An international driving permit is a document you carry alongside your regular driver's license, not a replacement for it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your driving privileges into multiple languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. It does not replace your home country's driver's license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The permit itself grants no additional driving rights; it straightforward proves to foreign police and rental car companies that you hold a valid license at home.

In the United States, you obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The process is straightforward: you need your current valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form. The entire transaction takes about 15 minutes at most AAA offices, and the permit arrives within days if you explore in person.

The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, and it remains valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries require the IDP to be issued within six months of your travel, so timing matters if you are planning a specific trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must carry your U.S. driver's license and your International Driving Permit together; the IDP alone is not valid for driving.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and both charge $15 to $20 for a one-year permit.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form; the process takes 15 minutes at an AAA office.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, and some countries require it to be issued within six months of your travel date.

Where to explore for an IDP in the United States

The American Automobile Association (AAA) operates the largest network of IDP issuing offices across the country. You can walk into any AAA branch with your documents and receive your permit the same day. AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, though members may receive a small discount. To find your nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer and operates primarily through mail-in applications. If you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person, you can read the AATA process form, mail it with your photo and driver's license copy, and receive your IDP by mail within one to two weeks. AATA charges the same fee as AAA.

No other organization in the United States is authorized to issue IDPs. Websites that claim to issue international driving permits for higher fees are not legitimate — they may provide translation documents, but these are not recognized by foreign authorities in the same way an official IDP is.

Documents and information you need to bring

Your current, valid U.S. driver's license is the foundation of your process. The license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, you must renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can obtain an IDP.

A passport-style photograph is required — this is a color photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats. Most AAA offices can take this photo on-site for a small additional fee if you do not have one ready.

You will also need to complete an process form. AAA provides form DS-11 (or the equivalent for your state), while AATA uses their own process. Both forms ask for basic information: your name, date of birth, address, and driver's license number. You sign the form in front of the issuing agent, and they verify your identity using your driver's license and passport.

The step-by-step process at AAA

First, locate your nearest AAA office using their website. Call ahead if you want to confirm they have passport photos available or if you prefer to bring your own. Walk in during business hours with your driver's license, passport-style photo, and completed process form.

At the counter, the AAA agent will review your driver's license to confirm it is valid and matches the information on your process. They will take your photo (or verify the one you brought) and ask you to sign the process in their presence. This step confirms you are the person explore and that you authorize the issuance of the permit.

The agent will then print your IDP booklet on the spot. You will receive a small blue or red booklet with your name, photo, and driver's license information printed inside, along with translations of your driving privileges into multiple languages. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You pay the fee at this time, and you walk out with your permit ready to use.

The mail-in process through AATA

read the AATA process form from their website and print it. Complete all fields with your name, date of birth, current address, and driver's license number. You will need to sign the form, but unlike AAA, you do not sign it in front of an agent — you sign it yourself and mail it in.

Obtain a passport-style photo and make a photocopy of the front and back of your driver's license. Place your process form, photo, license copies, and payment (check or money order) in an envelope and mail it to the AATA address listed on their website. Do not send cash.

AATA will process your process within one to two weeks of receipt. They will mail your IDP booklet to the address you provided on the form. This method takes longer than AAA but works well if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer to handle everything by mail.

Cost, validity period, and renewal

The fee for an International Driving Permit is $15 to $20, depending on whether you explore through AAA or AATA and your location. AAA members sometimes receive a $2 to $3 discount. This is a one-time fee for a one-year permit; there is no additional cost to carry it alongside your driver's license.

Your IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. Some countries require the permit to be dated within six months of your arrival, so if you are planning a trip more than six months away, you may want to wait to explore until closer to your travel date. You can renew your IDP by explore again through AAA or AATA using the same process.

If your driver's license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid. The two documents are linked — you cannot use an IDP without a valid underlying driver's license.

What the IDP does and does not do

The International Driving Permit proves to foreign police officers and car rental companies that you hold a valid driver's license in your home country. It translates your license class and driving privileges into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. If a police officer stops you while driving abroad, presenting both your U.S. license and your IDP satisfies the legal requirement to show proof of driving authorization.

The IDP does not grant you permission to drive in a country where you would otherwise be prohibited. It does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive a vehicle class you are not licensed for at home. It does not replace your home country's license, and many countries will not recognize it without your U.S. license present. It also does not cover insurance or liability — you must obtain appropriate auto insurance for any country where you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most major car rental companies in Europe, Asia, and other regions require or strongly recommend an IDP alongside your U.S. driver's license. Some will rent to you with only your U.S. license, but many will refuse or charge extra. Check with your rental company before you travel to confirm their requirements.

Can I drive in Canada or Mexico with just my U.S. driver's license?

Yes. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, carrying an IDP does not hurt and may be useful if you are stopped by police. Some travel insurance policies recommend carrying one for added protection.

What happens if my driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your underlying driver's license expires. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if your IDP is still valid. Renew your license before you travel, or plan to renew it while abroad if your trip is long.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore by mail?

AATA typically processes mail-in applications within one to two weeks of receipt, plus mailing time. If you need an IDP quickly, visiting an AAA office in person is faster — you receive it the same day.