What an International Driving Permit 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 country's license — you must carry both together. The IDP itself grants no driving privileges; it straightforward makes your existing license readable to police and rental companies in countries where your native language is not widely spoken.

The IDP is issued by your home country's transportation authority and is recognized in roughly 150 countries that have signed the 1926 or 1968 international road conventions. Whether a specific country will accept it depends on that country's own laws, not on the IDP itself. Some nations require an IDP; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP; the IDP cannot be issued on its own.
  • 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.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not extend your home license's expiration date.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport or government-issued photo ID, and a passport-sized photograph to obtain an IDP.
  • Processing time and cost vary by issuer and location, so contacting your issuer directly before visiting is necessary.

How to Get an IDP in the United States

If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a AAA member to use AAA's IDP service, though membership may offer discounts at some locations.

Visit a local AAA office or AATA office in person. You cannot obtain an IDP by mail or online; you must appear in person with your documents. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photograph (typically 2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept digital photos taken on-site; others require you to bring a printed photograph. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

The fee for an IDP through AAA is typically between $15 and $20, though prices vary by location. AATA charges a similar amount. Payment is usually cash or card, depending on the office. The IDP is issued on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.

Getting an IDP Outside the United States

If you hold a driver's license from another country, contact your country's transportation ministry or the equivalent body that issues driving licenses. In Canada, for example, provincial motor vehicle departments issue IDPs. In the United Kingdom, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) handles IDP issuance. In Australia, each state's roads and transport authority issues them.

The process and fees differ by country. Some nations issue IDPs at no cost; others charge a small fee. Some allow you to explore by mail; others require an in-person visit. Your country's transportation authority website will list the exact requirements and the office locations where you can obtain one.

If you are traveling soon and your country's IDP process is slow, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. They can tell you whether an IDP is actually required for your destination or whether your home license alone will be accepted.

What Documents You Need

You will need three things: a valid driver's license from your home country, a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport), and a passport-sized photograph. The photograph must be recent (usually taken within the past six months) and show your face clearly against a plain background. Most photo services at drugstores or post offices can provide a passport-sized photograph for a small fee.

Some offices accept digital photographs taken on-site with a webcam or phone camera. Others require a printed photograph. The rules vary by issuer and location, so call your local office before you visit to confirm what they accept. Bringing a printed photograph is the safest option if you are unsure.

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. An expired license will not work. If your license is expired, you must renew it with your state or country's transportation authority before you can obtain an IDP.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It does not extend the validity of your home country's driver's license. If your home license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless because you no longer have a valid license to accompany it.

If you plan to travel internationally for more than one year, you will need to renew your IDP before it expires. The renewal process is the same as the initial issuance: visit your issuing authority in person with your valid license, photo ID, and a new photograph. You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online.

Some travelers obtain a second IDP before the first one expires, so they have a backup. This is permitted and can be useful if you lose one during travel, though it is not required.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

Whether an IDP is required depends on the country you are visiting, not on the IDP itself. Some countries legally require an IDP; others accept it but do not require it; some do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and ask directly whether an IDP is required.

Many European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, recognize the IDP but do not require it if you also carry your home license. Some countries in Asia, Africa, and South America do require an IDP. A few countries, including some in the Middle East, may not recognize it at all or may have additional requirements such as an official translation of your license.

Rental car companies often require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. If you plan to rent a vehicle, contact the rental company before you travel and ask what documents they need. Having an IDP protects you if a rental company or police officer questions your license's validity.

What an IDP Does Not Do

An IDP does not give you the right to drive in a country where you are not licensed to drive. If your home country's license does not permit you to drive a certain type of vehicle (such as a motorcycle or commercial truck), an IDP does not change that. The IDP only translates your existing license; it does not grant new driving privileges.

An IDP does not replace your home license. You must carry both documents together at all times while driving internationally. Carrying only an IDP is not sufficient. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your home license, the IDP alone will not satisfy them.

An IDP does not cover traffic violations, accidents, or insurance. If you are involved in an accident or receive a traffic ticket while driving internationally, your home country's license and your vehicle's insurance policy determine your liability and coverage. The IDP has no role in these matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only driving in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and the United States recognize each other's driver's licenses without an IDP. Mexico also recognizes U.S. and Canadian licenses, though some rental companies and insurance providers may request an IDP as additional proof. Contact your rental company and insurance provider before you travel to confirm their requirements.

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

No. Your home country's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must resolve that with your state or country's transportation authority before you can obtain an IDP.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid. If you are still traveling when your IDP expires, you can only drive using your home license alone. Some countries may not accept a home license without an IDP, so plan your travel to avoid this situation. If you will be traveling for more than one year, obtain a new IDP before you leave.

Can I get an IDP online or by mail?

No. In the United States, you must visit an AAA or AATA office in person. In other countries, the process varies, but most require an in-person visit to verify your identity and photograph. Contact your country's transportation authority to confirm whether mail or online issuance is available in your location.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist as an official document. Some countries issue a "driving license" that is valid internationally, but this is still a home country license, not a separate international document. An IDP is the only internationally recognized translation document for driver's licenses.