What an International Driving Permit Is and What It Does

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your U.S. license is legitimate, without requiring them to interpret English or verify your record with your home state.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the National Automobile Club. AAA issues the permit in person at most of its local club offices across the country. The process takes about 20 minutes, and you walk out with the document the same day.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It is not a license itself — it is a companion document. If your U.S. driver's license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it still has time remaining. You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues International Driving Permits in person at local club offices, and you receive the document the same day.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo, and a completed process form to the AAA office.
  • The fee is typically $20, though some AAA offices may charge slightly different amounts.
  • Your IDP is valid for one year and becomes invalid if your U.S. driver's license expires before the year is up.
  • You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together when driving in another country; neither document works alone.

What You Need to Bring to the AAA Office

Gather these items before you visit an AAA office. You will need your current, valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. Bring one passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches, with a white or off-white background. The photo must show your face clearly and be taken within the last six months. You can obtain a passport photo at most drugstore photo counters, post offices, or AAA offices themselves (some offices offer this service for a small additional fee).

You will also need to complete the process form before you arrive or fill it out at the office. AAA uses form DS-11 (the same form used for U.S. passports), though the AAA office will provide it if you do not bring one. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. AAA offices accept both, though it is wise to call ahead and confirm which payment methods your local office takes. You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP, though membership may may have access to you to a small discount at some locations.

Finding Your Nearest AAA Office and Making an Appointment

Visit the AAA website and use the office locator tool to find the club office nearest you. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so confirm that the location you plan to visit offers this service. You can call the office directly or check the office details page on the website. Many AAA offices issue IDPs during regular business hours without requiring an appointment, but calling ahead is a good idea — some locations have limited staff or may be temporarily out of stock.

If you live in a state without an AAA club office nearby, or if your local office does not issue IDPs, you can contact the National Automobile Club instead. The NAC also issues IDPs and can mail the process to you, though the process takes longer than an in-person visit to AAA.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive at the AAA office, give the staff member your completed process form, your driver's license, your passport photo, and your payment. The staff member will verify that your license is valid and that your photo meets the requirements. They will then issue your IDP on the spot — the document is printed when ready and takes only a few minutes to produce.

The IDP will show your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the date of issue and expiration. It will be bound in a small booklet format. The staff member will explain that you must carry it with your U.S. license at all times when driving abroad. They may also give you information about how to use the IDP in specific countries, though the document itself is valid in most countries that recognize international driving permits.

Using Your IDP When You Travel

When you rent a car in another country, present both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP to the rental company. Some rental agencies require the IDP; others accept it but do not require it. Having both documents eliminates any question about whether your license is valid. If you are stopped by police while driving, present both documents together.

The IDP is not a substitute for your license and does not grant you permission to drive in countries where you would not otherwise be allowed to drive. It is purely a translation and verification tool. Some countries have additional requirements — for example, an International Driving Permit alone does not satisfy the requirements for driving in certain European nations, which may also require a certified translation of your license or an International Driving Document (IDD). Research the specific requirements of the country you plan to visit before you travel.

What to Do If Your IDP Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you can obtain a replacement by visiting an AAA office when you return to the United States. You will need to bring your driver's license, a new passport photo, and payment. There is no penalty for replacement — you straightforward pay the standard fee again.

If you lose your IDP while abroad and need to drive before you can return home, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue an IDP, but they can provide guidance on whether you can drive with your U.S. license alone in that location, or whether you should arrange alternative transportation until you return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Most rental companies accept an IDP as proof that your U.S. license is valid. Having one eliminates confusion and is inexpensive, so it is worth obtaining before you travel. Check the requirements for your specific destination before you book your rental.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

AAA does not issue IDPs by mail — you must visit an office in person. The National Automobile Club does accept mail applications, though the process takes several weeks. If you need the IDP quickly, visit an AAA office. If you have time, the NAC is an option if no AAA office is convenient.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires soon?

Your IDP becomes invalid when your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP still has time remaining. If your license expires within a year, you can still obtain an IDP, but you will need to renew it once you renew your license. Plan accordingly if you are traveling near the end of your license's validity.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Driving Document?

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by AAA and the National Automobile Club and translates your U.S. license. An International Driving Document (IDD) is a separate credential issued by some U.S. states and serves a different purpose in certain countries. Some countries require an IDD in addition to or instead of an IDP. Check your destination's requirements before you travel.