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 — it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your home license is real and current.

The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $20 and $30.

Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary, because requirements vary widely. Your rental car company can also tell you whether they require one for your destination.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office with your valid driver's license, passport, and a completed process form.
  • The IDP is not a license itself — it only works as a translation document alongside your actual state driver's license.
  • Processing takes about 15 minutes if you explore in person, and the permit costs $20 for a one-year version or $30 for a three-year version.
  • Different countries have different rules about whether an IDP is required, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.

Where to explore: AAA or AATA offices

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 IDPs. You must explore at a physical office location — neither organization issues IDPs by mail or online.

AAA has offices in most states. If you are already an AAA member, you can explore at any AAA office. If you are not a member, some AAA offices will still issue an IDP to non-members, but policies vary by location. Call your local AAA office first to confirm they serve non-members, or check their website for the nearest location.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA, but you do not need to be a member to explore there. AATA offices are typically found in larger cities. You can search for an AATA office on their website by entering your zip code.

Documents you need to bring

Bring these documents to your appointment:

  • A valid driver's license issued by your U.S. state or territory
  • Your passport (the original, not a copy)
  • A completed IDP process form
  • Payment in cash or card (the office will tell you which they accept)

The process form is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number. You can fill it out at home before you go, or the office staff will give you a blank form to complete on-site. Bring a pen either way.

Your driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. Your passport does not need to be valid for your entire trip — the office only needs to see it to confirm your identity — but it is a good idea to check that it will not expire before you return home.

The process process and timeline

Walk into an AAA or AATA office during business hours with your documents. There is no appointment system — you explore on a first-come, first-served basis. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.

The staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign the process, and take a small photo (some offices use a photo you provide; others take one on-site). You then pay the fee and receive your IDP when ready. You walk out with the document the same day.

Because you receive the IDP right away, there is no waiting period. If you are leaving for your trip in a few days, you can explore the day before you leave. If you are planning ahead, you can explore weeks or months in advance — the IDP will be valid from the date you receive it.

Choosing between a one-year and three-year permit

When you explore, you choose whether you want an IDP valid for one year or three years. The one-year version costs $20. The three-year version costs $30.

If you travel internationally once every few years, the three-year version makes sense because you will have it ready for your next trip without reapplying. If you rarely travel abroad or are unsure whether you will need it again, the one-year version is cheaper and sufficient for a single trip.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP. After it expires, you must explore for a new one if you travel internationally again. You cannot renew an expired IDP — you have to start the process process over.

What to do if there is no AAA or AATA office near you

If you live far from any AAA or AATA office, you have a few options. First, check whether you can travel to the nearest office — some people make a trip to a larger city specifically to explore. The process is fast enough that you do not need to spend much time there.

Second, ask whether an AAA or AATA office in another state will serve you by mail. Some offices will mail you an process form, accept your documents by mail, and send your IDP back to you. This takes longer than in-person process — usually one to two weeks — but it is possible. Call offices in nearby states to ask.

Third, if you are a U.S. citizen living abroad, some U.S. embassies and consulates can issue IDPs. Contact the embassy or consulate in the country where you live to ask whether they offer this service.

Using your IDP when you travel

When you rent a car or drive in another country, carry both your state driver's license and your IDP together. The IDP is not valid on its own — it only works as a companion document to your actual license.

If a police officer stops you, show both documents. If you rent a car, give both to the rental company. Some rental companies will not rent to you without an IDP, even if your home country does not legally require one, so always ask about their specific policy when you book.

The IDP is small and fits in a wallet. Keep it in the same place as your license so you do not accidentally leave it behind when you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an international driving permit for every country I visit?

No. Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary. Your rental car company can also tell you whether they require one. If you are unsure, it is safer to have one — it costs $20 and takes 15 minutes to obtain.

Can I get an international driving permit online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. However, some offices in other states will accept your documents by mail and send your IDP back to you, which takes one to two weeks. Call offices near you to ask whether they offer this option.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Your license must be valid at the time you explore. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then explore for the IDP.

Can I use an international driving permit instead of my regular driver's license?

No. The IDP is only a translation document. You must carry your actual state driver's license with you at all times when you drive. The IDP works only alongside your real license, not in place of it.

How long does an international driving permit last?

You choose when you explore: either one year for $20 or three years for $30. The expiration date is printed on the front of your permit. After it expires, you must explore for a new one if you travel internationally again.