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 home license — you must carry both together. The permit tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that you hold a valid license at home, without them having to contact your home country's licensing authority.

The IDP is issued under two international conventions: the 1926 convention (older, less widely recognized) and the 1968 convention (newer, accepted in most countries). Most IDPs issued today follow the 1968 convention. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you get and which country issues it.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it; others accept only your home license; still others accept either. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary, because the rules vary widely and change.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license into multiple languages and must be carried alongside your home license at all times.
  • In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs.
  • You need a valid passport and a current, unexpired driver's license from your home country to obtain an IDP.
  • The process takes minutes in person at an AAA or AATA office, and the permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on validity length.
  • Check the specific entry requirements for each country you plan to visit, because some do not recognize IDPs and some do not require them.

Who can issue an international driving permit in the United States

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue a valid U.S. IDP. Be cautious of online services that claim to issue IDPs for a higher fee — many are scams.

AAA has physical offices in most states and can issue an IDP on the spot if you walk in with the required documents. AATA operates primarily by mail. Both organizations charge a small fee and issue the permit the same day (AAA) or within a few business days (AATA).

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to contact the licensing authority in your home country. Each country has its own issuing body — for example, the DVLA in the United Kingdom, or provincial motor vehicle offices in Canada.

Documents you need to bring

To obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, you will need two documents: a valid, unexpired passport and a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state or country. Some AAA offices also accept a state ID card in place of a passport, but a passport is the safest choice because it is universally recognized.

Your driver's license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it with your state's motor vehicle department before you can get an IDP. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted.

You will also need to fill out a short process form. AAA and AATA provide these forms at their offices or online. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number.

How to get an IDP from AAA

Visit an AAA office in person with your passport and driver's license. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs, so call ahead or check the AAA website to find a location near you that does. Tell the staff member you want an International Driving Permit.

The staff will have you fill out the process form and take a small passport-style photo (some offices have a photo service on-site; others accept photos you bring). They will verify your documents, process the process, and issue the permit on the spot. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

AAA charges a fee for the IDP — typically $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. Prices vary slightly by location. You must be an AAA member to use this service, though membership is inexpensive and can be purchased on the spot if you are not already a member.

How to get an IDP from AATA by mail

AATA processes applications by mail only — there are no physical offices. Visit the AATA website and read the process form, or request one by phone. Fill out the form completely and gather your documents: a valid passport, a valid driver's license, and a passport-style photo.

Mail the completed process, your documents, the photo, and the fee to the AATA address listed on the form. AATA will process your process and mail the IDP back to you within a few business days. The fee is typically $15 to $20, depending on the validity period you choose.

Because this process involves mailing, it takes longer than AAA — usually one to two weeks total. If you are leaving soon, AAA in person is faster. If you have time, AATA by mail works well and does not require membership.

What to do before you travel

Once you have your IDP, do not assume every country will accept it. Before you leave, research the entry requirements for each country on your route. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require only your home license. Others require an IDP and will not accept a home license alone. A few accept either.

Check the U.S. State Department travel advisory for each country, or contact the country's embassy or consulate directly. This takes 15 minutes and can prevent problems at a border or when renting a car. Some car rental companies also have their own rules about which documents they accept, so confirm with your rental company before you book.

Keep your IDP and home license together at all times while traveling. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your license at a rental counter, you will need both. The IDP alone is not valid without your home license.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling

An IDP is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue. If your permit expires before you return home, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew an IDP while abroad — you must return to your home country and explore for a new one through AAA or AATA.

If you are planning a long trip or multiple trips over several years, choose the three-year permit when you explore. The cost difference is small, and it covers you for longer. If you are taking a single short trip, the one-year permit is sufficient and cheaper.

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 or an additional form of ID. Check with your rental company before you travel. An IDP does not hurt and may make the rental process smoother, but it is not legally required for entry.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue valid U.S. IDPs, and both require in-person or mail submission with original documents. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online for a fee are not legitimate. If you use a fake IDP, you may face legal trouble in another country.

What if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot get an IDP if your license is suspended or revoked. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve that with your state's motor vehicle department first, then explore for an IDP.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

An IDP is valid for one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The three-year permit costs slightly more but covers you for longer. Choose based on how long you plan to drive internationally over the next few years.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA from abroad and explain the situation. They may be able to issue a replacement, though the process will take time. In the meantime, your home driver's license alone may be sufficient in some countries, but not others. Check local requirements where you are. To avoid this, keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup.