An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages so rental car companies and police in other countries can read it
It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license. You must carry both documents together — the permit alone is not valid. The permit is issued by your home country's automobile association or government motor vehicle department, takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you live.
The permit is useful in roughly 150 countries, though some nations (including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand) do not require it because they recognize US licenses directly. Before you travel, check the specific country's entry requirements, because some nations have stopped accepting the permit altogether or require additional documents like an International Driving Document or a certified translation of your license instead.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit must be obtained from your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department before you travel — you cannot get one at a border or airport.
- The permit is a translation document only and must be carried together with your valid home country driver's license at all times.
- Processing takes one to two weeks by mail, so order it at least three weeks before your departure date.
- Some countries no longer accept the permit or have replaced it with other document types, so verify the requirements for your specific destination before ordering.
How to order an International Driving Permit in the United States
In the US, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits. You do not need to be a AAA member to order one through AAA — you can walk into any AAA office or order by mail.
To order in person, bring your valid US driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The permit is issued on the spot and costs $20. To order by mail, send the same documents plus a completed process form (available on the AAA website) and a check or money order for $20 to your nearest AAA office. Mail processing takes one to two weeks.
The AATA also issues permits by mail only. You can find their mailing address and process form on their website. The process and cost are the same as AAA mail orders. Both organizations issue permits valid for three years from the date of issue.
International Driving Permits in other countries
If you hold a driver's license from outside the United States, your home country's automobile association or national motor vehicle authority issues the permit. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association handles permits. In the United Kingdom, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) does not issue permits directly — instead, you order through the Post Office or by mail from the DVLA.
In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) issue permits. In New Zealand, the New Zealand Automobile Association handles them. Processing times, costs, and required documents vary by country. Contact your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department to find the exact process and current fees.
What the permit covers and what it does not
The International Driving Permit translates your license information — your name, address, license number, and vehicle categories you are authorized to drive — into ten languages. It does not grant you permission to drive in any country. Your home country's license is what actually authorizes you to drive; the permit is straightforward a translation that makes that authorization readable to foreign authorities.
The permit does not override local driving laws, age restrictions, or insurance requirements. If you are too young to rent a car in a country, the permit will not change that. If a country requires you to carry an International Driving Document instead, the permit will not substitute for it. The permit also does not cover traffic violations or accidents — if you are stopped by police or involved in a collision, you are still subject to the laws of the country where the incident occurs.
Countries that accept the International Driving Permit and those that do not
The permit is recognized in most of Europe, Central America, South America, parts of Asia, and parts of Africa. France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Japan all accept it. However, acceptance is not may provide everywhere, and some countries have changed their policies in recent years.
Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland do not require the permit because they recognize US and Commonwealth licenses directly. Some countries that once accepted the permit — including Russia and several Middle Eastern nations — have stopped doing so. A few countries issue their own national International Driving Document instead. Before you book a rental car or travel to a country, contact the rental company and check the country's official government travel website to confirm what documents are currently required.
Renting a car with an International Driving Permit
When you rent a car, bring both your home country license and the International Driving Permit. The rental company will ask to see both. Some companies will not rent to you without the permit if you are renting in a country where it is recommended, even if it is not legally required. Other companies accept the home license alone.
Your home country license is what the rental company uses to verify your driving record and determine your age and insurance may be able to access. The permit is a backup document that helps the rental agent and any police officer who stops you understand that your license is valid. If you lose the permit during your trip, you can still drive legally with your home license alone in most countries, though you may have difficulty if you are stopped by police who cannot read your home license.
What happens if you drive without the permit in a country that requires it
If a country legally requires the International Driving Permit and you are stopped by police without it, you may face a fine. The amount varies by country and by local enforcement practices. Some countries treat it as a minor violation; others treat it more seriously. You will not be arrested or deported for a missing permit, but you could be fined on the spot or receive a citation.
If you are involved in an accident and do not have the permit, your insurance claim may be delayed or complicated because the police report may note that you were driving without required documentation. This does not automatically void your insurance, but it can create disputes with the rental company and your insurer about who is liable for the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or the UK?
No. Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland all recognize US driver's licenses directly. You can rent a car and drive legally with only your home license. However, some rental companies may ask to see an International Driving Permit anyway, so carrying one does not hurt.
Can I get an International Driving Permit at the airport or border?
No. The permit must be ordered in advance from your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department. There is no way to obtain one at a border, airport, or while traveling. Order it at least three weeks before your departure date to allow time for mail processing.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
In the United States, permits issued by AAA and AATA are valid for three years from the date of issue. In other countries, validity periods vary — some are valid for one year, others for three years. Check with your home country's issuing authority for the exact validity period of your permit.
What if my home country driver's license is expired?
You cannot get an International Driving Permit if your home license is expired. Your home license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. Renew your home license before you order the permit.
Is the International Driving Permit the same as an International Driving Document?
No. They are different documents issued by different organizations. The International Driving Permit is issued by automobile associations and is recognized in most countries. The International Driving Document is issued by some countries' motor vehicle departments and is required in a few specific nations. Check your destination's requirements to see which one you need.