What an International Driver's License Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their borders, even if the license itself is valid. A police officer in France or Japan can read your IDP; they cannot reliably read a license issued by your state or province.

The IDP is issued by your country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by an international government. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles them. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and RAC both issue them. The document is valid for one or three years, depending on which you purchase, and costs between $15 and $30 in most countries.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your original license at all times.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs; you cannot obtain one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • You must present a valid, unexpired driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photograph to obtain an IDP.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at AAA locations, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on your choice.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP by law but rental car companies and some insurers will not cover you without one, so check your specific destination and rental agreement before traveling.

Where to Obtain an IDP in the United States

AAA is the most widely available source. If you are a member, you can visit any AAA branch in person and receive your IDP the same day, or mail in your process and receive it within one to two weeks. You do not need to be a member to purchase an IDP from AAA — non-members pay a slightly higher fee, typically $20 instead of $15. AAA has over 1,000 locations across the United States, and you can find the nearest one on their website.

AATA is the second authorized issuer and operates primarily by mail. You submit your process, documents, and payment to their office in Washington, D.C., and they return your IDP by mail within one to two weeks. AATA does not have walk-in locations, so this route is slower than visiting an AAA office in person but works if you do not have AAA nearby or prefer not to visit a branch.

Documents You Need to Bring or Submit

You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license issued by your state or province. The license must be in your name and must not be suspended or revoked. An expired license will not work, even if you have a renewal process pending.

You also need a valid passport or passport card. A state ID card, even if it is current, does not substitute for a passport. If you do not yet have a passport, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP — the passport office is separate from the IDP process and can take several weeks.

Bring one passport-sized photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches. Most AAA locations can take the photo on-site for an additional fee if you do not have one. If you are mailing your process to AATA, you must provide your own photograph.

You will also fill out an process form. AAA and AATA both provide these forms on their websites, and you can complete them before you visit or mail them in. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and passport number.

Cost and Processing Time

At AAA, the cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. A one-year permit and a three-year permit cost the same amount — you choose the length when you explore. If you visit in person at an AAA location, you receive your IDP the same day. If you mail in your process, processing takes one to two weeks, and AAA will mail the permit to your address.

AATA charges $20 for all applicants, regardless of membership status. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks. There is no in-person option with AATA.

Some AAA locations offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15, if you need the permit within a few days. Call your local AAA branch to ask whether they offer this service.

Whether You Actually Need an IDP for Your Destination

No country legally requires an IDP as a condition of driving. However, many countries' traffic laws state that a foreign driver must carry a translation of their license, and an IDP is the official translation. In practice, this means a police officer can stop you and ask for it, and you may face a fine if you cannot produce one.

Rental car companies are often stricter than the law. Many major rental agencies — Hertz, Avis, Budget, and others — will not rent to you without an IDP, even in countries where the law does not require one. Some will rent to you but will not cover you under their insurance policy if you do not have an IDP and are involved in an accident. Check your rental agreement or call the rental company before you travel.

Your travel insurance or credit card coverage may also require an IDP. Read the fine print of any travel insurance policy you purchase, and call your credit card issuer if you plan to use their rental car coverage.

The safest approach is to obtain an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in any country outside your home country. The cost is low, the process is quick, and it removes uncertainty at the border or rental counter.

What Happens If Your License or Passport Expires

An IDP is valid only as long as both your driver's license and your passport remain valid. If either one expires, your IDP is no longer valid, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired. You do not need to obtain a new IDP when your license or passport renews — you straightforward carry the new license or passport alongside your existing IDP.

However, if you are traveling and your license or passport will expire during your trip, you should renew it before you leave. Driving with an expired license is illegal in most places, and an expired passport will not work as identification at a border or rental counter.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged IDP

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can request a replacement from AAA or AATA by mail after you return home. There is usually a replacement fee, typically $10 to $15. If your IDP is damaged but still readable, most police officers and rental companies will accept it. If it is severely damaged or illegible, contact the issuing organization to request a replacement.

If you lose your IDP and need to drive in another country before you can obtain a replacement, you are driving without the translation document that many countries expect. This creates legal and insurance risk. Contact your rental car company and travel insurance provider when ready to understand what coverage you have and what steps you should take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state's Department of Motor Vehicles?

No. In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs. Your state's DMV cannot issue one, even though your driver's license comes from the DMV. You must go to AAA or AATA directly.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP, though some rental car companies may still require one. Check with your rental company before you travel. An IDP does not hurt and may be required by your rental agreement or insurance.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

You choose one year or three years when you purchase it. Both cost the same at AAA ($15 for members, $20 for non-members). The three-year option is better value if you plan to travel internationally more than once during that period.

What if I have a commercial driver's license?

You can obtain an IDP with a commercial driver's license, but the IDP translates only the driving privileges shown on your license. Some countries restrict foreign commercial drivers, so check the laws of your destination before you travel. Your rental car company may also have separate rules for commercial license holders.

Can someone else pick up my IDP from AAA if I cannot go in person?

AAA's policy varies by location. Some branches will release an IDP to a family member or friend if you provide written authorization; others require the applicant to pick it up in person. Call your local AAA branch to ask about their specific policy before you explore.