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 exists because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their borders, even if the license itself is valid. A police officer in France or Japan can read your IDP and understand that you are a licensed driver, even if they cannot read English or your home country's language.
The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle authority, not by the country you plan to visit. You cannot get one abroad. The document is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 in most cases. You will need your valid passport or national ID, your current driver's license, and a passport-sized photograph.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued only by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle authority, and you must explore before you travel.
- You must carry both your IDP and your original driver's license together — the IDP alone is not valid.
- The process requires your valid driver's license, a passport or national ID, and a passport-sized photograph.
- Processing takes one to two weeks by mail in most cases, though some offices offer same-day service if you explore in person.
Where to Request an International Driving Permit in the United States
In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document and charge similar fees, but they operate through different networks. AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide and is the more widely available option. AATA operates through select travel agencies and offices, primarily in larger cities.
You do not need to be a member of AAA to request an IDP from them. Walk into any AAA office with your driver's license, passport or national ID, and a passport-sized photograph. The staff will complete the form with you, verify your information, and issue the permit on the spot in most locations. If you mail your process, processing takes one to two weeks. AATA follows the same process but has fewer locations, so you may need to search their website to find an office near you.
What You Need to Bring
Gather these documents before you visit an AAA or AATA office:
- Your valid driver's license (must not be expired)
- Your passport or national ID card
- One passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months)
- Payment in cash or card (fees range from $15 to $30 depending on the issuing organization and permit duration)
Some offices accept applications by mail if you cannot visit in person. You will mail the same documents plus a completed process form, which you can read from the AAA or AATA website. Mail applications take longer — typically one to two weeks — and you should use a tracked mailing service so you can confirm delivery.
Choosing Between a One-Year and Three-Year Permit
When you request an IDP, you choose how long you want it to remain valid. A one-year permit costs less but expires sooner. A three-year permit costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period. The choice depends on how often you travel internationally and when you plan to go.
If you are taking a single trip in the next few months, a one-year permit is usually the better value. If you travel internationally more than once every two years, a three-year permit saves you money and the hassle of requesting a new one each time. Both versions are identical in how they work — the only difference is the expiration date printed on the document.
What Happens When You Travel
When you rent a car or drive in another country, carry your IDP and your original driver's license together in the same place. Some rental car companies require the IDP before they will hand over the keys. Police officers in countries that do not recognize U.S. licenses may ask to see it if you are stopped. The IDP does not give you permission to drive that you did not already have — it straightforward proves to a foreign authority that your home country has already verified you are a safe driver.
Different countries have different rules about which documents they accept. Some countries require the IDP in addition to your U.S. license. Others accept your U.S. license alone. Before you book a rental car or travel, check the specific rules for the country you plan to visit, because rental companies and local police may have different standards. Your rental car company can tell you what they require.
International Driving Permits Issued Outside the United States
If you hold a driver's license from another country, you will request an IDP from that country's automobile association or motor vehicle authority. The process is similar — you provide your license, ID, and a photograph — but the organization and fees vary by country. Canada's CAA (Canadian Automobile Association), the UK's AA (Automobile Association), and Australia's NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) all issue IDPs to their residents.
If you are a U.S. resident with a foreign license, you can request an IDP from your home country's organization before you move, or you can request one after you arrive in the United States if you still hold that license. You cannot request a U.S. IDP until you have a valid U.S. driver's license.
Common Reasons an IDP Request May Be Delayed
The most common reason for delay is a passport-sized photograph that does not meet the requirements. The photo must be recent (usually within six months), show your face clearly against a plain background, and be exactly 2 by 2 inches. Photos taken at drugstore photo booths usually meet these standards, but smartphone photos cropped at home often do not. If your photo is rejected, the office will tell you and you can bring a new one.
A second common delay is a driver's license that is expired or about to expire. The IDP cannot be issued if your underlying license is not valid. If your license expires within the next few months, renew it with your state's motor vehicle department before you request the IDP. A third delay occurs when you mail your process and the office cannot read your handwriting or photograph. Use clear, printed letters and may support your photo is in focus before you mail it.
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 recognize U.S. licenses without an IDP. Others require an IDP or will not accept your U.S. license at all. Rental car companies often require an IDP even if local law does not. Check with your rental company and the country's embassy or tourism board before you travel to know what you need.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you can receive it the same day in most locations. If you mail your process, allow one to two weeks for processing and return mail. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon — do not wait until the week before your trip.
What if my driver's license is suspended or expired?
You cannot get an IDP if your driver's license is not currently valid. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension ends. If it is expired, renew it with your state's motor vehicle department first, then request the IDP.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get an International Driving Permit?
No. You need a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or national ID card. Permanent residents, visa holders, and other non-citizens who hold a valid U.S. driver's license can request an IDP.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your home country license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country, which you would need if you moved there permanently or worked there. The IDP is for travelers.