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 country's license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials what your home license says, without requiring them to read your language.

The IDP is issued by your own country's motor vehicle authority, not by an international body. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Canada issues them through CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) and provincial motor vehicle offices. The United Kingdom issues them through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Each country has its own issuing body, and you must explore in the country where your license was issued.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $30 USD depending on your country and which organization issues it. It is not required by law in most countries, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and some countries' insurance policies will not cover you if you cannot produce one after an accident.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority, not a separate license.
  • You must carry both your home country's driver's license and the IDP together — one without the other is not valid.
  • In the United States, AAA and AATA are the only organizations authorized to issue IDPs, and you explore in person with your valid license and a passport photo.
  • The IDP is valid for one year and costs $15 to $30, depending on your country and issuing organization.
  • Many car rental companies require an IDP even though it is not legally required in most countries, so check with your rental company before traveling.

How to Get an IDP in the United States

If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a AAA member to explore, though AAA members may pay a slightly lower fee.

Visit an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and the completed process form. AAA will provide the form when you arrive, or you can read it from their website before you go. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will pay the fee on the spot and receive the IDP when ready. If you do not have an AAA office near you, AATA also issues IDPs by mail — you send your documents and payment, and they mail the IDP back within two weeks.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. You cannot renew it; you must explore for a new one each year if you plan to drive internationally again. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid on the day you explore — an expired or suspended license will disqualify you.

How to Get an IDP in Canada

Canadian drivers can obtain an IDP through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) or through their provincial motor vehicle office. CAA is the faster and more widely available option. You will need your valid Canadian driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and payment.

Visit a CAA office in person with these documents. The IDP is issued on the spot and costs between $20 and $30 CAD depending on your province. If you prefer not to visit an office, some provinces allow you to mail your process to their motor vehicle office, though processing takes two to four weeks. Contact your provincial motor vehicle office directly to confirm whether mail-in service is available in your province.

Like the U.S. IDP, the Canadian version is valid for one year and must be carried with your home driver's license at all times while driving abroad.

How to Get an IDP in the United Kingdom

UK drivers obtain an IDP through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). You can explore online, by post, or in person at a Post Office that offers DVLA services. The online route is fastest — you will need your driving license number, passport details, and a digital photo that meets the DVLA's specifications.

Online applications are processed within five working days. Post and Post Office applications take up to two weeks. The fee is £5.50 GBP. You will receive the IDP by post at the address registered with your DVLA record. Your UK driving license must be valid and not suspended or revoked.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP

Driving without an IDP when you are required to have one is not a criminal offense in most countries, but it can create serious problems. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, you may not be able to prove your driving status without the translation document. Some countries' insurance policies explicitly state that they will not cover accidents if the driver cannot produce an IDP.

Rental car companies often refuse to rent to drivers without an IDP, even though it is not legally required. If you rent a car and are later found to be driving without one, the rental company may deny your insurance claim for any damage. Border officials may also question whether your license is valid if you cannot produce the translation document.

The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you travel, even if you are not certain you will need it. The cost is low, the process is quick, and it eliminates uncertainty at borders, police stops, and rental counters.

Countries That Recognize the IDP

The IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and many others. However, some countries do not recognize it, and a few countries require additional documents beyond the IDP.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country you are visiting. Your car rental company can tell you whether an IDP is required, or you can contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country. Some countries accept the IDP but also require an official translation of your license into their language, or a separate national driving permit obtained in that country.

China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries do not recognize the IDP and require an official translation of your home license or a separate permit obtained in-country. If you plan to drive in these locations, research the specific requirements well before your trip.

How Long an IDP Takes and What to Expect Next

In the United States, an IDP issued in person at an AAA office is ready when ready. Mail-in applications through AATA take two weeks. In Canada, in-person applications through CAA are when ready; mail-in applications take two to four weeks. In the UK, online applications take five working days; post applications take up to two weeks.

Once you receive your IDP, store it with your passport and driver's license. When you travel, carry all three documents together. The IDP is a small booklet that fits in a wallet. It does not replace your home license — both must be presented together to be valid.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact your country's embassy or consulate. They can issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your driving status while you arrange a replacement. When you return home, you can obtain a new IDP through the same process you used to get the first one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Europe?

Most European countries recognize the IDP, but it is not legally required in all of them. However, car rental companies almost always require one, and many insurance policies will not cover you without it. It is safer to obtain one before you travel, even if the country does not legally require it.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your home country's driver's license must be valid on the day you explore. If your license is expired, you must renew it first through your motor vehicle authority, then explore for the IDP.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in that country. They can issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your driving status. When you return home, you can obtain a new IDP through the same process as the original.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only. An international license does not exist as a separate legal document. Some countries issue their own national driving permits that are valid in other countries, but these are not the same as an IDP and are obtained through that country's motor vehicle authority.

How much does an IDP cost?

In the United States, an IDP costs $15 to $20 through AAA or AATA. In Canada, it costs $20 to $30 CAD through CAA or provincial offices. In the UK, it costs £5.50 through the DVLA. Prices vary slightly by location and issuing organization.