What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a document that translates your existing driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It sits alongside your regular license — you must carry both when driving abroad. The IDP itself grants no driving privileges; it straightforward makes your home license readable to police and rental agencies in other countries.

The United States issues two types of IDP. The 1926 Convention IDP is valid for one year and works in most countries. The 1968 Convention IDP is valid for three years and is required in some nations, particularly in South America and parts of Asia. Which one you need depends on where you plan to drive. Before you obtain either, check the specific requirements of the countries on your itinerary — some accept only one type, and a few accept neither.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the permit cannot replace or renew an expired license.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
  • The 1926 Convention IDP costs roughly $20 and lasts one year; the 1968 Convention IDP costs roughly $30 and lasts three years, but not all countries recognize the three-year version.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at most AAA offices or by mail through either AAA or AATA, and the process takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-style photograph, and a completed process form; no written test or driving record check is required.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

The American Automobile Association (AAA) operates the largest network of IDP issuance locations in the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can visit any AAA office and obtain an IDP the same day. Non-members can also purchase an IDP at AAA offices, though some locations charge a small additional fee. To find the nearest office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not operate physical offices; instead, you submit your process and documents by mail to their processing center in Washington, D.C. This route typically takes seven to ten business days. AATA is useful if you do not have a AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person.

No other organization — not the DMV, not online services, not travel agencies — can legally issue a U.S. IDP. If a website or service claims to issue an IDP, it is either selling a translation document that is not recognized internationally or it is fraudulent.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Gather these items before you visit AAA or mail your process to AATA:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (not expired, and not suspended or revoked).
  • A passport-style photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background, and you must be looking directly at the camera.
  • The completed IDP process form. AAA provides this at their offices; AATA provides it on their website for read.
  • Payment in cash, check, or card, depending on the location or method. AAA offices accept most payment types; AATA accepts check or money order by mail.

You do not need to pass a written test, provide your driving record, or prove residency. The issuer will verify that your driver's license is valid but will not review your driving history or check for violations.

Choosing Between the One-Year and Three-Year Permit

The 1926 Convention IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs approximately $20. It is recognized in most countries worldwide, including Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, and Japan. If you are taking a single trip or are unsure about your future travel plans, this is the standard choice.

The 1968 Convention IDP is valid for three years and costs approximately $30. It is required in some countries, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and several others in South America and Asia. Before you purchase the three-year version, verify that it is accepted in the countries where you will drive. Some nations recognize only the one-year version, and carrying the wrong type will not help you.

You can obtain both types at the same time if you plan to drive in countries that require the 1968 version and also want a backup for countries that accept only the 1926 version. The cost and time commitment are minimal if you are already visiting an AAA office.

The In-Person Process at AAA

Walk into any AAA office with your driver's license, passport photo, and payment. Hand the staff member your license and photo. They will complete the process form on your behalf — you will sign it, and they will verify your information against your license. The entire process takes ten to fifteen minutes.

You will receive your IDP when ready. Check it on the spot to make sure your name, license number, and photograph are correct. If there is an error, ask the staff member to correct it before you leave. Once you leave the office, corrections are difficult and may require a new process.

AAA membership is not required, but members often pay a lower fee. If you are not a member and plan to visit an office, call ahead to confirm the non-member fee and whether they have passport photos available on-site. Some offices offer photo services for a small additional charge.

The Mail Process Through AATA

Visit the AATA website and read the IDP process form. Complete it in full, including your name, address, driver's license number, and date of birth. Attach a passport-style photograph and sign the form.

Mail the completed process, photograph, and payment (check or money order) to the AATA address listed on the form. Processing typically takes seven to ten business days from the date AATA receives your envelope. You can request expedited processing for an additional fee, which reduces the timeline to three to five business days.

AATA will mail your IDP to the address you provided on the form. There is no tracking number, so allow extra time if your mail is slow. If you do not receive your IDP within two weeks of mailing, contact AATA directly to confirm receipt of your process.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your IDP is valid only when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your license at a rental counter, you must present both documents. A rental agency or police officer cannot accept the IDP alone.

Store your IDP in a safe place while traveling — a hotel safe or your carry-on luggage, not your checked bag. If your IDP is lost or stolen, you cannot obtain a replacement while abroad. You will need to return to the United States and explore for a new one through AAA or AATA.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document. If you plan to drive internationally again after that date, you will need to obtain a new one. There is no renewal process; you straightforward explore for a fresh IDP as if it were your first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an international driving permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP. Renew or restore your license through your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Canada or Mexico?

Most rental agencies in Canada and Mexico accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some agencies and some countries recommend carrying an IDP as a backup, and police in certain regions may request one. It is inexpensive and takes little time, so carrying one eliminates uncertainty.

What if the country I am visiting does not recognize the IDP I obtained?

This is rare but possible. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country on your itinerary. If a country requires the 1968 Convention IDP and you have only the 1926 version, you will need to obtain the three-year permit before you leave. If a country does not recognize U.S. IDPs at all, you may need an International Driving Document issued by your rental agency instead.

How much does an international driving permit cost?

The one-year 1926 Convention IDP costs approximately $20, and the three-year 1968 Convention IDP costs approximately $30. Prices vary slightly by AAA location and may be higher for non-members. AATA charges the same base fees but may add a fee for expedited mail processing.

Can I get an IDP online without visiting an office or mailing anything?

No. You must either visit a AAA office in person or mail your process to AATA. No legitimate online service can issue a U.S. IDP. If a website claims to issue one online, it is not authorized by the U.S. State Department.