How to Get an International Driver's License

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 permit tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your home license is real and current, because they may not be able to read it otherwise.

The IDP is issued under two international conventions: the 1926 convention (the older, more widely recognized version) and the 1968 convention (newer, accepted in more countries). Most countries accept both, but a few accept only one. Before you travel, check which version the country you are visiting recognizes — your issuing organization can tell you, or you can search the country's embassy website.

You get an IDP from an authorized issuing organization in your home country, not from an international body. In the United States, 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. No other organization in the U.S. is legally permitted to issue them.

Key Takeaways

An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your original license.
In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs; no other organization can legally do so.
You need a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
An IDP from AAA costs around $20 and takes about 15 minutes in person, or you can mail in your documents and receive it by mail in one to two weeks.
An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and expires when your home license expires, whichever comes first.

What You Need Before You Go

Gather these documents before you visit an issuing organization or prepare them for mailing. You will need a valid, unexpired driver's license from your U.S. state — this is the document the IDP translates, so it must be current. You also need a passport or passport card as proof of citizenship and identity. A state ID card does not work for this purpose.

You will need one passport-style photograph, which is 2 by 2 inches and taken within the last six months. Many CVS, Walgreens, and post offices offer passport photo services for $10 to $15. Do not use a photo from your phone or a regular snapshot — the photo must meet passport standards, which means a plain background, your face filling most of the frame, and no sunglasses or hats.

Have your Social Security number ready when you explore. You will also need to know which countries you plan to visit, because the issuing organization may ask which convention version you need — though in most cases they will issue the 1926 version, which is more widely accepted.

Getting an IDP in Person at AAA

If you are a AAA member, visit your local AAA office with your driver's license, passport or passport card, and passport photo. The staff will fill out the process form with you — you do not fill it out beforehand. The process takes about 15 minutes. AAA charges around $20 for the permit, though the exact price varies slightly by state. You walk out with your IDP the same day.

If you are not a AAA member, you can still get an IDP at a AAA office without joining. The cost is the same. Some AAA offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to confirm they have the document in stock is a good idea, especially if you are traveling soon.

To find your nearest AAA office, go to AAA.com and use their office locator. You can also call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not every AAA office issues IDPs on-site — some require you to mail in your documents — so confirm by phone or online before you visit.

Getting an IDP by Mail Through AAA

If you cannot visit an office in person, AAA accepts mail-in applications. Go to AAA.com and search for "International Driving Permit" to find the mail-in form and instructions. You will mail your completed form, driver's license, passport or passport card, and passport photo to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for around $20 — do not send cash.

AAA typically processes mail-in applications within one to two weeks and returns your documents to you by mail. Your original driver's license will be returned with your IDP. Keep track of when you mail your process, because if you do not hear back within three weeks, call AAA customer service to check the status.

Mail-in processing is slower than in-person, so plan ahead if you are traveling within the next few weeks. If you need your IDP urgently, visiting an office in person is faster.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer in the United States. AATA operates primarily by mail and does not have physical offices you can visit. To get an IDP from AATA, visit their website at AATA.org, read the process form, and mail it with your driver's license, passport or passport card, and passport photo to the address on the form.

AATA charges around $20 for the permit and typically processes applications within one to two weeks. Like AAA, AATA returns your original driver's license along with your IDP. AATA is a good option if you do not have a AAA office nearby or if you prefer to handle everything by mail.

How Long Your IDP Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. However, it also expires when your home driver's license expires, whichever comes first. For example, if your IDP is issued on March 15, 2024, it expires on March 15, 2025 — unless your driver's license expires before that date, in which case the IDP expires with it.

You cannot renew an IDP. When it expires, you must obtain a new one by going through the process process again. If your driver's license is still valid but your IDP has expired, you can explore for a new IDP when ready. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, you must renew your driver's license first, then explore for a new IDP.

Keep your IDP in a safe place while traveling, just as you would your passport. If it is lost or damaged, you can explore for a replacement by following the same process — there is no expedited replacement option.

What Happens When You Travel With Your IDP

When you rent a car abroad, present both your home driver's license and your IDP together. The rental company will examine both documents. The IDP proves that your license is legitimate and current, which makes the rental process faster and reduces the chance of confusion or disputes.

If you are stopped by police while driving in another country, have both documents ready. The IDP translates your license information, which helps the officer understand your driving record and license status. Some countries may not accept your U.S. license alone without the IDP, so carrying both is essential.

The IDP does not change the driving laws of the country you are visiting. You must still follow local traffic rules, speed limits, and vehicle requirements. The IDP is only a translation tool — it does not grant you permission to drive or override local regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am just visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP, so you do not need one for those countries. However, if you are renting a car, some rental companies may ask for an IDP anyway. It is not required by law, but having one can make the rental process smoother. Check with your rental company before you travel.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online without visiting an office or mailing documents?

No. AAA and AATA both require you to submit original documents — either in person or by mail. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and their documents will not be recognized in other countries. Only use AAA or AATA.

What if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

You cannot get an IDP with a suspended or expired license. Your license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then explore for an IDP.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

Both AAA and AATA charge around $20 for an IDP. The exact price may vary slightly by state or by the specific AAA office. There are no additional fees or hidden charges. If a website quotes you a significantly higher price, it is not an authorized issuer.

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state's DMV?

No. State Departments of Motor Vehicles do not issue IDPs. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them in the United States. Your state DMV can tell you where to find an authorized issuer if you ask.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.