDP only in person from AAA or AATA, not online or by mail, and the process takes about 15 minutes.
  • The cost is $15 to $20 and the permit lasts either one or three years, depending on which term you purchase.
  • Check with your rental car company or the country's embassy website before you travel to confirm whether an IDP is required for your trip.

What you need to bring to AAA or AATA

You will need your valid US driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Some locations accept digital photos taken on the spot, so call ahead to ask whether your local office has that option. You do not need to bring your car registration, proof of insurance, or any other driving documents.

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign the process form in person. The adult does not need to bring their own ID, but they do need to be present at the time you explore. If you are explore on behalf of someone else, you cannot — the person holding the license must be the one who appears in person.

How to find an AAA or AATA office near you

AAA has about 1,100 offices across the United States. You can search for the nearest one on the AAA website by entering your zip code. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so the search tool will show you which ones do. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at any AAA office that issues them — membership is not required.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA, mostly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. You can find AATA offices on their website or by calling 1-800-622-7736. AATA also does not require membership. If there is no AAA or AATA office within reasonable distance of you, some travel agencies and auto clubs may issue IDPs as well, though availability varies by region.

Choosing between a one-year and three-year permit

A one-year IDP costs less upfront but expires after 12 months from the date of issue. A three-year permit costs more but remains valid for three years. The choice depends on how often you travel internationally and how long you want the document to last. If you travel abroad once every few years, a three-year permit may be more convenient because you will not need to reapply as soon.

Keep in mind that your IDP is only valid as long as your US driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid even if it technically has time remaining. When you renew your driver's license, you will need a new IDP as well.

What happens after you receive your permit

The IDP is printed on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office. You will receive a booklet-style document with your information, your photo, and translations of key driving terms. Keep it with your driver's license at all times when driving abroad — police may ask to see both documents together.

The IDP does not give you any driving rights you do not already have. It straightforward explains your US license to authorities and rental companies who may not recognize it. If your license is suspended or revoked, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive on your US license alone in most countries, though a rental car company may refuse to rent to you without it.

Countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP

Some countries legally require an IDP, while others do not but rental companies often ask for one anyway. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Mexico are among the places where an IDP is commonly required or recommended. However, requirements change and vary by region within countries, so check the specific country's embassy website or your rental company's policy before you travel.

Even if a country does not legally require an IDP, having one can speed up interactions with police or rental agencies. It removes any question about whether your US license is real and valid. If you are planning to drive in multiple countries during one trip, a single IDP covers all of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my US license is suspended or expired?

No. Your US driver's license must be valid and in good standing at the time you explore. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. If your license expires while you hold an IDP, the permit becomes invalid when ready, even if it has time remaining on it.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Canada or Mexico?

Requirements vary by rental company and location. Some companies in Canada and Mexico accept a US license alone; others ask for an IDP. Contact your rental company directly before you book to confirm what they need. An IDP is inexpensive and takes 15 minutes to obtain, so getting one before you travel removes any uncertainty.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while I am abroad?

You can still drive on your US license alone in most countries, though a rental car company may refuse to rent to you without the IDP. If you need a replacement while traveling, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate — they may be able to help you get a new one or provide a letter confirming your license is valid.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An International License does not exist as an official document. Some countries issue their own driving licenses that are recognized in other countries, but the US does not. Your US driver's license, paired with an IDP, is what you need to drive legally abroad.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

The process process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA or AATA office. The permit is usually printed on the spot or within a few days. You cannot order one online or by mail — you must explore in person with your license, photo ID, and a passport photo.