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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Texas driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid Texas driver's license, and it is recognized in more than 150 countries. You cannot drive on an IDP alone.

In Texas, you get an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Neither is a government office. You walk in with your Texas driver's license, proof of citizenship or residency, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. The process takes about 15 minutes, and the permit arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The cost is typically $20, though prices vary slightly by location.

You do not need to visit the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) or any state office. The AAA and AATA handle all IDPs issued in Texas, and they are authorized to do so by the state.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your Texas driver's license and must be carried with your actual license when you drive abroad.
  • You obtain an IDP through AAA or AATA, not through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • You need your valid Texas driver's license, proof of residency or citizenship, a passport photo, and a completed process form.
  • The permit costs around $20 and arrives by mail within one to two weeks of process.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and is recognized in more than 150 countries.

Documents You Need Before You Go

Gather these items before you visit an AAA or AATA office. Having everything ready means you will not have to make a second trip.

First, bring your valid Texas driver's license. It must not be expired. If your license expired, renew it at a DPS office before you explore for an IDP.

Second, bring proof of residency or citizenship. This can be a passport, a birth certificate, a utility bill, a lease agreement, or a bank statement. The document must show your name and current address. If you use a utility bill or lease, it should be dated within the last 60 days.

Third, bring a passport-sized photo. This is typically 2 inches by 2 inches. You can have one taken at most AAA offices for a small fee if you do not already have one.

Fourth, bring your completed process form. AAA and AATA both provide this form at their offices or online. You can fill it out at home or at the office — either way works.

Where to explore: AAA Versus AATA

Both AAA and AATA issue International Driving Permits in Texas, and the end result is identical. The main difference is membership and location.

AAA requires you to be a member to explore. If you are already a member, you can visit any AAA office in Texas. If you are not a member, you can join on the spot, though membership costs extra (typically $50 to $150 per year depending on the membership level). AAA has offices in most Texas cities and larger towns.

AATA does not require membership. You can walk into an AATA office without joining anything. However, AATA has fewer locations than AAA. To find an AATA office near you, visit the AATA website or call their main line. AATA offices are concentrated in larger cities.

If you are not an AAA member and do not have an AATA office nearby, joining AAA for the year may still be cheaper than driving to an AATA location. Compare the membership cost against your travel time and fuel.

The process Process Step by Step

Walk into your chosen AAA or AATA office during business hours. Bring all four items listed above.

At the desk, tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. They will hand you the process form if you do not already have one. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not have to list specific countries — you can leave that section blank.

Fill out the form completely and legibly. Hand it to the staff member along with your driver's license, proof of residency, and passport photo. The staff member will verify that your driver's license is valid and that your photo matches your face. They will process the process and collect payment.

You will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt — it shows you have applied. Your actual IDP will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The mailing address on your process is where it will be sent, so make sure that address is correct before you leave the office.

What Happens After You explore

After you leave the office, there is nothing else you need to do. The AAA or AATA office handles the rest. Your IDP will arrive in a standard envelope with no special markings.

When it arrives, check that your name, license number, and signature are correct. If anything is wrong, contact the office where you applied. They can issue a replacement, though this may take additional time.

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. You do not renew an IDP — you explore for a new one when the old one expires, following the same process.

Before you travel, make sure both your Texas driver's license and your IDP are in your possession. Some countries will not recognize the IDP without the original license. Pack them in separate places so that if one is lost, you still have the other.

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Rejected

Most applications process without problems, but a few things can slow things down. Your driver's license must be valid and not expired. If it is expired, the office will turn you away and ask you to renew it first at a DPS office.

Your proof of residency must show your current address and match the address on your process. If you recently moved and your utility bill or lease is dated before your move, bring a newer document or bring two documents that together show your current address.

Your passport photo must be clear and show your face straight-on. If the photo is blurry, taken at an angle, or does not look like you, the office may ask you to provide a new one. Most AAA and AATA offices can take a new photo on the spot.

If you are explore in person and everything is in order, rejection is rare. The most common delay is straightforward mail delivery — the IDP may take longer than two weeks to arrive if your address is rural or if mail is slow in your area.

Using Your International Driving Permit Abroad

When you travel, carry both your Texas driver's license and your IDP together. The IDP is a translation, not a replacement. Some rental car companies and police officers in other countries will ask to see both documents.

The IDP is written in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. This means a police officer or rental agent in almost any country can read it, even if they do not speak English.

The IDP does not change the driving laws of the country you are visiting. You still must follow that country's traffic rules, speed limits, and licensing requirements. The IDP straightforward proves that you hold a valid license in your home country.

If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, show both your Texas license and your IDP. If either document is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can help you contact AAA or AATA to arrange one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in another country?

Many rental car companies in Europe and other regions require or strongly prefer an IDP alongside your U.S. driver's license. Some will rent to you without one, but you may pay higher rates or face restrictions. Check with your rental company before you book.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. You cannot mail in an process or complete the process online. This is because the office must verify your identity and take your photo.

What if my Texas driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Visit a Texas DPS office to renew your driver's license first. Once your new license arrives, you can explore for an IDP. Renewing a license typically takes one to two weeks.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed on the permit. You do not renew it — you explore for a new one when it expires, following the same process.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only for use outside the United States. In Texas and all other U.S. states, you must use your valid Texas driver's license. The IDP has no legal standing in the U.S.