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 — it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company what your home license says, without requiring them to read English or contact your home country to verify it.
The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Both organizations charge a fee, require your valid U.S. driver's license, and issue the permit on the spot or within days — not weeks.
An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It expires whether you use it or not. Some countries require one; others do not. Before you travel, check the specific rules for the country where you will drive, because requirements vary widely.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit — the IDP cannot replace it.
- Only the AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States; your state's DMV does not offer them.
- You can get an IDP in person at an AAA office the same day, or by mail in a few days, for a fee of around $20.
- Some countries do not require an IDP at all, so check your destination's rules before you pay for one.
- An IDP is a translation document only — it does not change your driving record, insurance, or legal status in any country.
How to get one through AAA
The AAA is the fastest route if you are a member. Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license, a passport or other government ID, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The staff will fill out the process on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and hand you the permit the same day. If you are not a member, you can still get one, but the fee is slightly higher.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your process to AAA. You will need to send your driver's license, a completed process form (available on the AAA website), a passport-sized photo, and payment. The permit arrives by mail in about a week. AAA charges around $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit as of 2024, though prices vary by location.
To find the nearest AAA office, use the locator on the AAA website. If you are not a member and want to join to get the member discount, membership itself costs money and takes time, so compare the total cost against the non-member fee for a single IDP.
How to get one through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. You fill out an process, send it with your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and payment to their mailing address. The permit arrives in about two weeks.
AATA charges around $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit, similar to AAA. The main difference is speed: AAA is faster if you need the permit within days, while AATA works if you have two weeks or more before you travel. You do not need to be a member of any organization to use AATA.
What you need before you explore
Your valid U.S. driver's license is the only document you absolutely must have. The license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it at your state's DMV first — you cannot get an IDP with an expired license.
You also need a government-issued photo ID (a passport, passport card, or state ID) and a passport-sized photo, 2 by 2 inches. If you do not have a passport-sized photo, AAA offices can take one for you on the spot. For mail applications, you must provide your own photo.
Have your payment method ready. Both AAA and AATA accept credit cards and checks. If you are mailing an process, a check or money order is often easier than providing card details by mail.
How long an IDP lasts and when to renew
An International Driving Permit is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request. The three-year version costs more but is useful if you travel internationally multiple times. The one-year version is cheaper if you take one trip and do not plan to drive abroad again soon.
The IDP expires on a fixed date regardless of whether you use it. If you get a one-year permit on March 15, 2025, it expires on March 15, 2026, even if you never leave the country. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one if you need it after expiration.
If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless because you must carry both together. Renew your license at your state's DMV before it expires, and then get a new IDP if you still need one.
Countries that require or do not require an IDP
Requirements vary by country and change over time. Some countries legally require an IDP; others accept only your U.S. license; still others accept either one. A few countries do not recognize either document for certain types of driving.
Before you book a rental car or plan to drive, contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you will drive, or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisories for that country. Rental car companies also know their own country's rules and can tell you what documents they require. Getting this information before you travel is faster and cheaper than discovering you need an IDP at the airport.
Europe, for example, has no single rule — some European countries require an IDP, others do not. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan each have their own rules. If you are traveling to multiple countries, you may need to check each one separately.
What an IDP does and does not do
An IDP translates your license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not change your driving record, your insurance coverage, or your legal status in any country. It does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not allowed to drive. It does not replace your license or add any new rights to it.
If you have a suspended or revoked license in your home state, an IDP does not hide that fact or allow you to drive legally abroad. If you are too young to drive in a country, an IDP does not change that country's age requirement. The IDP is purely a translation tool.
Your U.S. driver's license remains your actual proof of driving authority. The IDP is a companion document that makes your license readable to people who do not speak English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Europe?
It depends on the country and the rental company. Some European countries require one by law; others do not. Most rental companies ask for one anyway because it reduces confusion at pickup. Check the specific country's rules and ask your rental company what they require before you book.
Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?
No. Your license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it at your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.
What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?
You still have your actual U.S. driver's license, which is what matters legally. The IDP is a translation document. If you lose it, you can drive with just your license in most places, though a police officer in a country that requires an IDP may give you a hard time. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you need help.
Can I get an IDP for a motorcycle or commercial license?
Yes. The IDP translates whatever type of license you have. If your U.S. license includes a motorcycle endorsement or commercial classification, the IDP will show that.
How much does an IDP cost?
AAA and AATA both charge around $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit as of 2024. Prices may vary slightly by location or membership status. Non-AAA members may pay a slightly higher fee than members.