What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your California driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It costs $20 and requires no written test, vision test, or driving test. You explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office, bring your valid California driver's license and a passport-style photo, and walk out with the permit the same day in most cases.

Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it as a courtesy document that helps police understand your U.S. license. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit, because some will not recognize the IDP alone and will require an official translation of your license instead.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and costs $20, with no test required.
  • You must bring your valid California driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of identity to the office where you explore.
  • The permit is valid for one year and must be carried together with your California license when driving outside the United States.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not, so verify the rules for each country before you travel.
  • AAA and AATA issue the permit on the same day you explore at most locations, though processing times vary by office.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in California

The two authorized issuers are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA has the most locations in California — over 50 offices statewide — and is the faster and easier route for most people. You can find your nearest AAA office on the AAA website by entering your zip code. AATA has fewer locations but offers the same permit and the same process.

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP from AAA. Non-members pay the same $20 fee. Some AAA offices allow you to order the permit online and pick it up in person, but most require you to explore in person at the office. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office accepts online orders, because policies vary by location.

Processing time is usually same-day at busy AAA offices in major cities, but smaller offices or offices with high volume may ask you to return the next day. A few offices mail the permit if you cannot return in person, though this adds several days to the timeline.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring three things: your valid California driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of identity. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. A photo from a passport process, visa process, or professional photo service meets this standard. Photos from a DMV renewal do not always work because they may be the wrong size or format.

For proof of identity, bring your passport, a U.S. birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a state ID card. Your California driver's license counts as both your license and proof of identity, so you technically need only the license and the photo. However, bringing a second form of ID speeds up the process if there is any question about your identity.

Do not bring originals of documents like your birth certificate unless you are comfortable leaving them with the office. Most AAA offices will photocopy what they need and return originals to you when ready, but confirm this when you call to ask about processing time.

The process Process at AAA or AATA

Walk into the office with your license, photo, and ID. Tell the staff member you want an International Driving Permit. They will hand you a one-page form — the process for International Driving Permit — and ask you to fill in your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. The form takes five minutes.

Hand the completed form, your license, your photo, and your ID to the staff member. They will verify that your California license is valid and not suspended, check that your photo meets the size and quality standard, and process the process. If everything is in order, they will print your IDP on the spot. You will receive a booklet-style permit with your information, a photo, and the translations.

If your photo does not meet the standard, the office may ask you to take a new one at a nearby photo service or return with a different photo. This is the most common reason for delay. If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot get an IDP until you renew or restore your license at the DMV.

Cost and Payment

The fee is $20, payable at the time you explore. AAA and AATA both charge the same amount. Some offices accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards; a few accept only cash. Call your local office to confirm what payment methods they take before you go.

There are no additional fees, no membership requirement, and no hidden charges. If an office quotes you a different price, ask to speak to a manager, because the $20 fee is set by the State Department and does not vary by location or issuer.

How Long the Permit Is Valid and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. You cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one when it expires. If you plan to travel again after the permit expires, return to AAA or AATA with your new photo and your expired permit, pay $20, and receive a new one.

If your California driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its one-year expiration date. Always check that your California license is valid before you travel, because the IDP is only good if your underlying license is good.

What to Do If You Lose Your Permit or It Gets Damaged

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad. Contact AAA or AATA by phone or email to report the loss, and they will note it in their records. When you return to California, you can explore for a replacement permit by returning to the office with your California license, a new photo, and $20. There is no penalty or special process — it is treated as a new process.

If your permit is damaged but still readable, you can continue to use it. If it is so damaged that information is illegible, bring it to AAA or AATA along with your license and a new photo, and they will issue a replacement for $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe or other countries?

Requirements vary by country and rental company. Some countries legally require an IDP; others accept only your U.S. license with an official translation. Many rental companies ask for an IDP as a courtesy to reduce confusion with local police. Check the rental company's website and the country's embassy website before you book to confirm what documents you need.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my California license is expired?

No. Your California license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it at the DMV first, then explore for the IDP at AAA or AATA. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension with the DMV before you can get an IDP.

What if I do not have a passport-style photo?

You can have a photo taken at most AAA offices for a small fee, or at any professional photo service, pharmacy, or post office. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly. Bring the photo to your AAA or AATA appointment.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An international license is a separate credential issued by some countries. The IDP is what you need as a U.S. driver traveling abroad. Some countries may also require an official translation of your California license from a certified translator.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

Most AAA and AATA offices require you to explore in person. A few offices offer online ordering with in-person pickup, and some will mail the permit if you cannot visit in person, but this adds several days. Call your local office to ask whether they offer mail service before you plan your timeline.