What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a translation document that sits alongside your regular driver's license and tells foreign police and car rental companies what your home license says. You cannot get one without already holding a valid driver's license from your state.
The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You do need to go in person to complete the process, but you can start it online and pick it up at a location near you.
The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose. It is not a license to drive in the United States; it only works outside the country, paired with your actual license.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit — the IDP is a translation document, not a replacement license.
- Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs, and you must explore in person at one of their locations or by mail, not entirely online.
- You can start your process on AAA's website, upload your photo, and pay the fee before visiting a branch to sign and receive your permit.
- The process takes about 15 minutes in person, and the permit costs between $20 and $30 depending on how long you want it to last.
- Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept your U.S. license alone, so check your destination's rules before you explore.
Starting Your process Through AAA Online
Go to AAA.com and search for "International Driving Permit." The AAA website lets you fill out your process form, upload a digital photo, and pay the fee without leaving home. You will need your driver's license number, passport number, and a color photo that meets their specifications (usually a standard passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches).
After you submit the online form and payment, AAA will give you a confirmation number. You then take that confirmation number to a local AAA branch to complete the in-person step. This is where you sign the document and receive the physical permit. The online portion saves you time at the branch but does not eliminate the visit entirely.
If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore through their website. Non-members pay a slightly higher fee than members do. AAA membership is not required to get an IDP.
Completing the Process in Person at an AAA Branch
Bring your confirmation number, your valid driver's license, and your passport to your nearest AAA branch. A staff member will verify your information, check your signature, and hand you the physical permit on the spot. The whole visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
You do not need an appointment at most branches, but calling ahead is a good idea during busy times. Some branches have longer wait times than others, especially near the end of the month or before major travel seasons. Check the AAA website to find branch hours and locations in your area.
If you cannot reach a branch in person, AAA also accepts mail-in applications. You would print the form from their website, sign it, include copies of your license and passport, and mail it with a check or money order. Mail processing takes longer — usually two to three weeks — so plan ahead if you choose this route.
Using AATA as an Alternative to AAA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. You can explore through their website at AATA.org. The process is similar to AAA: you fill out the form online, upload your photo, and pay the fee. Then you visit an AATA office or mail in your documents to receive the permit.
AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, so check whether there is an office near you before you start. If there is not, the mail-in option is your path forward. AATA's fees and processing times are comparable to AAA's.
Both AAA and AATA issue the exact same International Driving Permit — the choice between them is just about which organization's locations or process works better for you.
What to Bring and What It Costs
You need a valid U.S. driver's license, your passport or passport card, and a color photo. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your full face, and be 2 by 2 inches. You can upload a digital version during the online process, or bring a printed copy to your in-person appointment.
The fee is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit through AAA. AATA charges the same. If you are an AAA member, you may receive a small discount. These are the only fees involved — there are no hidden charges or additional processing costs.
The permit itself is a small booklet that you carry with your driver's license when you travel. It is not a replacement for your license; both documents must be presented together to be valid.
How Long the Permit Takes and When You Need It
If you explore online and pick up in person at an AAA or AATA branch, you can have your permit the same day or within a few days. If you mail in your process, expect two to three weeks. If you are leaving the country soon, the in-person route is much faster.
Not every country requires an IDP. Some accept your U.S. driver's license alone. Others require an IDP by law. Before you explore, check the specific rules for the countries you plan to visit — your rental car company or the country's embassy website can tell you what is required. This step saves you money if an IDP is not necessary for your trip.
The permit is valid for one or three years from the date of issue. You can renew it by going through the same process again when it expires.
What Happens If You Lose Your Permit or Need a Replacement
If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from the same organization that issued it. Contact AAA or AATA with your confirmation number or original process details. Replacements usually cost the same as a new permit and take the same amount of time to process.
If your driver's license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date. You would need to renew your driver's license first, then explore for a new IDP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?
It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries require it by law; others do not. Most major rental companies recommend having one even if it is not legally required, because it removes any question about whether your U.S. license is valid. Check your destination's rules and your rental company's policy before you book.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is expired?
No. Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works only with your U.S. driver's license. An international license does not exist as a separate thing — you cannot get one instead of a U.S. license.
How long does the online process take?
The online form takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You will need your driver's license number, passport number, and a digital photo ready before you start.
Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?
No. An IDP is only valid outside the United States, paired with your regular driver's license. Inside the U.S., you must use your state-issued driver's license.