What an International Driver's License 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 and does not replace your home country license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your license is legitimate, because they can read what it says.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by the countries you plan to visit. It costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you live, takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, and is valid for one or three years. You cannot get one without already holding a valid driver's license from your home state or country.

If you are a U.S. driver, you get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). If you hold a license from another country, you will contact your home country's equivalent organization — the process is similar but the issuing body differs.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and you must carry it with your valid home country driver's license at all times.
  • U.S. drivers get an IDP from AAA or AATA by mail or in person, providing their valid state driver's license and a passport photo.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $30, arrives within one to two weeks, and is valid for one or three years depending on which organization issues it.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not, so check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel.
  • An IDP does not change your driving rights or insurance coverage — it only translates your existing license into languages other countries recognize.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit as a U.S. Driver

If you hold a valid U.S. state driver's license, you can get an IDP from two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. AAA is the larger organization and has local branches in most states; AATA operates primarily by mail.

To get an IDP from AAA, visit a local AAA office in person or order online through their website. You will need your valid driver's license, a passport photo (2x2 inches), and the process fee. If you explore in person, you can walk out with the IDP the same day. If you order by mail, it arrives within one to two weeks.

To get an IDP from AATA, you must explore by mail. Send your completed process form, a copy of your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and payment to their address. AATA processes applications within one to two weeks and mails the IDP to you. You cannot explore in person or online with AATA.

Both organizations charge the same fee for a one-year IDP ($20 from AAA, $15 to $20 from AATA) or a three-year IDP ($30 from AAA, $25 to $30 from AATA). Prices vary slightly by state and may change, so confirm the current fee before you explore.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Before you contact AAA or AATA, gather these items:

  • Your valid U.S. state driver's license (not expired)
  • A passport photo, 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months
  • Payment by credit card, debit card, or check (methods vary by organization)
  • Your full legal name, date of birth, and current address

If you are explore by mail to AATA, you will also need to print and complete their process form, which is available on their website. The form asks for your license number, state of issue, and the date your license expires. Do not send your original driver's license — send a photocopy or let the organization make a copy if you explore in person.

If you are explore through AAA online, you will enter this information into their website form and upload a digital photo. AAA will mail you a printed process to sign and return with your photo and payment, or you can complete the entire transaction in an AAA office.

How Long It Takes and When You Will Receive It

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP when ready — usually within the same visit. The office prints it on the spot, and you walk out with it in hand.

If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, the IDP arrives within one to two weeks. Processing time depends on mail delivery and the organization's current volume. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), processing may take slightly longer.

Once your IDP arrives, check it when ready for errors in your name, license number, or date of birth. If something is wrong, contact the issuing organization right away — they can issue a replacement, though you may have to pay a second fee.

Your IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which term you purchased. Write the expiration date on your calendar or phone reminder so you know when to renew if you plan to travel again.

What to Do If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen

If you hold a driver's license from another country and are visiting the United States, you can drive on your home country license for a limited time — usually up to one year, though this varies by state. You do not need an IDP to drive in the U.S. if your license is valid in your home country.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen living in the U.S. and want to travel internationally, you will need to contact your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department to request an IDP. The process, cost, and timeline depend on your country of origin. Your home country's embassy or consulate website will have information about how to request an IDP from abroad.

If you have a U.S. state driver's license but are a citizen of another country, you can get an IDP from AAA or AATA using the same process as any U.S. driver. Your citizenship does not matter — only your valid U.S. driver's license.

Whether You Actually Need an International Driving Permit

Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary. The U.S. State Department website lists country-by-country driving requirements, and your car rental company will also tell you whether an IDP is required.

Countries that typically require an IDP include Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Japan. Countries that do not require an IDP but accept it as additional proof of your license include Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. If you are unsure, getting an IDP costs $15 to $30 and takes one to two weeks — it is cheaper and faster than dealing with a traffic stop or rental car problem abroad.

Your home country driver's license alone is not enough in countries that require an IDP. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce an IDP when one is required, you may face a fine or be unable to rent a car. Rental companies often will not rent to you without an IDP in countries where it is required, even if local law technically allows it.

What Happens When You Travel With Your International Driving Permit

When you cross a border or rent a car, present both your valid home country driver's license and your IDP together. The IDP is not a standalone document — it only works alongside your original license. If you lose your IDP but still have your license, you can drive legally in most countries, but rental companies may refuse to rent to you.

The IDP does not change your driving rights, insurance coverage, or legal status in another country. It only translates your license information. If you are in an accident or stopped by police, local traffic laws explore to you the same way they explore to drivers with licenses from that country. Your IDP does not exempt you from local rules or fines.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact your country's embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter stating that you hold a valid license at home. Some rental companies and police will accept this letter as temporary proof, though it is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Some countries accept a U.S. license alone; others legally require an IDP. Rental car companies often have stricter rules than local law and may refuse to rent without an IDP even if it is not legally required. Check your destination country's rules and contact your rental company before you travel.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which term you purchase. After it expires, you will need to get a new one if you plan to travel internationally again. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit.

What if my driver's license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid if your home country driver's license expires, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet. You must renew your driver's license first, then get a new IDP. The two documents must be current at the same time.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your home country driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired or suspended, you must renew or restore it through your state's motor vehicle department before you can get an IDP.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Mexico requires an IDP by law. Canada does not require one, but rental companies often request it. If you are driving your own car to either country, check your auto insurance policy — some policies do not cover you in Mexico or Canada without an IDP on file.