What an International Driver's License Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license that lets you drive without your regular license — you must carry both documents together, and the IDP alone is worthless without your valid domestic license in your pocket.

The IDP exists because rental car companies, police, and border officials in foreign countries may not read your home country's license. The permit translates your license information — name, date of birth, license number, vehicle class restrictions — into English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese. It is valid for one or three years depending on which version you obtain.

The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Most other countries issue them through their national automobile clubs or transport ministries. The IDP is governed by the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which means the document format is standardized across countries that are signatories.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing driver's license and must be carried alongside it at all times; it is not a replacement license.
  • In the United States, you obtain an IDP through AAA or AATA by submitting your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form in person.
  • The one-year IDP costs around $20 and the three-year version costs around $30, though prices vary by issuing organization and location.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs and require an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead, so check your destination country's requirements before traveling.
  • An IDP does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where your home license would not be valid.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

The two authorized U.S. issuers are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is the larger and more widely available option — it operates through local AAA clubs in most states. AATA is smaller and primarily serves members in the northeastern United States.

You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location. Neither organization issues IDPs by mail or online. To find your nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their club locator tool. For AATA, visit aata.org and look for member services locations.

Some travel agencies and international driving services advertise online IDP services, but these are not legitimate U.S. issuers. The only valid IDPs for U.S. citizens come from AAA or AATA. If you purchase from an unauthorized vendor, you will have a document that foreign authorities will not recognize.

Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport, and one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from your driver's license or passport.

You will also need to complete an process form at the office. AAA uses form DS-11 (or equivalent) and AATA has its own process. Both are straightforward and ask for your name, address, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to provide proof of travel plans or reservations.

If your name has changed since your driver's license was issued, bring documentation of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The IDP must match your current legal name.

Processing Time and Cost

AAA and AATA issue IDPs on the same day you explore, provided you bring all required documents and the office is not unusually busy. You will walk out with your permit the same visit. Processing takes 10 to 15 minutes in most cases.

The one-year IDP costs approximately $20 through AAA, and the three-year version costs approximately $30. AATA charges similar rates. Prices may vary slightly by location and are subject to change. AAA members do not receive a discount on IDP fees.

Payment is usually cash or card at the point of service. Ask your local office what they accept before you arrive.

How Long an International Driving Permit Remains Valid

A one-year IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for 36 months. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. After expiration, the IDP is no longer recognized by foreign authorities and you will need to obtain a new one if you travel internationally again.

An IDP does not extend the validity of your driver's license itself. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid because it is a translation of an expired license. You must renew your driver's license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can use the IDP.

Some countries have additional rules about how long before your license expires you can use an IDP. For example, some require that your license be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit.

Countries That Do Not Recognize International Driving Permits

Several countries do not recognize IDPs issued under the 1926 or 1968 conventions. These include China, Russia, India, and several Middle Eastern nations. In these countries, you will need an official translation of your driver's license from a certified translator, or you will need to obtain a temporary local driving permit.

Some countries recognize IDPs but also require a certified translation. Germany and France, for example, technically accept IDPs but many rental car companies and police prefer a certified German or French translation of your license as well. The safest approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country and ask what documents they require.

If you plan to drive in a country that does not recognize IDPs, contact a certified translation service in that country or hire a translator through your car rental company. Costs for certified translation typically range from $50 to $150 depending on the language and translator.

What an International Driving Permit Does and Does Not Do

An IDP does not change your driving privileges or allow you to drive in places where your home license would not be valid. If you are not licensed to drive a motorcycle in the United States, an IDP will not let you rent a motorcycle in France. If your license is suspended or revoked, an IDP does not restore your right to drive.

An IDP is purely a translation tool. It tells a foreign police officer or rental agent what your U.S. license says, in languages they can read. It does not grant you any rights you do not already have under your home license.

Some countries have minimum age requirements for renting cars that are higher than the U.S. minimum. An IDP does not override those rules. If you are 21 and rent a car in the United States, you may still be required to pay a young driver surcharge or be denied a rental in Europe, where many companies require drivers to be 25 or older.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and rental company. Most major rental companies in Europe, Australia, and Canada will rent to you with just your U.S. driver's license and passport. However, some smaller rental agencies and companies in less developed countries require an IDP. Checking with your rental company before you travel is the safest approach.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. Only AAA and AATA can issue valid U.S. IDPs, and both require you to explore in person at a physical office. Online services that claim to issue IDPs are not legitimate. Your IDP must be issued by an authorized organization and bear their official seal.

What happens if I drive with an expired International Driving Permit?

An expired IDP is not recognized by foreign authorities and provides no legal protection. If you are stopped by police, the expired permit will not help you. You would be driving on your U.S. license alone, which may not be sufficient in countries that require an IDP or certified translation.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended?

No. AAA and AATA will not issue an IDP if your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing. Once your license is reinstated, you can explore for an IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document. An international license is a separate, full license issued by some countries that allows you to drive in multiple countries under a single document. The U.S. does not issue international licenses — only IDPs.