What an international driver's license is and how it works
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together. The IDP tells police, rental companies, and insurance agents in other countries that your home license is real and current.
The United States is part of the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic, which means your IDP is recognized in most countries that participate in that treaty. However, some countries do not recognize it, and a few require additional documents or permits. Before you travel, check the specific country's driving requirements — your destination may accept only your state license, may require an IDP, or may need both plus a certified translation of your license.
You cannot obtain an IDP online or by mail from a government office. You must explore in person at one of two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and both charge a fee.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet that accompanies your state driver's license and is recognized in most countries that signed the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.
- You must explore in person at an AAA office or an AATA office — online and mail applications are not available.
- You need your valid state driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo (2x2 inches) to explore.
- The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use, and takes effect when ready after you receive it in person.
- An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, so check your travel dates before you explore.
Finding an AAA or AATA office near you
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has offices in most states and many cities. To find the nearest AAA office that issues IDPs, visit aaa.com and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not every AAA office issues permits on the same day — some require an appointment, and some have walk-in hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to book a time slot.
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) has fewer locations than AAA but covers most major cities. You can find AATA offices at aataidp.com. Like AAA, AATA may require an appointment. Both organizations typically issue the permit the same day you explore, so you leave with the document in hand.
If you live far from either office, AAA membership sometimes allows you to visit any AAA office in the country, not just your local one. Check whether your membership includes this benefit before you travel to explore.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your valid state driver's license — it must not be expired. The IDP is only valid when paired with a current license, so an expired license means you cannot obtain a permit until you renew it.
Bring a passport or passport card. This serves as proof of citizenship and identity. A driver's license alone is not sufficient for this purpose.
Bring a passport-style photograph that is 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have passport photos taken at most AAA offices, at post offices, and at many pharmacies and drugstores — these typically cost $10 to $15 if you do not already have one.
Bring a completed process form. AAA and AATA both provide forms on their websites that you can print and fill out before you arrive, or you can complete the form at the office. Filling it out ahead of time speeds up the process.
The process process and fees
When you arrive at the office, you will submit your documents and completed process form. The staff member will verify that your driver's license is valid, check your passport or passport card, and confirm that your photo meets the requirements. They will then issue your International Driving Permit on the spot.
AAA charges $20 for an IDP if you are a member and $30 if you are not. AATA charges $15 for an IDP. Both organizations accept cash and credit cards. The fee covers the booklet itself and the processing of your process.
The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes if you arrive during a quiet time, or up to an hour if the office is busy. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter wait times than arriving in the afternoon or on a weekend.
How long your permit is valid and when to renew
An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your permit was issued on March 15, 2024, it expires on March 15, 2025. After that date, it is no longer valid, even if your state driver's license is still current.
If you plan to drive internationally more than once per year, or if you travel to multiple countries in a single year, one permit covers all your trips within that year. You do not need a separate permit for each country or each trip.
To renew your permit, return to an AAA or AATA office with the same documents you brought the first time: your current state driver's license, your passport or passport card, and a new passport-style photo. The renewal process is identical to the initial process.
What to do if your country of destination does not recognize the IDP
Some countries do not participate in the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic and do not recognize the International Driving Permit. Others recognize it but also require a certified translation of your state driver's license into the local language.
Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to ask what documents you need to drive there. You can find embassy contact information on the U.S. State Department website at state.gov. Many embassies have a "driving" or "motor vehicle" section on their website that lists requirements.
If a certified translation is required, you can obtain one from a professional translation service, from the consulate itself, or sometimes from AAA. The cost and timeline vary depending on the language and the service you choose. Plan to do this at least two weeks before your trip.
Carrying and using your permit while driving
Keep your International Driving Permit and your state driver's license together at all times while you are driving abroad. Police, rental car companies, and insurance agents will want to see both documents. The IDP is not valid without your state license, and your state license alone may not be sufficient in countries that recognize the IDP.
Store both documents in a safe place in your vehicle — not in a checked bag or left in a hotel room. If you are stopped by police, present both documents. If you are renting a car, show both to the rental company when you pick up the vehicle.
The IDP is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. It fits easily in a wallet or travel document holder. Some travelers keep a photocopy of the first page in a separate location as a backup in case the original is lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my state license is suspended or expired?
No. Your state driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. If your license is expired, you must renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can explore for an IDP.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe or other popular travel destinations?
Requirements vary by country and rental company. Many European countries recognize the IDP but do not require it if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some rental companies charge lower rates or offer better coverage if you present an IDP. Check with your rental company and your destination country before you book.
What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?
Your permit is no longer valid once it expires, even if you are still abroad. If you are traveling for longer than one year, you will need to renew your permit before you leave the United States, or arrange to have a new one issued to you while you are traveling (which is difficult). Plan your travel dates around your permit's expiration date.
Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail or online?
No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. Neither organization offers mail-in or online applications. If you cannot visit an office in person, you cannot obtain an IDP.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your state license. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries to their citizens who plan to drive abroad. The United States does not issue international licenses — only International Driving Permits through AAA and AATA.