What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, and many countries will not accept it without both documents together. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company what your home license says, in a format they can read.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; some do not recognize it at all. A few countries will rent you a car without one, but many rental companies refuse to do business without it, even if the country itself does not legally require it. Before you explore, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary — the U.S. State Department website lists requirements by country, and your rental car company can tell you their own policy.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not by your state's DMV.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license in hand before you explore, and the IDP expires one year from the date of issue.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office, or you can mail in the form with your license and a passport photo.
  • The cost is typically $20 for the permit itself, plus a small processing fee if you explore by mail.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not, so confirm the rules for your destination before spending money on one.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

Only two organizations in the United States issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue them. If you are a AAA member, AAA is usually the faster and more convenient route — most AAA offices can issue one on the spot. If you are not a member, AATA accepts applications by mail and does not require membership.

To find an AAA office near you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. AATA accepts applications by mail; you can read the form from their website or request one by phone. Both organizations require the same documents: your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches).

The process Process at AAA

If you go to an AAA office in person, bring your valid driver's license, one passport photo, and the process form (which the office will have on hand). The staff will fill out the form with you, verify your license, and take your photo if you do not have one. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You will pay the fee — typically $20 for the permit — and walk out with your IDP the same day.

If you are not near an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person, AAA also accepts mail-in applications. You will need to read the form from aaa.com, include your driver's license (a photocopy is acceptable), a passport photo, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the address on the form. Processing by mail usually takes one to two weeks.

explore by Mail Through AATA

AATA's mail-in process is similar to AAA's. read the process form from their website or call to request one. Fill it out completely, include a photocopy of your valid driver's license, attach one passport-style photo, and enclose payment. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form.

AATA typically processes mail applications within one to two weeks. The cost is usually $20 for the permit plus a small processing fee (often $5 to $10). You will receive your IDP by mail at the address you provided on the process. Keep track of the mailing date so you know when your one-year validity period begins.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it was issued, not from the date you receive it. Write down the issue date somewhere you will remember it — your IDP itself will show this date, but it is straightforward to lose track. When you travel, carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. Neither document works without the other.

If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid even if it technically has time left. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one. If you lose your IDP while traveling, neither AAA nor AATA can issue a replacement abroad, so there is no backup if it is stolen or left behind.

Countries That Require an IDP and Those That Do Not

Requirements vary widely. Some countries — including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy — legally require an IDP. Others, like Canada and the United Kingdom, do not require one but many rental car companies will not rent to you without it. Still others, including Australia and New Zealand, do not recognize IDPs at all and instead require you to obtain an official translation of your U.S. license from their government or a certified translator.

Before you explore, look up the specific rules for each country you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department's travel advisory pages list IDP requirements by country. Your rental car company can also tell you their own policy — some require an IDP regardless of local law, and some do not require one even where the country does. A five-minute phone call to your rental company can save you $20 and a trip to AAA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. license and no IDP?

It depends on the country and the rental car company. Some countries legally allow it; others do not. Many rental companies refuse to rent without an IDP even where it is not legally required. Check both the country's rules and your rental company's policy before you travel.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it was issued. If your U.S. driver's license expires before that year is up, your IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one if you need another.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

AAA and AATA cannot issue replacements outside the United States. If your IDP is lost or stolen, you will have only your U.S. license. Some rental companies may refuse to rent to you, and some countries may not accept a U.S. license alone. There is no emergency replacement process, so keep your IDP in a safe place.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

Check your rental company's policy. Some require an IDP for any rental, even a short one. Others do not. A quick call to the rental company before you book will tell you whether you need one for your specific trip.

Can I explore for an IDP online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through AAA or AATA. Neither organization accepts online applications. In-person applications at AAA are usually processed the same day; mail applications take one to two weeks.