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 ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your national license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your license is valid, because they can read your information without knowing your home country's language or format.
The IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority, not by an international body. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Other countries have their own issuing bodies. An IDP is typically valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request and which country issues it.
You need an IDP only if you plan to drive in another country. If you are renting a car abroad or crossing a border by car, most rental companies and many countries require one. If you are traveling by air or train only, you do not need one.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried alongside your valid home country driver's license, not instead of it.
- In the United States, the AAA and AATA are the only authorized issuers, and you explore in person at a local AAA office or by mail through AATA.
- You need a valid driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
- Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at AAA, and the document costs between $15 and $20 depending on validity period.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years and does not extend the validity of your underlying driver's license.
How to Get an IDP Through the AAA
If you are a AAA member, you can obtain an IDP at any local AAA office. Bring your valid driver's license, a passport or state ID, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The staff will complete the process on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit the same day. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit.
If you do not have a local AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person, you can order by mail through the AAA's national office. Request an process form from your local AAA branch or read it from the AAA website. Mail the completed form, a copy of your driver's license, a copy of your passport or state ID, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order to the address on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks.
AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP through AAA, but non-members may pay a small additional fee. Check with your local office about the current non-member rate.
How to Get an IDP Through the AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorized issuer in the United States. You explore by mail only — there are no in-person offices. Send a completed process form (available on the AATA website), a photocopy of your valid driver's license, a photocopy of your passport or state ID, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order to the AATA address listed on the form.
Processing through AATA typically takes one to two weeks. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AATA does not charge membership fees or additional surcharges.
Choose AATA if you have no AAA office nearby, prefer to avoid membership fees, or want to handle everything by mail without visiting a location.
Documents You Need Before You explore
Gather these items before you contact AAA or AATA:
- A valid, unexpired driver's license issued by your state or country.
- A passport or state-issued ID card (not a student ID or work badge).
- One passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background, with no sunglasses or hats.
- Payment: a check, money order, or credit card (if explore in person at AAA). Mail-in applications typically require check or money order.
If you are explore by mail, make photocopies of your driver's license and ID — do not send originals. Keep copies for your records.
How Long an IDP Is Valid and What Happens When It Expires
An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request. The one-year permit costs $15; the three-year permit costs $20. Choose the three-year option if you plan multiple trips abroad during that period, since you will not need to reapply.
An IDP does not extend your driver's license. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you must have a valid license to use the permit. Conversely, if your IDP expires but your license is still valid, you can renew just the IDP without renewing your license.
To renew an expired IDP, follow the same process: contact AAA or AATA with your current valid driver's license, ID, and a new passport photo. There is no separate renewal form — you explore as if obtaining a new permit.
What to Do If You Lose Your IDP Abroad
If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can issue a temporary letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, which some rental car companies and border officials will accept in place of the IDP. This letter is not a replacement for the permit and is valid only for the remainder of your trip.
When you return home, you can request a replacement IDP from AAA or AATA using the same process as a new process. There is no expedited replacement fee — you pay the standard $15 or $20 depending on the validity period you choose.
To avoid this situation, make a photocopy of your IDP and store it separately from the original, or photograph it and email the image to yourself. This does not replace the physical document but can help you remember the details if you need to contact an embassy.
Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP
Most countries recognize an IDP if you are renting a car or driving. However, some countries require one by law, and others do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit — requirements vary widely and change periodically.
The U.S. State Department website lists driving requirements by country. Your rental car company will also tell you whether an IDP is required for your destination. Some countries accept only an IDP plus your original license; others accept your license alone. A few countries require an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead of an IDP.
Carrying an IDP when it is not required does no harm, but carrying one when it is required and you do not have it can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or inability to rent a car. Verify the rules for your destination before you travel.
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 accept a U.S. license alone; others require an IDP by law. Check the specific country's rules before you travel. Even if an IDP is not legally required, rental car companies often require one as a condition of renting to you. Verify with your rental company before booking.
How long does it take to get an IDP if I am leaving soon?
AAA can issue an IDP the same day if you visit a local office in person. AATA and mail-in AAA applications take one to two weeks. If you are leaving within a few days, visit an AAA office near you rather than explore by mail.
Do I need a separate IDP for each country I visit?
No. One IDP is valid in all countries that recognize it. You do not need multiple permits for multiple destinations. Carry your IDP and your original driver's license together throughout your trip.
What if my driver's license expires while my IDP is still valid?
Your IDP becomes invalid if your driver's license expires, even if the permit itself has not expired. You must renew your driver's license before you can use the IDP again. Renew your license through your state's motor vehicle department, then you can continue using the same IDP.
Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit or a suspended license?
No. You must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license to obtain an IDP. A learner's permit or a suspended license does not may have access to. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP.