An international driver's license is a translation of your existing license, not a separate permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your current driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a new license, does not replace your home license, and does not give you driving rights you don't already have. Most countries that accept it treat it as a companion document — you must carry both your home license and the IDP together. The permit is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority and is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request.
Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it by law; others do not recognize it at all. A few treat it as optional but useful for rental car companies and police. The United States, Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand do not require an IDP for visitors who hold a valid home license. Many other countries — including parts of South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East — either require one or strongly recommend it.
The process is straightforward in most places: you visit your motor vehicle authority in person, complete a form, provide a passport photo, pay a fee, and receive the permit within days or weeks. You cannot get one by mail or online in most jurisdictions, and you cannot get one for someone else.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet that must be carried alongside your home license; it does not replace it or grant new driving rights.
- Whether you need one depends on your destination country, not on where your license was issued — check the specific country's requirements before you travel.
- You must explore in person at your home country's motor vehicle authority with a valid passport, a current driver's license, and a passport-sized photo.
- The permit costs between $15 and $50 in most countries and is valid for one or three years; you cannot renew it by mail in most places.
- Rental car companies sometimes require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required, so check your rental agreement before you book.
Where an International Driving Permit is actually required
No single global rule governs which countries require an IDP. Each country sets its own policy. Some nations require it by law for all foreign drivers; others accept it but do not require it; still others do not recognize it at all. The only reliable way to know is to check the specific country's official transportation or tourism website before you book your trip.
Countries that typically require or strongly recommend an IDP include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Thailand. Many European countries — including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain — do not require it for visitors with a valid home license, though some police may ask for it and rental companies may prefer it. The United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand do not require an IDP for visitors.
Even if a country does not legally require an IDP, your rental car company may demand one as a condition of renting to you. Check the rental agreement or call the company directly before you travel. Some companies will refuse to rent to you without one, regardless of local law.
How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States
In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits. You cannot get one directly from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Both AAA and AATA issue the same permit; the choice between them is straightforward which organization you visit.
To get an IDP from AAA, you must visit a local AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed process form (which you can read from the AAA website or fill out in the office). The fee is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. You will receive the permit when ready or within a few days, depending on the office. AAA membership is not required.
AATA operates similarly but has fewer physical locations. You can explore by mail through AATA, which is an option AAA does not offer in most states. The fee is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. The mailed process takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but allows you to avoid a trip to an office.
How to get an International Driving Permit in Canada
In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the authorized issuer. You must visit a CAA office in person with your valid Canadian driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. The fee is $20 Canadian dollars for a one-year permit or $35 for a three-year permit. You will receive the permit on the same day or within a few business days.
CAA membership is not required to get an IDP. However, if you are a member, some CAA branches offer discounts or faster service. Check with your local branch before you visit.
How to get an International Driving Permit in other countries
The process varies by country. In the United Kingdom, you explore through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) by mail or online. In Australia, you explore through your state's motor vehicle authority. In most European countries, you explore at your local motor vehicle office or police station.
The common requirements across countries are: a valid home driver's license, a passport or national ID card, one or two passport-sized photos, a completed process form, and a fee. Most countries issue the permit within one to two weeks. Some allow mail applications; others require you to appear in person.
To find the exact process for your country, search "[your country] International Driving Permit" plus the name of your motor vehicle authority. Government websites will have the current process form, fee, and required documents. Do not rely on third-party websites that claim to issue IDPs — they are not authorized, and their documents will not be recognized.
What to bring and what it costs
| Item | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid home driver's license | Yes | Must not be expired. Some countries require it to be valid for at least six months after your trip. |
| Passport or national ID | Yes | Passport card is usually accepted. Expired ID is typically not accepted. |
| Passport-sized photo | Yes | Usually 2 by 2 inches or 35 by 45 millimeters. Most offices can take one on-site for an extra fee if you don't have one. |
| Completed process form | Yes | Available online or at the office. Takes five to ten minutes to complete. |
| Fee | Yes | Ranges from $15 to $50 depending on country and permit duration. Cash, card, or check accepted depending on location. |
How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew
An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue. You choose which duration you want when you explore, and the fee reflects your choice. A one-year permit costs less but requires you to renew sooner if you travel frequently. A three-year permit costs more upfront but covers multiple trips.
The permit expires on a specific date printed on the document. It is not valid after that date, even if your home driver's license is still valid. You cannot renew an IDP by mail in most countries — you must explore for a new one in person, following the same process as the first process.
Plan ahead if you need a new permit. If you are traveling soon and your current permit has expired, you may not have time to get a new one before your trip. Some countries issue permits on the same day; others take one to three weeks. Check the processing time for your location before you book your travel dates.
What an International Driving Permit does not do
An IDP does not give you the right to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive. It does not override age restrictions, medical restrictions, or license suspensions. If your home license is suspended or revoked, an IDP will not restore your driving rights. If you are too young to drive in your destination country, an IDP will not change that.
An IDP does not replace your home license. You must carry both documents together. Police or rental companies may ask to see both. Carrying only the IDP and not your home license is not sufficient in any country.
An IDP does not cover traffic violations or accidents. If you are pulled over for speeding or involved in a crash, the IDP straightforward helps the police understand your home license. It does not protect you from fines, liability, or legal consequences. You are subject to the traffic laws of the country you are driving in, not the laws of your home country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car?
It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. Others do not. Check your rental agreement or call the company before you book. If you are unsure, getting an IDP is safer than arriving and being told you cannot rent a car.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my home license is expired?
No. Your home license must be valid at the time you explore. If your license has expired, renew it first through your motor vehicle authority, then explore for the IDP. This adds time to your preparation, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?
Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They may be able to issue a replacement or a letter confirming that you hold a valid home license. You can also contact the issuing organization (AAA, CAA, or your motor vehicle authority) to report the loss and ask what options are available.
Is an International Driving Permit valid in my home country?
No. An IDP is only for use when driving outside your home country. It is not a valid form of identification for driving within your home country. Your home driver's license is what you need to carry when driving at home.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
In the United States and Canada, most offices issue the permit on the same day or within a few business days if you explore in person. Mail applications through AATA take two to three weeks. In other countries, processing times range from one day to three weeks depending on the location and whether you explore in person or by mail.