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 — it does not replace your regular license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your home license and the IDP together. The permit tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your license is valid, without requiring them to read your home country's language or verify your record themselves.
Most countries recognize the IDP under one of two international conventions: the 1926 convention or the 1968 convention. The United States, Canada, and most European and Asian countries follow the 1968 convention. Your home country's automobile association issues the permit, and it is typically valid for one or three years depending on your age and which convention your country uses.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association — in the US, that is the American Automobile Association (AAA) — not from an international body.
- You need a valid passport and your current driver's license to request an IDP, and the process usually takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at some locations.
- An IDP costs between $15 and $30 depending on your country and how long you need it, and it is valid for one to three years.
- You must carry your home country driver's license and the IDP together at all times while driving abroad — the IDP alone is not sufficient.
How to get an IDP in the United States
If you hold a valid US driver's license, you can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA). You do not need to be a AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Visit a local AAA office in person or request one by mail.
For in-person service, bring your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent, depending on your state). Most AAA offices issue the permit the same day. For mail service, send the same documents plus a check or money order to your regional AAA office. Processing takes one to two weeks, and the permit arrives by mail.
The cost is typically $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by state and AAA location. You can find your nearest AAA office and current pricing on the AAA website, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP.
How to get an IDP in Canada
In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues International Driving Permits. Like AAA, CAA membership is not required. Visit a local CAA office or request one by mail.
Bring your valid Canadian driver's license, a passport or passport card, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months). In-person service is usually same-day. For mail requests, send photocopies of these documents plus a completed process form and payment to your provincial CAA office. Processing takes one to two weeks.
The cost is typically $20 to $25 Canadian dollars. You can locate your nearest CAA office on the CAA website or call your provincial office directly.
How to get an IDP in other countries
Every country that recognizes the IDP has a designated issuing body, usually the national automobile association. The process and cost are similar to the US and Canada: you provide your license and passport, pay a small fee, and receive the permit within days or weeks.
In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) and RAC (Royal Automobile Club) both issue permits. In Australia, the NRMA and RACV handle permits by state. In most European countries, the national automobile club (such as the ADAC in Germany or the FFMC in France) issues them. Search online for "[your country] international driving permit" or "[your country] automobile association" to find the correct issuing body and current fees.
What documents you need before you request an IDP
You will need a valid driver's license from your home country and a valid passport or passport card. Some countries also require proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. A few countries ask for a passport-sized photograph, though this is less common.
Check with your local automobile association before you visit or mail in your request, because document requirements vary slightly by location and issuing office. Having everything ready before you explore speeds up the process, especially if you are explore by mail.
How long an IDP is valid and when to renew
An IDP is typically valid for one to three years, depending on your age and your home country's rules. In the United States, a one-year permit costs less than a three-year permit, so you can choose based on how long you plan to drive abroad. In some countries, the validity period is fixed by law.
Check the expiration date printed on your permit before you travel. If it has expired, you will need to request a new one from the same issuing body. The renewal process is identical to the initial request. Some automobile associations allow you to renew by mail or online without visiting an office, though this varies by location.
What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling
If your permit is lost or stolen, contact your home country's automobile association as soon as you can. Many associations can issue a replacement by mail to your home address, though this takes one to two weeks and may not arrive before your trip ends. Some associations have emergency procedures for travelers abroad, but these vary widely.
In the meantime, you can still drive on your home country license alone in most places, though some countries and rental car companies prefer to see both documents. Keep a photograph or photocopy of your IDP separate from the original, so you have proof of the permit number if you need to report it lost or request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in every country?
No. Many countries accept your home country driver's license without an IDP, especially if your license is in English or uses the Roman alphabet. However, some countries require an IDP, and rental car companies often prefer to see one. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel, or ask your rental car company what documents they need.
Can I drive on just the IDP without my home country license?
No. The IDP is a translation document only and is not valid on its own. You must carry both your home country driver's license and the IDP together. Police and rental companies will ask to see both.
How much does an IDP cost?
In the United States, an IDP costs $15 to $20 for one year or $30 for three years through AAA. In Canada, it costs $20 to $25 Canadian dollars through CAA. Costs vary by country and issuing office. Contact your local automobile association for current pricing.
Can I get an IDP online?
Some automobile associations accept online requests and mail the permit to you, though you still must provide original documents or certified copies. A few offices in major cities offer same-day in-person service. Check your local automobile association's website to see whether they offer online requests or in-person walk-in service.
What if my driver's license is expired?
Most automobile associations require your driver's license to be valid at the time you request an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it first through your local motor vehicle department, then request the IDP. The process for renewing your home license varies by country and state.