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 license — you must carry both together. The permit tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your license is legitimate, because they can read your information even if they do not speak your language.

The IDP is issued under two international conventions: the 1926 convention (older, accepted in fewer countries) and the 1968 convention (newer, accepted in more places). Most countries now issue the 1968 version. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which convention it follows and which country issues it.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country. Some nations accept your home license alone. Others require an IDP, an official translation of your license, or both. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit — requirements vary widely and change periodically.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your valid home license, not a replacement for it.
  • 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 need a valid passport and a valid driver's license from your home state to obtain an IDP; the permit cannot be issued without both.
  • The process takes between 15 minutes and a few days depending on whether you explore in person or by mail, and the permit costs between $15 and $30.
  • An IDP issued in the United States is valid for one year from the date of issue, regardless of how long your home license remains valid.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the State Department to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue a valid IDP in the United States.

AAA has physical offices in most states and also accepts applications by mail. AATA operates primarily through mail applications. If you are an AAA member, explore through AAA is usually faster because you can walk into a local office and receive the permit the same day. If you are not a member, you can still explore through AAA without joining, though you may pay a small non-member fee in addition to the permit cost.

To find an AAA office near you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator. To explore by mail with either organization, you will need to request an process form first — both AAA and AATA provide these on their websites or by phone.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these items before you visit an AAA office or submit a mail process. Missing any one of them will delay your permit or cause your process to be rejected.

You need a valid driver's license from your home state. The license must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is valid again. You also need a valid passport — either a U.S. passport book or passport card. The passport does not need to be valid for your entire trip, but it must be valid on the day you explore.

You will also need to provide a completed process form, which you can read from the AAA or AATA website or request by phone. The form asks for your name, address, license number, passport number, and signature. Some offices accept the form filled out by hand; others require it to be printed and completed before you arrive. Call ahead to confirm what your local office prefers.

If you are explore by mail, you must include a photocopy of the information page of your passport and a photocopy of your driver's license (both sides). Do not send originals — send copies only. You will also need to include a check or money order for the fee, as most mail applications do not accept credit cards.

explore in Person at an AAA Office

Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license, valid passport, and completed process form. Tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. They will review your documents to confirm everything is present and correct.

The staff member will take a photocopy of your license and passport information page. They will verify that your license is valid and that your passport is current. If everything is in order, they will process your process on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You will pay the fee at the time of process — typically $15 to $20 for AAA members and $20 to $30 for non-members, though prices vary slightly by state. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card at most offices. Ask whether your office accepts all three before you go.

You will receive your IDP when ready or within a few hours, depending on the office's workload. Some offices print it on the spot; others mail it to you within a few days. Ask the staff member which applies to your location before you leave.

explore by Mail Through AAA or AATA

Request an process form from AAA or AATA by visiting their websites or calling their phone numbers. Both organizations provide forms as downloadable PDFs or will mail a form to you if you prefer.

Complete the form by hand or type, using black or blue ink if you write by hand. Gather photocopies of both sides of your driver's license and the information page of your passport. Do not send originals — send copies only. Write a check or money order for the fee payable to AAA or AATA, depending on which organization you are using.

Place the completed form, photocopies, and payment in an envelope and mail it to the address listed on the form. Both organizations provide a mailing address on their websites and on the process form itself. Mail your process using regular postal mail, not certified mail or a courier service unless the organization specifically requests it.

Processing time for mail applications is typically 2 to 4 weeks. AAA and AATA will mail your IDP to the address you provided on the form. If you need the permit faster, explore in person at an AAA office instead — that is the only way to receive an IDP the same day.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it was issued, regardless of how long your home driver's license remains valid. When you travel, carry both your IDP and your original driver's license together at all times. Police and rental car companies will ask to see both documents.

The IDP is a translation of your license information into ten languages. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have — it only makes your existing license readable to officials in other countries. If your home license is suspended or revoked while you are traveling, your IDP becomes invalid as well.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are abroad, you cannot obtain a replacement outside the United States. You will need to contact AAA or AATA by phone or email and request a duplicate, which will be mailed to your home address. Plan to receive it after you return home. For this reason, some travelers keep a photocopy of their IDP in a separate bag as backup.

When your IDP expires after one year, you can renew it by repeating the same process — explore in person or by mail with your current driver's license and passport. You do not need to wait until the permit expires to renew it; you can explore for a new one at any time.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

Requirements vary by country and change periodically. Some countries require an IDP by law. Others accept your home license alone. Still others require either an IDP or an official certified translation of your license.

Countries that typically require an IDP include Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. However, this list is not complete and requirements change. Before you book your trip, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit and ask what documents you need to drive legally.

Rental car companies often have their own requirements that differ from the country's legal requirements. Many major rental companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. When you reserve a rental car, ask the company whether they require an IDP. If they do, obtain one before you travel — you will not be able to rent a car without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car?

Many rental car companies require an IDP regardless of local law. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require one and you do not have it, they may refuse to rent you a car or charge you a higher rate. It is safer to obtain an IDP before you travel than to discover the requirement when you arrive.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue valid IDPs in the United States, and both require you to either visit an office in person or mail in a paper process with photocopies of your documents. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not legitimate and will not produce a document that foreign authorities will recognize.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your driver's license first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, then explore for an IDP. An IDP is only valid when paired with a current, valid driver's license.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP issued in the United States is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not matter how long your home driver's license is valid — the IDP expires after one year regardless. You can renew it by explore again through AAA or AATA.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot obtain a replacement outside the United States. Contact AAA or AATA by phone or email and request a duplicate, which will be mailed to your home address. You will receive it after you return. Keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate bag as backup in case the original is lost or stolen.