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). These are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. No other company or website can legally issue a U.S. IDP, and you cannot get one from a foreign country's embassy or consulate.

An IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose. It expires on the date printed on the document, not when your home license expires. If your home license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes worthless — you must have a current, valid license to use it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get an IDP only through AAA or AATA, the two U.S. State Department-authorized organizations, and you must have a valid driver's license from your state.
  • AAA requires you to visit a local branch in person with your license, passport, and a passport-sized photo; AATA allows you to mail in your documents or explore online.
  • The process takes one to two weeks by mail and a few minutes in person at an AAA office, so plan ahead if you are leaving soon.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for either one or three years, but it becomes invalid if your home license expires first.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs or have their own requirements, so check your destination's rules before you travel.

Getting an IDP through AAA

AAA is the faster option if you have a local branch near you. Walk in with your valid driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The staff will fill out the process form in front of you, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit on the spot. The whole process takes about ten minutes. You pay in cash or card at the time of issue.

If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount. Call your local AAA branch before you go to confirm they have the photo service available and to ask about current pricing, which varies slightly by location.

AAA issues the one-year IDP and the three-year IDP. Choose based on how often you travel internationally. The three-year permit costs more upfront but is cheaper per year if you travel regularly.

Getting an IDP through AATA

AATA is the better choice if you do not have an AAA branch nearby or prefer not to visit in person. You can explore by mail or online through their website. For a mail process, you send in a completed form, a copy of your valid driver's license, a copy of your passport or government ID, and a passport-sized photo. AATA processes mail applications in one to two weeks and mails the permit to your address.

The online process is faster. You upload digital copies of your license and ID, upload or take a photo through your browser, and pay by card. AATA then mails the permit to you, which typically arrives within one to two weeks. Some applicants receive their permit in as little as five business days, but do not count on this if you are leaving soon.

AATA also issues both the one-year and three-year permits. The pricing is similar to AAA, though AATA may charge a small fee for online processing. Check their website for the current cost before you start the process.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these items before you contact AAA or AATA. You will need a valid driver's license from your U.S. state — expired licenses do not work. You also need a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, passport card, or state ID. A passport is the most common choice because it is already in a format that matches what AATA and AAA expect.

You will need a passport-sized photo that is 2 inches by 2 inches. If you go to AAA in person, they can take this photo for you on the spot for a small fee. If you explore by mail or online through AATA, you must provide your own photo. Many drugstores, post offices, and photo studios can take passport photos for $10 to $15.

Have your current mailing address ready. The IDP will be mailed to the address you provide, so make sure it is correct. If you are moving soon, use an address where you will still be able to receive mail.

Timeline and what to expect

If you visit an AAA branch in person, you will receive your IDP the same day. This is the fastest route if you have a branch nearby and can go during their business hours.

If you explore by mail through AATA or AAA, expect one to two weeks. This includes the time for your process to arrive, be processed, and be mailed back to you. If you are traveling within the next week or two, explore by mail may not work — visit AAA in person instead.

AATA's online process is also processed within one to two weeks, though some people report receiving their permit faster. Do not plan your trip around the assumption that it will arrive quickly. If you need an IDP urgently, AAA in person is your only reliable option.

Cost and payment

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit and between $20 and $30 for a three-year permit. The exact price depends on whether you go through AAA or AATA and whether you are an AAA member. AAA members sometimes pay slightly less. Call your local AAA branch or check AATA's website for the current price in your area.

You pay at the time of issue if you explore in person at AAA. If you explore by mail or online through AATA, you pay by credit card as part of the process. Some AATA applications include a small processing fee on top of the permit cost.

An IDP is a one-time purchase for the year or years you choose. There are no renewal fees or hidden costs. Once you have it, you carry it with your license whenever you drive abroad.

What to do with your IDP when you travel

Carry your IDP and your actual driver's license together at all times when you drive in another country. The IDP alone is not valid — it is only a translation of your home license. Police, rental car companies, and border officials will want to see both documents.

Keep your IDP in a safe place, such as a travel document holder or your wallet. Do not leave it in a rental car or hotel room. If it is lost or stolen, you will need to get a new one before you can legally drive.

Some countries have additional driving requirements beyond the IDP. A few nations do not recognize IDPs at all, or they require an International Driving Permit issued by their own country. Before you travel, check the driving rules for your specific destination through the U.S. State Department website or your rental car company. They can tell you whether an IDP is sufficient or whether you need anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to rent a car abroad?

Most major rental car companies require either an IDP or a notarized translation of your license. An IDP is simpler because it is already official and recognized worldwide. Some rental companies accept just your U.S. license in certain countries, but bringing an IDP removes any doubt. Check with your rental company before you book.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. Renew or resolve your license status with your state's DMV first.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance. Some embassies can issue a temporary replacement or a letter confirming your license status. You will need to get a new IDP from AAA or AATA when you return home. Until then, you may not be able to legally drive.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An international license is issued by some countries as a separate document. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your U.S. license. The U.S. does not issue international licenses — only IDPs through AAA and AATA.

How long does an IDP take if I explore online through AATA?

AATA typically processes online applications within one to two weeks and mails the permit to you. Some people receive theirs faster, but plan for two weeks to be safe. If you need it sooner, visit an AAA branch in person.