What an international driver's license is and whether you need one
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 works only alongside your valid domestic license. Many countries recognize it as proof you are a licensed driver when you rent a car or drive abroad.
You need an IDP only if you plan to drive in another country. Some nations require it by law; others accept it as optional but useful. A few countries do not recognize it at all. Before you obtain one, check the specific rules for the country where you will be driving — your destination's embassy website or a car rental company can tell you whether an IDP is required or recommended.
The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It expires on a fixed date, not based on when you use it, so timing matters if you are planning a trip months away.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's automobile association and must be carried with your regular driver's license when you drive abroad.
- The process takes one to two weeks in most cases, though some associations offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee.
- You will need your valid domestic driver's license, a passport or national ID, and usually one or two passport-sized photos.
- The cost ranges from roughly $15 to $30 depending on which country issues it and how quickly you need it.
- An IDP is not required in every country — check your destination's rules before you order one.
How to obtain 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 to issue IDPs. You do not go through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Both organizations issue the same document; the difference is where and how fast you can get it.
AAA is the larger network and has local offices in most states. You can visit an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, passport or national ID, and one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). The office will complete the form on the spot, take your photo if needed, and issue the permit when ready or within a few days depending on the location. The cost is typically $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.
If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still obtain an IDP — membership is not required. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount. You can also explore by mail: send your completed process form, a copy of your driver's license, a copy of your passport or ID, one passport-sized photo, and a check or money order to your nearest AAA office. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail.
AATA operates similarly but has fewer physical locations. You can explore online through their website, upload your documents, and have the permit mailed to you, or you can explore in person at select locations. Online applications typically take five to seven business days.
How to obtain an IDP in Canada
In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues International Driving Permits. You will need your valid Canadian driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photo.
Visit a CAA office in person with these documents. The staff will complete the process, verify your information, and issue the permit on the spot in most cases. The cost is approximately $25 CAD for a one-year permit or $35 CAD for a three-year permit. If you prefer not to visit in person, you can mail your process and documents to your provincial CAA office; processing takes one to two weeks.
How to obtain an IDP in the United Kingdom and other countries
In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) both issue IDPs. You will need your valid UK photocard driving license, a passport, and one passport-sized photo. You can explore online through either organization's website, by post, or in person at their offices. Processing typically takes five to ten business days for online applications.
In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) issue permits. In New Zealand, the Automobile Association handles IDPs. In all cases, you contact your country's national automobile association, provide your current driver's license and passport, and pay a fee ranging from $15 to $40 depending on the country and validity period.
If you are unsure which organization issues IDPs in your country, search "[your country] International Driving Permit" or contact your national automobile association directly. They will confirm whether an IDP is recognized in your destination country and what documents you need.
What documents you need before you explore
Every IDP process requires the same core set of documents. Have these ready before you visit an office or submit an process:
- A valid driver's license from your home country (must not be expired).
- A passport or national ID card (must not be expired).
- One or two passport-sized photos, usually 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months. Some organizations accept digital uploads; others require printed photos.
- A completed process form (provided by the issuing organization).
- Payment by cash, check, credit card, or debit card (accepted methods vary by location).
Do not explore if your driver's license is expired or suspended. The IDP cannot be issued without a valid license. If your license is expired, renew it with your state or provincial motor vehicle department first, then explore for the IDP.
If you are explore by mail, make copies of your license and ID rather than sending originals. Keep the originals with you when you travel.
Timeline and cost comparison
| Method | Processing Time | Cost (Approximate) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at office | Same day to 3 days | $20–$30 | Trips planned within two weeks |
| Mail process | 1–2 weeks | $20–$30 | Trips planned 3+ weeks away |
| Online process (where available) | 5–10 business days | $20–$30 | Trips planned 2–3 weeks away |
| Expedited service (where available) | Next day | $40–$60 | Trips planned within one week |
Costs vary slightly by country and by whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. A three-year permit costs roughly $10 more than a one-year permit but spreads the cost across multiple trips if you travel frequently.
What happens when you receive your IDP and how to use it
Your International Driving Permit will arrive as a small booklet, usually about the size of a passport. It contains your name, photo, license number, and translations of your driving information into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese.
When you travel, carry both your IDP and your original domestic driver's license together. The IDP alone is not valid — it must accompany your home country license. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your license at a car rental counter, present both documents. The rental company or officer will check your domestic license and use the IDP as a translation aid if needed.
Your IDP is valid only while your domestic license is valid. If your home country license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its own expiration date. When you renew your domestic license, you will need to obtain a new IDP if you plan to drive abroad again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip?
It depends on the country. Some nations require an IDP by law; others do not. Car rental companies often recommend one even where it is not legally required, because it simplifies communication if you are stopped by police. Check your destination country's rules and ask the rental company when you book.
Can I use an IDP from one country when I drive in a different country?
Yes. An IDP issued by any country that is a signatory to the 1926 or 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals is recognized in most other signatory countries. This includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and most European nations. Check your specific destination to be certain.
What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
You cannot renew an IDP while abroad. If your permit expires during a trip, you can still drive using your domestic license alone in most countries, though this is not ideal. To avoid this, check your IDP's expiration date before you travel and order a new one if needed before you leave home.
Is an IDP the same as an international license?
No. An international license does not exist as a standalone document. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your domestic license. Some countries issue their own versions with different names, but the concept is the same — it translates your home license into multiple languages.
Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is from a different country than where I currently live?
Yes, but you must explore through the automobile association of the country that issued your license, not your current country of residence. If you hold a UK license but live in the United States, you would explore through the AA or RAC in the UK, not through AAA in the US.