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 — it does not replace your home license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your original license and the IDP together. The permit tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your license is real and what class of vehicle you are authorized to drive.

Most countries recognize the IDP as proof that your license is legitimate. Some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, even if local law does not require it. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 to obtain.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid driver's license from your home state or country before you can get an International Driving Permit.
  • In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport or other government ID, and a passport-style photo to complete the process.
  • The one-year IDP costs around $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person, or you can mail in your process and receive it by post in one to two weeks.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). If you see an IDP offered anywhere else online or in person, it is not a legitimate document and will not be recognized abroad.

AAA has local offices in most states and can issue the permit on the spot if you visit in person. AATA operates primarily by mail. Both charge similar fees and issue the same document — the difference is convenience. If you have a AAA membership, visiting a local office is usually the fastest route. If you do not have AAA nearby or prefer to mail your documents, AATA will process your process and send the permit to your home address.

Documents You Need to Bring or Submit

Before you contact AAA or AATA, gather these items:

  • Your valid driver's license from your home state
  • A government-issued photo ID (passport, passport card, or state ID)
  • One passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches)
  • The completed process form (AAA or AATA will provide this)

If you are explore in person at AAA, bring the originals. If you are mailing your process to AATA, you will mail copies of your license and ID along with the original photo. Do not send your original documents — AATA will return them, but originals can be lost in transit.

how the process works in Person at AAA

Visit your local AAA office with your documents and the completed process form. You can read the form from the AAA website or ask for one when you arrive. The staff will review your documents, take a new passport photo on site if you prefer, and issue your permit when ready. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You will pay the fee in cash or card at that time.

AAA offices are open during standard business hours, usually Monday through Friday and some Saturday mornings. Call ahead to confirm your local office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment, as some locations require one during busy times.

how the process works by Mail Through AATA

read the process form from the AATA website or request one by phone. Fill it out completely and gather your documents: a copy of your driver's license, a copy of your government ID, and an original passport-style photo. Mail everything to the AATA address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the fee.

AATA typically processes applications within one to two weeks of receipt. They will mail your IDP to the address you provided on the form. Keep a copy of your process for your records in case you need to follow up. If you need the permit urgently, call AATA before mailing to ask whether they offer expedited processing — some do for an additional fee.

Choosing Between a One-Year and Three-Year Permit

Both AAA and AATA offer a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP. The one-year permit costs less (usually around $15 to $20) and is sufficient if you are taking a single trip abroad. The three-year permit costs more (usually around $25 to $30) but is worth the extra cost if you travel internationally more than once every few years.

The three-year permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, so if you obtain it in January, it will expire in January three years later. Neither permit is renewable — when it expires, you must obtain a new one if you need another.

What to Do With Your Permit When You Travel

Pack your IDP in the same place as your passport. Carry both your original driver's license and the IDP together at all times when driving abroad — neither document is valid without the other. If you rent a car, show both documents to the rental company. If you are stopped by police, present both as well.

The IDP is not a substitute for your license and does not change the driving rules of the country you are visiting. You are still responsible for following local traffic laws, speed limits, and vehicle requirements. Some countries require additional documents such as an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance or a headlight adjustment sticker — check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and rental company. Many European and Asian rental companies will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not legally require it. Some companies in other regions do not require it. Check with your rental company before you book to confirm their policy.

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and not expired at the time you request the IDP. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then explore for the IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, which some rental companies and police will accept as a temporary substitute. You can also request a replacement IDP from AAA or AATA when you return home.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An International License is not a real document — it is a scam sold online. Only obtain your IDP from AAA or AATA.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

In person at AAA, you receive it when ready. By mail through AATA, it typically arrives within one to two weeks. Some AATA locations offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need it sooner.