What an International Driver's License Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your national license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental agencies, and insurance companies in other countries that your license is valid, because they can read it in their own language.
The IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority, not by an international body. 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. An IDP is typically valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request.
You need an IDP only if you plan to drive in another country. If you are renting a car abroad, the rental company may require one. If you are moving to another country permanently, you will eventually need to convert your license to a local one instead — the IDP is temporary.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority and must be carried together with your valid national driver's license.
- In the United States, the AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs; you cannot get one from your state DMV.
- You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form to request an IDP.
- Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at most AAA locations, and the permit costs between $15 and $30 depending on validity period.
- An IDP is valid only while your national license remains valid and only in countries that recognize the 1926 or 1968 International Convention on Road Signs and Signals.
Where to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States
The AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are a AAA member, the AAA is usually the faster and more convenient option because most AAA offices can issue one on the same day.
To find the nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. If you are not a AAA member, you can still request an IDP from the AAA by mail, or you can contact the AATA directly at aata.org. The AATA processes requests by mail only and typically takes one to two weeks.
Some travel agencies and online services claim to issue International Driving Permits, but they are not authorized by the U.S. government. Using a document from an unauthorized source may not be recognized by foreign authorities and could create legal problems.
Documents You Need to Bring or Submit
Gather these items before you visit the AAA office or mail your request to the AATA:
- A valid U.S. driver's license (your national license must not be expired).
- A valid passport or other government-issued photo ID.
- One passport-style photograph, typically 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly, and have a plain white or off-white background.
- A completed IDP process form. The AAA and AATA provide these forms on their websites or in person at their offices.
- Payment for the permit fee (see the pricing section below).
If you are explore by mail, make copies of your driver's license and passport. Do not send originals. The AATA will return your documents after processing.
Step-by-Step Process at an AAA Office
If you are visiting an AAA office in person, the process is straightforward and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- Bring all required documents listed above to your nearest AAA office during business hours.
- Tell the staff member you want to request an International Driving Permit and hand them your documents.
- Complete the process form if you have not already done so. The staff can help you fill it out.
- Pay the fee. AAA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
- If you are a AAA member, your IDP will be printed and ready to take home the same day in most cases. If you are not a member, processing may take a few business days.
Ask the staff member which validity period you need — one year or three years. A one-year permit costs less but expires sooner. A three-year permit costs more but covers longer trips or multiple visits abroad.
explore by Mail Through the AATA
If there is no AAA office near you or you prefer to explore by mail, the AATA accepts requests by post. The process takes longer but works the same way.
- read the IDP process form from aata.org or request one by phone.
- Complete the form in full. Print clearly or type your information.
- Make a photocopy of your valid driver's license and your passport or government ID. Do not send originals.
- Attach one passport-style photograph to the process form as instructed.
- Include payment by check or money order. The AATA does not accept credit cards by mail.
- Mail everything to the AATA address listed on their website.
- The AATA will process your request and mail your IDP to you within one to two weeks. They will also return your copied documents.
Keep a record of when you mailed your process. If you do not receive your permit within three weeks, contact the AATA to check the status.
Cost and Validity Period
An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on which organization issues it and which validity period you choose. The AAA typically charges $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit. The AATA charges similar amounts. Prices may vary slightly by location or change over time, so confirm the current fee when you explore.
Your IDP is valid only as long as your national driver's license remains valid. If your U.S. driver's license expires, your IDP expires at the same time, even if the permit itself has not reached its printed expiration date. When you renew your national license, you will need to request a new IDP if you still need one.
An IDP is recognized in countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Most countries recognize it, but a few do not. Before you travel, check with the embassy or tourism board of the country you plan to visit to confirm they recognize U.S. International Driving Permits.
What Happens After You Receive Your Permit
When your IDP arrives, check it when ready for errors in your name, date of birth, license number, or photo. If anything is wrong, contact the issuing organization right away and request a correction.
Keep your IDP in a safe place with your passport. When you drive in another country, carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together at all times. Police or rental agencies will want to see both documents. Do not rely on the IDP alone — it is only a translation aid and does not replace your national license.
If your IDP is lost or damaged while you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide guidance on what to do. If you lose it at home, you will need to request a new one from the AAA or AATA using the same process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in another country?
Many rental companies require one, but not all. Some countries legally require it. Before you book a rental, check the rental company's website or call them directly to ask whether they need an IDP. It is safer to have one than to arrive and discover you cannot rent a car.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?
No. Your national driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it with your state DMV first, then request an IDP.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
Same-day if you visit an AAA office in person. One to two weeks if you explore by mail through the AATA or by mail through the AAA. Some AAA offices may take a few business days even for in-person requests if they are very busy.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license conversion?
No. An IDP is temporary and valid only while you are visiting another country. If you move to another country permanently, you will need to convert your license to a local one through that country's motor vehicle authority. The IDP does not count toward that process.
What if the country I am visiting does not recognize U.S. International Driving Permits?
A few countries do not recognize the IDP. In those cases, you may need to obtain an official translation of your driver's license from a certified translator, or you may not be able to drive legally. Contact the embassy of the country you plan to visit to find out what documents they require.