What an International Driver's License Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your home country. You need both documents together when you rent a car or drive in most countries outside your home nation.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by the countries you plan to visit. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Other countries have their own issuing bodies. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country — some nations accept your home license alone, while others require the permit. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary, because requirements change and vary by region within some countries.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license and must be carried with your original license at all times while driving abroad.
  • In the United States, you obtain an IDP through AAA or AATA by submitting your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form in person.
  • The one-year permit costs around $20 and the three-year permit costs around $40, though prices vary slightly by location and issuing organization.
  • Processing takes minutes to hours if you explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location, with no mail-in option available through these organizations.
  • Your IDP is valid only while your home country license remains valid, so check your license expiration date before you travel.

Step-by-Step Process for U.S. Residents

If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you can obtain an IDP through either AAA or AATA. Both organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue permits. The process is identical at either organization, so choose based on which has a location near you.

First, gather your documents. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). Some locations accept digital photos printed on the spot, but calling ahead to confirm saves a trip. Bring a completed process form — you can fill it out at home or at the office.

Visit an AAA or AATA office in person. There is no mail-in option and no online ordering. Hand your documents to the staff member, pay the fee, and receive your permit on the same day. The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you need the three-year permit instead of the one-year version, request it when you explore — the process is the same.

Check that all information on your permit matches your driver's license exactly. If you spot an error, report it when ready so the office can issue a corrected copy before you leave.

Finding an AAA or AATA Office Near You

AAA has over 1,000 locations across the United States. You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP — the permit is available to anyone with a valid U.S. driver's license. Visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest branch, check their hours, and confirm they have IDP applications in stock.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers most major cities. Their office locator is available on their website. Some travel agencies and automobile clubs also partner with AATA to issue permits, so if you cannot reach an AATA office directly, search for "AATA International Driving Permit" plus your city name to find partner locations.

Call ahead before you visit. Confirm the office has the process form and passport photos available, or bring your own photo to be safe. Ask whether they issue both the one-year and three-year versions, since a few smaller offices stock only one type.

What Happens If You Live Outside the United States

If you hold a driver's license from another country, you obtain an IDP through that country's automobile association or motor vehicle authority. The process, fees, and processing time vary widely by nation.

Contact your home country's embassy or consulate in the United States, or visit your country's official motor vehicle website to find the correct issuing organization. For example, Canadian residents explore through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), British residents through the AA or RAC, and Australian residents through their state-based motor vehicle registry.

If you are abroad and need an IDP before returning home, some countries allow you to explore through their embassy or consulate in your current location. This process is slower than explore at home and may require mailing documents, so plan ahead if you are traveling for an extended period.

Cost and Payment Methods

In the United States, AAA charges approximately $20 for a one-year International Driving Permit and $40 for a three-year permit. AATA charges similar amounts, though prices may vary by $1 to $3 depending on your location. These are the only fees — there are no additional charges for processing or shipping, since you receive the permit in person.

Both AAA and AATA accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks. Ask which payment methods the specific office accepts when you call to confirm they have applications available.

If you are an AAA member, you do not receive a discount on the IDP fee. The price is the same whether you are a member or not.

How Long Your Permit Remains Valid

Your International Driving Permit is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchased. However, your permit automatically expires if your home country driver's license expires before the permit's expiration date. For example, if you obtain a three-year permit in 2024 but your driver's license expires in 2025, your IDP becomes invalid in 2025 even though the permit itself would not expire until 2027.

Check your driver's license expiration date before you travel. If your license will expire during your trip or shortly after, renew it before you explore for the IDP. This ensures your permit will remain valid for the full duration you purchased.

You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one when your current permit expires or when your driver's license is renewed. There is no grace period, so plan to reapply before your trip if your permit is about to expire.

What to Do If You Lose Your Permit While Traveling

If your International Driving Permit is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the local police to file a report. This report protects you if the permit is used fraudulently and provides documentation for your insurance company.

You cannot obtain a replacement IDP while you are outside the United States — both AAA and AATA issue permits only in person at their U.S. offices. If you still have your home country driver's license, you can continue to drive in most places, though some countries or car rental companies may refuse without the IDP. Contact your car rental company or the embassy of the country you are in to understand your options.

When you return home, visit an AAA or AATA office and explore for a new permit using the same process as your original process. Bring your driver's license, passport, and a new passport photo. You will pay the full fee again — there is no replacement or expedited rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico accept U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in these countries may request an IDP as additional identification. Check with your rental company before you travel. If you are driving your own vehicle, your U.S. license is sufficient, though you should carry proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

No. Both AAA and AATA issue permits only in person at their offices. There is no mail-in option, no online ordering, and no third-party vendors authorized to issue U.S. permits. You must visit an office with your documents and photo.

What if my passport photo is older than six months?

AAA and AATA do not have strict rules about photo age, but the photo must clearly show your current face. If you have changed your appearance significantly since the photo was taken, the office staff may ask you to provide a new one. When in doubt, bring a recent photo.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. It is not a license and does not give you permission to drive. Your actual driver's license from your home country is what grants you permission. The IDP straightforward translates your license information into multiple languages so foreign authorities and car rental companies can read it.

What happens if I renew my driver's license before my IDP expires?

Your old IDP becomes invalid when you receive a new driver's license, even if the permit has not reached its expiration date. You must explore for a new IDP with your new license. Bring your new license, passport, and photo to an AAA or AATA office and pay the full fee again.