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 and rental car companies in other countries that your home license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their borders without this translation.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle agency, not by an international body. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Most other countries have a single issuing body — often their national motor club or transportation ministry. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 in most places.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country. The European Union, for example, recognizes licenses from any EU member state without one. Canada and Australia recognize US licenses for short visits. But if you are renting a car, crossing into a country with strict enforcement, or staying longer than a tourist visit, an IDP removes the risk that a police officer will refuse to recognize your license.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet, not a new license, and you must carry it with your valid home license at all times.
  • In the United States, AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs, and you must explore in person with your passport and current driver's license.
  • The one-year permit costs $15 to $20 and the three-year permit costs $20 to $30, depending on which issuing organization you use.
  • Processing takes minutes to hours if you explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location, with no waiting period — you receive the permit the same day.
  • Before you travel, check the specific country's rules, because some nations do not recognize IDPs or have additional requirements like an International Certificate of Competency.

Where to Obtain an IDP 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 International Driving Permits. You must explore through one of these two — no other organization, website, or mail service can legally issue a valid IDP for U.S. citizens.

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. You can find your nearest office by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator. AATA has fewer locations but covers most major cities; their website is aataidp.com. Both organizations issue the same permit — the difference is only location and membership status. AAA members typically pay a lower fee than non-members, though both can obtain an IDP regardless of membership.

You cannot explore online or by mail through either organization. You must appear in person at an AAA or AATA office with your documents. This requirement exists because the issuing organization must verify your identity and the validity of your home license before issuing the permit.

Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. passport and your current driver's license to the AAA or AATA office. These are the only two documents required. The passport proves your citizenship and identity; the driver's license proves you are legally permitted to drive. Both must be in your name and currently valid — an expired passport or license will not be accepted.

Bring the originals, not copies. The staff member will examine them to confirm they match and that your license has not been suspended or revoked. You do not need to bring proof of residence, vehicle registration, or any other paperwork.

If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring documentation of that change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The IDP must match your current legal name, and the staff member will need to see proof that the name change is official.

The process Process and Timeline

Walk into an AAA or AATA office during business hours and tell the staff you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. They will hand you a one-page form that asks for your name, date of birth, address, driver's license number, and passport number. The form takes five minutes to complete. You will also choose whether you want the one-year permit or the three-year permit.

Hand the completed form and your documents to the staff member. They will verify that your license and passport are valid and that the information matches. They will then take a photograph of you if you do not already have one on file with that organization. The entire process takes 10 to 30 minutes.

You receive the completed IDP the same day you explore. There is no waiting period, no mailing delay, and no separate approval step. The permit is ready to use when ready. Write down the permit number and keep it separate from the permit itself, in case the booklet is lost or stolen while you travel.

Cost and Payment Options

The one-year International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you are an AAA member and which AAA region you visit. The three-year permit costs $20 to $30. AATA charges similar rates. Both organizations accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

AAA members receive a discount at AAA offices — typically $5 off the total cost. If you are not a member but plan to travel frequently, AAA membership costs $50 to $150 per year depending on the membership level, so the discount on an IDP alone does not justify joining. However, AAA membership includes roadside information, travel discounts, and other benefits that may be useful.

There are no hidden fees or additional charges. The price you are quoted at the office is the total amount you will pay. Some websites claim to offer IDPs by mail or online for higher prices — these are not legitimate. They either resell the same AAA or AATA permit at a markup, or they sell a document that is not recognized by foreign authorities.

What to Do With Your IDP Before You Travel

Before you leave the country, check the specific rules of each country you plan to visit. Some nations recognize the IDP automatically; others require it but have additional requirements; and a few do not recognize it at all. The U.S. State Department website has a country-by-country guide at travel.state.gov. Your car rental company can also tell you what documents they require.

Some countries require an International Certificate of Competency in addition to the IDP. This is a separate document that certifies you have passed a driving test. It is not the same as an IDP and is less commonly required, but a few nations in Asia and the Middle East ask for it. If you need one, you must obtain it from your state's motor vehicle department, not from AAA.

Keep your IDP with your passport at all times while traveling. Do not pack it in checked luggage. If you are stopped by police, you must produce both your home license and your IDP together — showing only the IDP is not sufficient. Make a photocopy of both documents and store it separately, in case the originals are lost or stolen.

If your IDP is lost or damaged while you are traveling, you cannot obtain a replacement abroad. You will need to return to the United States and visit an AAA or AATA office again. For this reason, some travelers purchase a second IDP before leaving — it costs the same as the first and is valid for the same period.

Alternatives and Special Situations

If you do not have a valid U.S. passport, you cannot obtain an IDP. A passport card, passport book, or passport number alone is not sufficient — you must have the physical passport document. If your passport has expired, renew it before explore for the IDP. The passport renewal process takes four to six weeks through the State Department, or one to two weeks through an expedited service for an additional fee.

If your driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP. The issuing organization will check your license status against the state motor vehicle database. If there is a suspension or revocation on record, they will refuse to issue the permit. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with your state's motor vehicle department first.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you can obtain an IDP, but the IDP will only be valid for the vehicle classes listed on your CDL. If you plan to rent a passenger car, your regular driver's license is sufficient and you do not need the CDL designation on your IDP. Ask the AAA or AATA staff which license to present if you hold both a CDL and a regular license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most European car rental companies do not require an IDP, but many recommend carrying one. EU member states recognize licenses from other EU countries without translation. However, if you are renting from a major international company like Hertz or Avis, they may ask for an IDP as proof that your home license is valid. It is safer to carry one than to risk a rental company refusing to rent to you.

Can I use an IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your home driver's license must be valid and current. An IDP is only a translation of your license, not a replacement for it. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's motor vehicle department before explore for an IDP.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can choose either a one-year or three-year permit when you explore. Both are valid for the period you select from the date of issue. The three-year permit costs slightly more but is a better value if you travel internationally more than once during that period. Neither permit is valid after your home driver's license expires.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot obtain a replacement while you are abroad. You will need to return to the United States and visit an AAA or AATA office to explore for a new one. For this reason, some travelers purchase two permits before leaving — one to carry and one to keep in a safe place. Make a photocopy of your IDP and store it separately from the original.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by your home country. An "International License" is not a real thing — it is a term used by scam websites that sell fake documents. The only legitimate IDP is issued by AAA or AATA in the United States. Do not purchase an IDP from any other source.