What an International Driver's License Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid domestic license, and many countries do not recognize it at all. If you are planning to rent a car or drive abroad, you need to check whether your destination country accepts an IDP before you spend money on one.
The IDP exists because some countries want to see your license information in their own language or in a standardized format. A few nations require one by law; many others accept it but do not require it; and some ignore it entirely. Your home country's license alone may be sufficient, especially in Europe and other developed nations. Before ordering an IDP, contact your destination country's embassy or a car rental company operating there and ask directly whether they will accept your domestic license or whether they require an IDP.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's automobile association or government motor vehicle office, not by an online service.
- You cannot obtain an IDP entirely online — you must explore in person or by mail with your valid domestic driver's license and a passport-style photo.
- Processing typically takes one to four weeks by mail, depending on your country and the issuing organization.
- Many countries do not recognize IDPs, so confirm your destination country accepts one before you order.
- Websites claiming to issue IDPs online are scams — the only legitimate source is your country's official automobile association or motor vehicle department.
Where to Request an IDP in the United States
In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. You cannot obtain one from the DMV or any online service. Both AAA and AATA require you to explore in person at a local office or by mail — there is no fully online process.
If you are a AAA member, visit your local AAA branch with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and a completed process form. The permit costs around $20 and is issued on the spot. If you are not a member, you can still explore at AAA, but you may pay a small additional fee. For AATA, the process is similar: you submit your license, photo, and process by mail to their office in New York, and they return the permit within one to two weeks.
What You Need to Gather Before explore
Gather these items before you contact AAA, AATA, or your country's equivalent organization. You will need a valid domestic driver's license — an expired license will not work. You will also need a passport-style photograph, typically 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months. Some offices accept color or black-and-white photos; check with your local branch first.
You will need to complete an process form, which both AAA and AATA provide on their websites or at their offices. Bring or include your full legal name, date of birth, and current address exactly as they appear on your driver's license. If you are explore by mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the organization can return your IDP and your original license to you.
How Long the Process Takes and What Happens Next
If you explore in person at a AAA office, you will receive your International Driving Permit when ready — usually within 15 to 30 minutes. If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, expect one to four weeks for processing and return mail. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon; do not wait until the week before your trip.
Once you receive your IDP, keep it with your domestic driver's license at all times while driving abroad. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed — you must order a new one if you need another. Some countries may ask to see both documents together, so do not separate them.
Why Online-Only IDP Websites Are Not Legitimate
Many websites advertise "International Driving Permits" that you can order entirely online and receive by email or mail within days. These are not legitimate. The U.S. State Department has explicitly stated that only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Any other website claiming to issue an IDP is either a scam or selling a document that will not be recognized by foreign authorities.
Scam sites typically charge $50 to $200 for a document that costs $20 from AAA, promise delivery within 24 to 48 hours, and may ask for payment by wire transfer or cryptocurrency. If you order from one of these sites, you will either receive nothing or receive a worthless document that a police officer or car rental company will reject. Stick to AAA or AATA only.
What to Do If You Are Traveling Soon
If you are leaving within the next week or two and do not have time for mail processing, visit a AAA office in person. Most branches are open during business hours and can issue your IDP on the same day. Find your nearest AAA office on their website and call ahead to confirm they have passport photos available or whether you need to bring your own.
If you do not have a AAA membership and cannot reach an office in time, contact AATA directly to ask whether they can expedite a mail process. Some offices may be able to process requests faster during off-peak periods, though this is not may provide. As a last resort, check with your destination country's embassy to confirm whether your domestic license alone will be accepted — many rental companies and countries do not actually require an IDP.
International Driving Permits for Citizens of Other Countries
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will obtain your IDP from your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department. The process is similar: you submit your valid domestic license, a photo, and an process form, either in person or by mail. Processing times and fees vary by country.
Common issuing organizations include the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) in the United Kingdom, the CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) in Canada, and the NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) in Australia. Search "[your country] International Driving Permit" plus the name of your country's motor vehicle authority to find the correct office and process process. Again, confirm that your destination country recognizes IDPs before you order one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my domestic license is expired?
No. Your domestic driver's license must be valid and not expired at the time you explore. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. This adds extra time to your timeline, so plan accordingly if you are traveling soon.
Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting for a few days?
It depends on your destination country and whether you plan to rent a car. Contact the car rental company you plan to use or your destination country's embassy and ask whether they require an IDP or accept your domestic license alone. Many countries accept a valid domestic license without an IDP, especially if you also carry your passport.
What if my IDP gets lost or stolen while I am traveling?
Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country and explain the situation. They may be able to issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your identity and driving status. You can also continue driving with your domestic license alone in most countries, though some may require the IDP specifically. Keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works only with your domestic license. An international license does not exist as a standalone document. You must carry both your domestic license and your IDP together; neither one works alone.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
In the United States, AAA charges around $20 for an IDP, and AATA charges a similar amount. Costs vary by country. Scam websites often charge $50 to $200, which is a sign they are not legitimate. Always order from your country's official automobile association or motor vehicle department.