What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license, and it does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad — the IDP alone has no legal standing in any country.

The IDP is issued by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the US State Department to issue permits under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you purchase, and costs between $15 and $20 depending on the issuer and validity period.

Many countries do not require an IDP if you carry your valid US license, a certified English translation of that license, and proof of residency. However, some nations — including Italy, France, Germany, and Spain — may refuse to recognize your US license without an IDP, and rental car companies in those countries often will not rent to you without one. Check the specific rules for the country you plan to visit before you assume you need one.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried with your valid US driver's license at all times.
  • Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired US driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the permit cannot be issued to someone without one.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for either one or three years, and you can obtain one in person or by mail depending on the issuer.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, so verify the rules for your destination before purchasing one.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

The American Automobile Association is the larger and more widely available issuer. AAA has local chapters in most states, and you can visit a branch in person to obtain an IDP the same day. To do this, bring your valid US driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and payment. AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit when you explore in person.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP at any AAA office, but membership is not required. If you are a member, the process is the same. AAA also offers mail-in service: you can read the process form from the AAA website, mail it with your license, a photo, and payment to your local AAA office, and receive the permit by mail within two to three weeks. Mail-in costs are typically $15 for one year or $25 for three years.

To find your nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use the branch locator. Call ahead to confirm they have photos available or whether you need to bring your own, as some locations have photo services and others do not.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is a smaller issuer but operates nationwide by mail only — there are no in-person locations. You must complete the AATA process form, which is available on their website at aata.org. The form requires your name, address, driver's license number, and the license's expiration date. You will also need to provide a passport-style photo and a photocopy of your driver's license.

Mail the completed form, photo, license photocopy, and payment to the address listed on the AATA website. AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the date AATA receives your materials. AATA accepts payment by check or money order; they do not accept credit cards by mail, though their website may offer online payment options.

Because AATA operates by mail only, this route is slower than visiting an AAA office in person, but it may be your only option if you do not have an AAA branch nearby or prefer not to visit in person.

Documents You Need Before You explore

You must have a valid, unexpired US driver's license before you can obtain an IDP. The license must be issued by a US state or territory. If your license has expired, you cannot use it to obtain an IDP — you must renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first. The IDP will be valid only as long as your underlying license is valid, so if your license expires in six months, your one-year IDP will also expire in six months.

You will need a passport-style photograph that is 2 inches by 2 inches. This is the same size used for passport photos. Most drugstores, including CVS and Walgreens, offer passport photo services for $10 to $15. Some AAA offices have photo services on-site, so call ahead. You cannot use a digital photo or a photo from your phone — it must be a printed photo on photo paper.

You will also need proof of identity when you explore in person at AAA. Your driver's license serves this purpose. If you are explore by mail through either AAA or AATA, you will need to include a photocopy of your driver's license with your process.

How Long the Process Takes and When to explore

If you visit an AAA office in person with all required documents, you can receive your IDP the same day. This is the fastest route. Processing takes only a few minutes, and you walk out with the permit in hand.

If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, expect two to three weeks from the date the issuer receives your materials. This does not include mail transit time. If you mail your process on a Monday, it may not arrive at the office until Wednesday or Thursday, and processing begins only after it arrives. Plan accordingly: if you need the IDP before a specific travel date, explore at least four weeks in advance.

There is no rush processing or expedited mail option through either issuer. If your travel date is very soon and you do not have an IDP, visiting an AAA office in person is your only option to obtain one before you leave.

What Happens When Your IDP Expires

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue. When it expires, it is no longer recognized by any country or rental car company. You cannot renew an expired IDP — you must obtain a new one by repeating the process process.

If your US driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid on the same date your license expires. You cannot use an IDP with an expired license, even if the IDP itself is still within its validity period. If you renew your driver's license, you will need to obtain a new IDP as well, because the IDP is tied to your specific license number and expiration date.

Alternatives if You Cannot Obtain an IDP

If you are traveling soon and cannot obtain an IDP in time, some countries will accept an official English translation of your US driver's license instead. You can obtain a certified translation through the American Automobile Association, a notary public, or a professional translation service. A notarized translation typically costs $20 to $50 and can be completed within a few days.

However, not all countries recognize translations, and rental car companies often will not accept them. Before you rely on a translation instead of an IDP, contact the rental car company you plan to use and the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to confirm they will accept it. Some countries have specific rules about which translations are acceptable — for example, some require that the translation be certified by a specific organization.

If you are unable to obtain either an IDP or a translation before your trip, you may not be able to legally drive in your destination country, and rental car companies will likely refuse to rent to you. In that case, you would need to use public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my US license is suspended or revoked?

No. Your IDP is valid only if your underlying US driver's license is valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP, and if you already have one, it becomes invalid the moment your license is suspended.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP if you have a valid US license. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but many Mexican rental car companies will not rent to you without one. Check with your rental company before you travel. If you are driving your own vehicle into Mexico, you will need Mexican liability insurance regardless of whether you have an IDP.

Can I get an IDP online and have it shipped to me?

AAA and AATA do not offer online ordering with shipping. AAA offers in-person service at local offices (same-day) or mail-in service (two to three weeks). AATA offers mail-in service only. You cannot order an IDP through any website and have it shipped to you when ready.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot replace an IDP while you are abroad. If you lose it, you will need to rely on your US driver's license and a certified English translation if the country you are in accepts translations. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on what documents are required to drive legally without an IDP. When you return to the United States, you can obtain a new IDP by repeating the process process.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An International License does not exist as a legal document in the United States. Some countries issue their own driving licenses that are recognized internationally, but the US does not. Your US state driver's license is what grants you the right to drive; the IDP straightforward translates it.