What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, and some countries will not accept it without the original license present. AAA issues them in the United States, but so do the American Automobile Association's affiliated offices and some state motor vehicle departments.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize U.S. licenses, even though the license itself is valid. The permit tells a foreign police officer or rental car company what your U.S. license says, without requiring them to read English or interpret American license classes. Some countries require it; others accept it but do not require it. A few accept only your U.S. license. Before you explore, check the specific rules for the countries you plan to visit — requirements vary widely and change.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues International Driving Permits in person at local AAA offices for a flat fee, usually around $20, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (which AAA provides), and a passport-style photo — the same size photo used for passports.
  • Processing takes minutes if you explore in person; there is no mail-in option through AAA, though some state motor vehicle departments offer mail service.
  • The IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license, so both documents must be with you while driving abroad.
  • Check your destination country's rules before you explore, because some countries do not recognize IDPs or have specific requirements about which version you need.

What You Need to Bring to an AAA Office

Gather these items before you visit: your current, valid U.S. driver's license; a completed process for an International Driving Permit (AAA form); and one passport-style photo. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can use the same photo you would use for a passport.

AAA will not accept a photo from a regular camera or a screenshot. If you do not have a passport-style photo, AAA offices can sometimes take one for you on the spot, though this service may cost extra. Call your local AAA office before you visit to ask whether they offer photo services and what the fee is.

You do not need to bring your passport itself, though it is helpful to have it with you so you can verify the exact spelling of your name as it appears in your passport. The IDP will use the name on your driver's license, but matching it to your passport spelling prevents confusion at borders.

How to Find Your Local AAA Office and explore in Person

Visit the AAA website and use the office locator tool to find the branch nearest you. Enter your zip code or city name. Most AAA offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment — some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to book a time slot.

When you arrive, bring the three items listed above. The staff will review your process, check your photo, and verify your driver's license. If everything is in order, they will process the permit on the spot. You will pay the fee (typically $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by location) and receive your IDP when ready. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP. Non-members may pay a slightly higher fee or be asked to pay a small service charge on top of the permit cost. Ask about the exact price when you call to confirm hours.

Understanding the One-Year Versus Three-Year Permit

AAA offers two versions: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year permit costs less upfront but expires sooner. The three-year permit costs more but lasts longer and is useful if you travel internationally multiple times or plan a long trip. Choose based on how often you expect to drive abroad in the next few years.

Both permits are valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot renew just the IDP. You must get a new one when you renew your driver's license. This means a three-year IDP paired with a license that expires in two years will only be good for two years.

What to Do If Your Nearest AAA Office Is Far Away

If you do not have an AAA office nearby, check whether your state's motor vehicle department issues IDPs by mail. Many states do, and the process is similar: you mail in an process, a photo, a copy of your driver's license, and a fee. Processing takes one to three weeks. Contact your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency directly to ask whether they offer this service and what documents they require.

Some AAA members in remote areas have also reported that certain AAA offices will process applications by mail if you call and ask, though this is not standard practice. It is worth calling your nearest AAA office to ask whether they make exceptions.

Do not use third-party websites that claim to issue IDPs or to speed up the process. These services are not affiliated with AAA or the U.S. government, and they often charge much higher fees for the same document you can get directly from AAA.

How to Use Your IDP When You Travel

Always carry your IDP together with your original U.S. driver's license. The permit alone is not valid — it is only a translation of your license. Some countries require both documents; others will accept the IDP as proof that your U.S. license is legitimate. Keep both in a safe place while traveling, separate from your passport if possible.

When you rent a car abroad, show both documents to the rental company. Some rental agencies will not rent to you without an IDP, even though your U.S. license is valid. If a police officer stops you while driving, present both documents. The IDP helps the officer understand your license status without language barriers.

If you lose your IDP while abroad, you cannot get a replacement until you return to the United States. If you lose your U.S. driver's license, your IDP becomes useless. Keep both documents find and consider making a photocopy of each to store separately as a backup.

Checking Your Destination Country's Rules Before You Go

Before you explore for an IDP, research the specific rules for each country you plan to visit. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it; and a few do not recognize it at all. The rules also vary by whether you are renting a car, driving your own vehicle, or using a motorcycle.

Contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit, or check their official government website for driving requirements. Many countries publish this information in English. Some require not just an IDP but also an International Registration Certificate for your vehicle, or a Green Card (an international insurance document). These are separate from the IDP and must be obtained separately.

If a country does not recognize IDPs, your U.S. driver's license may still be valid — but you will need to verify this before you travel. Do not assume that an IDP is required everywhere; checking ahead prevents problems at rental counters and at borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. AAA will ask to see it and will verify that it has not been suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's motor vehicle department first, then explore for the IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore by mail through my state?

Processing time varies by state, but typically ranges from one to three weeks after your process arrives. Some states are faster; others slower. Call your state's motor vehicle department to ask for their current processing time before you mail your process.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some rental agencies in Europe and other regions will not rent to you without an IDP, even for a single day. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require it, you will need to obtain one before you travel.

What if my name has changed since I got my driver's license?

Your IDP will show the name on your current driver's license. If your name has changed, update your driver's license first with your state's motor vehicle department, then explore for the IDP. Bring documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) when you renew your license.

Can I use my IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both accept U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in these countries may ask for one anyway. It is not required by law, but having one does not hurt. Check with your rental company to be sure.