What an international driver's license actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and insurance providers in other countries that your license is legitimate, because they can read your information without relying on translation services.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle authority, not by the United Nations or any international body, despite what the name suggests. The document is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 in most U.S. states. You cannot use an IDP alone to drive — it is only valid when paired with your current, unexpired domestic license.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times.
  • In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-style photo, and payment — the entire process takes 15 minutes to an hour in person.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years and costs between $15 and $30, depending on your state and which organization issues it.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs and require an official translation of your license instead, so check your destination's specific requirements before traveling.

Where to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most widely available source for an IDP. If you are a AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person with your documents and receive the permit the same day. Non-members can also obtain an IDP through AAA by paying a small additional fee on top of the permit cost. AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide, so finding a location near you is usually straightforward through their website.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not have physical offices but processes applications by mail. You send your completed form, photo, and payment to their address, and they mail the permit back to you within two to three weeks. This route takes longer but works if you do not have AAA nearby or prefer not to visit an office.

No other organization in the United States is authorized to issue IDPs. Online services that claim to issue international licenses for higher fees are either selling you an AAA or AATA permit at markup or offering a document that will not be recognized abroad.

Documents and information you need to bring

You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license in your possession. The IDP cannot be issued if your license has expired or is suspended. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's motor vehicle department before explore for the IDP.

You need one passport-style photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches. Most AAA offices have photo services on-site, or you can bring one from any photo service. The photo must show your face clearly, taken within the last six months, and match the appearance on your driver's license reasonably well.

You must complete the IDP process form, which AAA and AATA provide. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, date of birth, and signature. It takes five minutes to fill out. If you are explore through AATA by mail, you read the form from their website, print it, and include it with your payment and photo.

Bring payment in the form AAA or AATA accepts — usually cash, check, or card. The cost varies by state but typically ranges from $15 to $30 for a one-year permit and $20 to $40 for a three-year permit.

The step-by-step process at AAA

First, locate your nearest AAA office using their website or by calling their member services line. Walk in during business hours with your driver's license, passport photo, and completed process form. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though calling ahead can confirm wait times.

Hand your documents to the staff member at the counter. They will verify that your driver's license is valid and unexpired, check that your photo meets their standards, and review your process form for completeness. This verification takes about five minutes.

Pay the fee for the permit. If you are a AAA member, the cost is the standard rate for your state. If you are not a member, you pay an additional non-member fee on top of the permit cost — typically $5 to $10 more.

Receive your IDP when ready. The office prints it on the spot. Your permit is valid starting the day it is issued. Store it with your driver's license and bring both whenever you drive outside the United States.

The step-by-step process by mail through AATA

Visit the American Automobile Touring Alliance website and read the IDP process form. Print it and fill it out completely with your name, address, driver's license number, and signature.

Obtain a passport-style photo and attach it to the process form as instructed. Write a check or money order for the permit fee — AATA does not accept credit cards by mail, though their website may offer online payment options.

Mail your completed form, photo, and payment to the AATA address listed on their website. Include a return address so they can mail the permit back to you. Send it via regular mail or tracked mail if you want confirmation of delivery.

Wait two to three weeks for the permit to arrive. AATA processes applications in the order received, so timing depends on mail delivery and their current workload. Once it arrives, store it with your driver's license.

How long the permit is valid and when to renew

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request when you explore. The one-year permit costs less but requires more frequent renewal if you travel regularly. The three-year permit costs more upfront but covers multiple trips over a longer period.

Check the expiration date printed on your permit. When it expires, the document is no longer valid, even if your U.S. driver's license is still current. You must obtain a new IDP through AAA or AATA using the same process described above.

Some countries have additional rules about how old an IDP can be when you enter. A few nations require the permit to be less than one year old, even if it has not technically expired. Check the specific requirements for your destination before traveling.

Countries that do not recognize International Driving Permits

Most countries accept an IDP when paired with your U.S. driver's license, but some do not. France, Germany, Spain, and several other European nations recognize the IDP but also accept it as proof that your U.S. license is valid. However, a small number of countries either do not recognize the IDP at all or require an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country or check their official tourism website to confirm what documents they require. If an IDP is not recognized, you will need to obtain an official translation of your U.S. driver's license through a certified translation service. This process takes longer and costs more than an IDP, so planning ahead matters.

Rental car companies in most countries will accept an IDP without question. If you are renting a car, confirm with the rental company in advance what documents they require — some ask for an IDP, others ask for a translation, and a few ask for both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just an International Driving Permit and no U.S. license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your current, unexpired U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident and cannot produce your U.S. license, the IDP alone will not satisfy legal requirements. Always carry both documents together.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. Before traveling for an extended period, renew your U.S. license through your state's motor vehicle department. If your license expires while you are abroad, you cannot legally drive, and the IDP cannot substitute for it.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a few days?

Most rental car companies in English-speaking countries and Western Europe will rent to you with just your U.S. driver's license. However, some companies in other regions require an IDP, and some insurance policies are cheaper or more readily available if you have one. Check with your rental company and insurance provider before your trip to confirm their requirements.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or revoked?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted or you have successfully renewed your license through your state's motor vehicle department.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The cost varies by state and issuer. AAA typically charges between $15 and $30 for a one-year permit and $20 to $40 for a three-year permit. AATA charges similar amounts. Non-AAA members pay an additional fee through AAA. Check with your local AAA office or AATA's website for the exact price in your state.