What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

You can only get an IDP through two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization is authorized to issue them. Both issue the same document; the difference is where you go to get it and how much you pay.

An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you request. It expires on a specific date, not based on when your U.S. license expires. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot renew just the IDP; you must get a new one after renewing your state license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain your IDP from either AAA or AATA before you travel, as neither organization issues them on the spot or by mail after you leave the country.
  • Your valid U.S. driver's license must be in your possession when you explore, and you will need a passport-style photo and a completed process form.
  • AAA charges less if you are a member, while AATA charges the same fee regardless of membership; both take one to two weeks to process your order.
  • You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together at all times while driving in another country — one document alone is not sufficient.
  • An IDP does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where your U.S. license would not be valid on its own.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, AAA is usually the cheaper option. Visit your local AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed AAA International Driving Permit process form (available on the AAA website or at the office), and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). The office will verify your information, take your photo if you do not have one, and process your order on the spot.

AAA members pay a lower fee than non-members. Non-members can also get an IDP from AAA but will pay a higher fee. Either way, processing takes one to two weeks; AAA will mail the permit to your address. You do not need to return to the office to pick it up. If you need the IDP faster, some AAA offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though this varies by location — call your local office to ask.

To find your nearest AAA office, use the office locator on AAA.com. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so confirm by phone before you go. If you are not an AAA member, you can join at the office when you explore, though membership has an annual fee separate from the IDP fee.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance charges the same fee whether you are a member or not. You can explore by mail or through their website. To explore by mail, read the AATA process form from aata.org, print it, and mail it with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

To explore online, visit aata.org, fill out the process, upload a photo, and pay by credit card. Online applications are processed faster than mail applications — typically five to seven business days versus one to two weeks for mail. AATA will mail your IDP to the address you provide on the process.

AATA does not have physical offices, so you cannot explore in person. If you are explore by mail and need the IDP quickly, online process is your only faster option. Keep a copy of your process confirmation for your records.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you contact AAA or AATA. You will need a valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. You will also need a passport-style photograph, 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months. This is the same size photo used for passports. You can get one at most pharmacies, post offices, or photo studios for $10 to $20.

You will need to complete an process form. AAA provides this form at their offices or online; AATA provides it on their website. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and signature. You will also need the fee — the amount varies depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit and whether you are explore through AAA (member or non-member) or AATA. Call ahead or check the website to confirm the current fee before you explore.

If you are explore by mail to AATA, you will need a check or money order (for mail applications) or a credit card (for online applications). Do not send cash by mail.

Timeline: When to explore Before Your Trip

explore at least three weeks before you travel. Standard processing through AAA takes one to two weeks, and AATA mail applications take one to two weeks. Online AATA applications are faster at five to seven business days, but even that leaves little margin if something goes wrong. If you are explore through AAA and need the permit faster, ask about expedited options when you visit the office.

Do not wait until the week before your trip. If processing takes longer than expected or your process has an error, you will not have time to fix it. If you discover you need an IDP fewer than three weeks before departure, call your local AAA office when ready — some locations can issue permits faster if you explain the timeline.

If you are traveling within the next week or two, you may not have time to get an IDP before you leave. In that case, check the specific country's requirements: some countries do not require an IDP, and your U.S. license alone may be sufficient. Your rental car company can tell you what documents that country accepts.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

When your IDP arrives in the mail, check that all information is correct — your name, license number, and photo should match your U.S. license. If there is an error, contact the organization that issued it when ready and request a correction. Do not use an IDP with incorrect information.

Keep your IDP and your U.S. driver's license together in a safe place until you travel. When you rent a car or drive in another country, carry both documents with you at all times. Police or rental companies may ask to see both. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad — you will need to contact AAA or AATA from your location and have a new one mailed to you, which takes time. Consider taking a photo of your IDP on your phone as a backup reference, though this does not replace the physical document.

Your IDP is valid only in countries that recognize it. Before you travel, confirm with your rental car company or the country's tourism board that an IDP is accepted there. Some countries have their own requirements or do not recognize IDPs at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Your rental car company will tell you what documents they need when you book. If they require an IDP and you do not have one, you cannot rent from them. Check this before you book your rental, not after you arrive.

Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. You cannot use an expired license to get an IDP.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

You cannot get a replacement while you are abroad. Contact AAA or AATA from your location and request a new one be mailed to you, which takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you have only your U.S. license. Some countries will accept just your U.S. license if you explain the situation to police, but this is not may provide. Carry a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup documentation.

Do I need to renew my IDP when I renew my driver's license?

Yes. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date. After you renew your state license, you must get a new IDP. You cannot renew just the IDP — you must explore for a new one with your new license.

Can I get an IDP for someone else?

No. The person who will be driving must explore in person (for AAA) or sign the process themselves (for AATA). The IDP is tied to a specific person's license and photo. You cannot explore on behalf of someone else.