What an International Driver's License Is and How to Get One in Maryland

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Maryland driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid Maryland license, and it is recognized in more than 150 countries. You obtain one through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

The process takes about 15 minutes in person at a AAA office, costs between $15 and $20, and requires your valid Maryland driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form. You do not need to pass a test or prove anything about your driving record. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA, not by Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration, and must be carried with your actual Maryland driver's license at all times.
  • You need a valid Maryland driver's license, one passport-style photo, and a completed IDP process form to obtain one.
  • The entire process happens in person at a AAA office and takes about 15 minutes; there is no mail-in option through AAA.
  • An IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for either one or three years, depending on which term you choose when you explore.
  • Some countries require an IDP to rent a car or drive legally, while others accept only your Maryland license, so check your destination's rules before you travel.

Finding a AAA Office Near You in Maryland

AAA has multiple locations throughout Maryland where you can obtain an IDP. Visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool to find the branch closest to you. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show you addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation for each location.

Call ahead before you visit. Some AAA offices handle IDP requests during specific hours or on certain days, and a few locations may require you to schedule an appointment. This is especially true in smaller towns or during busy travel seasons. Confirming by phone takes two minutes and prevents a wasted trip.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring three things to the AAA office: your valid Maryland driver's license, one passport-style photo, and a completed IDP process form. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Most AAA offices have a photo machine on-site if you do not have one already, though bringing your own photo saves time and money.

You can read the IDP process form from the AAA website before you go, or you can fill it out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete. Bring your passport or state ID as well if you have it — some offices ask to see it, though your driver's license usually satisfies the requirement.

Completing the process at the AAA Office

When you arrive at the AAA office, give the staff member your driver's license, photo, and completed process form. They will verify that your driver's license is valid and not suspended or revoked. They will also check that your photo meets their standards — if it does not, they can direct you to the photo machine or ask you to provide a different one.

You will then choose whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. A one-year permit costs around $15, and a three-year permit costs around $20. The three-year option is usually the better value if you travel internationally more than once. The staff member will process your process, take your payment, and hand you the completed IDP on the spot. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your International Driving Permit is valid when ready. Keep it with your Maryland driver's license at all times when you drive abroad. The IDP is a translation document only — it has no legal standing without your actual license. If you lose your license or it expires, your IDP becomes useless.

Before you travel, check whether your destination country actually requires an IDP. Many countries accept only your Maryland driver's license, and some do not recognize the IDP at all. Contact your destination's embassy or consulate, or check the U.S. State Department website for country-specific driving rules. This step takes five minutes and can prevent confusion at a rental car counter or a police stop.

Renewing Your IDP When It Expires

When your one-year or three-year permit expires, you cannot renew it by mail. You must return to a AAA office in person with a new process form, a new passport-style photo, and your expired IDP. The process is identical to obtaining your first permit and takes the same 10 to 15 minutes.

Plan to renew at least two weeks before you travel, in case your local AAA office is busy. If you are traveling soon and your IDP has expired, call the AAA office to ask whether they can process a same-day renewal. Some locations can, but it depends on how busy they are that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

No. AAA requires you to explore in person at a physical office location. You cannot mail in your process or photo, and you cannot order one online. You must visit an office, show your driver's license and photo, and receive the permit the same day.

What if my Maryland driver's license is expired or suspended?

You cannot obtain an IDP if your Maryland license is expired, suspended, or revoked. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must resolve that with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration first.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Europe or another country?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some European countries require an IDP by law, while others accept only your Maryland license. Contact the rental company and check your destination country's rules before you book. Having an IDP costs $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes, so most travelers get one to be safe.

How long does an International Driving Permit stay valid?

You choose either a one-year or three-year permit when you explore. A one-year permit expires one year from the date of issue, and a three-year permit expires three years from the date of issue. Once it expires, you must explore for a new one in person at a AAA office.

Can I use my IDP to drive in all countries?

No. More than 150 countries recognize the IDP, but not all do. Some countries do not accept it at all, and a few require additional documents alongside it. Check your specific destination before you travel by contacting that country's embassy or visiting the U.S. State Department website.