You must be at least 18 years old to hold an international driver's license in most countries, but the real requirement is that you already have a valid domestic license from your home country

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license — it is a translation document that works alongside your regular driver's license. You cannot get one without first holding a valid license from your own country. The age you need to be depends on when you got that domestic license, not on the IDP itself.

In the United States, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid U.S. driver's license to get an IDP. Most other countries follow the same rule: you need to be old enough to legally drive at home, and then you can get the permit to drive abroad. If you are 16 or 17 and have a valid license in a state that allows it, you cannot yet get an IDP — you have to wait until you turn 18.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid domestic driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit, regardless of age.
  • In the United States, you must be at least 18 years old and have a current U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP.
  • The IDP is a translation of your existing license, not a replacement, and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • You can get an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) if you are a U.S. resident.

What an International Driving Permit actually does

The IDP translates your driver's license into multiple languages so that police officers and rental car companies in other countries can read it. It does not give you permission to drive in a foreign country — your home license does that. The IDP straightforward makes your home license readable to someone who does not speak English.

Many countries require you to carry both your domestic license and your IDP together. Some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, even though it is not legally required in every destination. The permit is issued by your home country's authorized organization, not by the country you plan to visit.

How to get an IDP if you are 18 or older

In the United States, you can get an IDP through two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue permits. You do not need to be a member of either organization to request one.

To explore, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form. You can explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA. The process takes about one to two weeks if you explore by mail, or you may be able to get it the same day at some AAA locations. The cost is typically between $15 and $20, depending on which organization you use and whether you want the one-year or three-year version.

Why age 18 is the cutoff in most places

The age requirement for an IDP matches the age requirement for a domestic driver's license in most countries. In the United States, you can get a full, unrestricted driver's license at 18, though some states allow restricted licenses at 16 or 17. Since the IDP is meant to accompany your domestic license, you cannot get one until you have the license itself.

Some countries have different rules. In Canada, for example, you can get an IDP at 16 if you hold a valid Canadian driver's license, because that is when you can legally drive there. The key is that the IDP age requirement is tied to your home country's driving age, not to any international standard.

What happens if you are under 18 and need to drive abroad

If you are under 18 and have a valid license in a state that allows it, you cannot get an IDP yet. However, you can still drive in many countries with just your domestic license — the IDP is a convenience, not a requirement in most places. Before you travel, check the specific rules for the country you plan to visit, because some nations do require an IDP or have their own rules about young drivers.

If you are planning a trip and do not yet have an IDP, contact the rental car company you plan to use. They can tell you whether they will rent to you with just your domestic license, or whether you need an IDP. Some companies have their own age restrictions that are separate from the IDP requirement.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request. The one-year permit costs less and is useful if you are taking a single trip. The three-year permit is better if you plan to travel multiple times or live abroad for a longer period.

Your IDP expires even if your domestic license does not. If your domestic license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid — you need both documents to be current. If you renew your domestic license, you will need to get a new IDP as well, because the permit is tied to your specific license number and issue date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. license and no IDP?

In many countries, yes — the IDP is not legally required everywhere. However, some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and some countries do require it. Check with your rental company and the country's embassy website before you travel to know what you need.

What if my domestic license is suspended or expired?

You cannot get an IDP if your domestic license is not valid. The permit is only issued alongside a current, valid license. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it is reinstated. If it is expired, you must renew it first.

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

It depends on where you are going and how you plan to drive. If you are renting a car, the rental company's policy matters more than the law. Some companies require an IDP; others do not. Call ahead to ask. If you are driving someone else's car, check the country's rules — some do require an IDP by law.

Can I get an IDP before I turn 18 if I already have my license?

No. The age requirement for an IDP is 18 in the United States, even if you have a valid domestic license at 16 or 17. You must wait until your 18th birthday to request one.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

Through AAA or AATA, the cost is typically $15 to $20 for either the one-year or three-year version. Prices may vary slightly by location and organization. There are no additional government fees beyond what the issuing organization charges.