What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your California driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it does not replace your regular license, and you cannot drive with only the IDP. You must carry both documents together when you travel outside the United States. The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it, and it costs $20.

The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license as proof of driving authority on its own. Rental car companies in Europe, Asia, and other regions often require it. Some countries will not let you drive without one, even if you have a valid California license. A few countries will accept your California license alone, but carrying the IDP removes any doubt at a border or a rental counter.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You do not get it from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Both organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and both charge the same fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid California driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit — the IDP is an add-on document, not a replacement.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and both charge $20 for a one-year permit.
  • You can get an IDP in person at an AAA office or AATA office, or by mail through either organization.
  • The in-person process takes about 15 minutes and requires your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form.
  • By mail, the process takes one to two weeks after you send in your materials, depending on processing time and mail delivery.

Getting an IDP in Person at AAA

If you are an AAA member, the fastest route is to walk into a local AAA office with your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process. AAA has over 50 offices across California. You can find the nearest one by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator tool. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and has IDP applications in stock — most do, but it is worth checking.

Bring your valid California driver's license (not an expired one), one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and the completed IDP process form. AAA will provide the process form when you arrive, or you can read it from their website before you go. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. A photo from a passport office, DMV, or professional photo service works. A selfie or a photo from a social media account does not.

The staff will review your documents, take your $20 payment, and hand you the IDP on the spot. The entire visit takes about 15 minutes. You walk out with both your license and your permit ready to use.

Getting an IDP in Person at AATA

AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, but if you are not an AAA member or prefer not to join, AATA offers the same service. AATA offices are located in select cities across California. You can find the nearest one by visiting aata.org and searching for their office locations. Like AAA, call ahead to confirm the office has IDP applications available.

Bring the same documents: your valid California driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and the completed IDP process form. AATA will provide the form or you can read it from their website. The photo requirements are identical to AAA — color, within six months, clear face, plain background.

Payment is $20, and you receive the IDP when ready. The process is the same length as AAA, around 15 minutes total.

explore by Mail Through AAA or AATA

If no office is convenient or you prefer to handle this by mail, both AAA and AATA accept applications by post. read the IDP process form from aaa.com or aata.org, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your documents to the address listed on the form.

You will need to send: the completed process form, a copy of your valid California driver's license (front and back), one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a check or money order for $20 made out to AAA or AATA, depending on which organization you are using. Do not send cash. Include a return address so they can mail the IDP back to you.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions. If you are traveling soon, the in-person route is faster. If you have time, mail is simpler because you do not have to leave home or find an office.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

When your IDP arrives, check that all the information matches your driver's license exactly — your name, date of birth, and license number should be identical. If there is an error, contact the organization that issued it right away and request a replacement.

Keep your IDP and your California driver's license together. When you rent a car abroad or cross a border, present both documents. Some rental companies will ask for the IDP specifically; others will accept your California license alone but will be satisfied to see the IDP as well. Never carry one without the other.

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. After one year, it expires and you will need to get a new one if you travel internationally again. Your California driver's license does not expire just because your IDP does — they are separate documents with separate expiration dates.

When You Cannot Get an IDP

You must have a valid, non-expired California driver's license to get an IDP. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot get a permit. Renew your license through the California DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

If you do not have a California driver's license at all — for example, you are a visitor to California or a new resident — you cannot get an IDP from AAA or AATA. You would need to obtain a California driver's license first. International visitors can sometimes get an IDP from their home country before traveling, but that is outside California's process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am just visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico generally accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental car companies in those countries may request one. If you are renting a car, check with the rental company before you travel. Carrying an IDP does not hurt and removes any uncertainty at the counter.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my California license is suspended?

No. Your license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended, you must resolve that with the California DMV first. Once your license is reinstated and valid, you can then get an IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can provide a replacement letter or document that may help you rent a car or cross a border. When you return to California, you can get a new IDP from AAA or AATA for another $20.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I go in person?

An in-person visit to an AAA or AATA office takes about 15 minutes, and you receive the IDP when ready. If you explore by mail, expect one to two weeks of processing time plus mail delivery, so plan for two to three weeks total.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your California driver's license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country. You cannot get an international license in California — that is issued by the country where you plan to live or work long-term.