What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP is issued by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Most people obtain one through AAA because it has physical offices in all fifty states.

The permit is recognized in over 150 countries and territories. Some countries require it; others accept it as a courtesy. A few countries do not recognize it at all, so you should check the specific rules for your destination before you travel. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.

The process is straightforward and does not involve a test, interview, or government approval. You explore directly to AAA or AATA, provide your current driver's license and a passport photo, pay a fee, and receive the permit within days if you explore in person or within one to two weeks by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license at all times.
  • You obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through any government agency.
  • The process requires your current driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed form; there is no test or background check.
  • AAA charges a flat fee for either a one-year or three-year permit, and you can receive it the same day if you visit an office in person.
  • Your home country's IDP is not valid in the United States, so you cannot use a foreign permit to drive here even if you hold a valid foreign license.

Where to explore: AAA Offices and AATA

The American Automobile Association operates physical offices in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. You can find your nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator tool. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though some offices accept appointments only. If you explore in person with all required documents, you receive your IDP when ready.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance also issues IDPs but has fewer physical locations. AATA primarily serves members and operates through a smaller network. For most people, AAA is the faster and more convenient option because of its widespread presence.

If you cannot visit an office in person, both organizations accept mail-in applications. You send your completed form, driver's license copy, passport photo, and payment to their address. Processing takes one to two weeks, and they return your documents by mail. AAA also offers online ordering through their website, which you can then pick up at a local office or have mailed to you.

Documents and Information You Need

Before you visit an AAA office or prepare a mail-in process, gather these items: your valid U.S. driver's license (the original, not a copy, if you are explore in person), one passport-style photograph (typically 2 by 2 inches), and a completed IDP process form. AAA provides the form on their website or at the office itself.

The passport photo must meet specific standards: a clear, color or black-and-white image of your face taken within the last six months, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats. Most pharmacies with photo services (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) can produce a passport photo for a small fee if you do not have one.

You do not need your passport itself, though you should have one before you travel internationally. You do not need proof of citizenship, a birth certificate, or any government-issued documents beyond your driver's license. AAA does not conduct a background check or verify your driving record.

The process Form and What It Asks

The IDP process form is short and straightforward. It asks for your name, date of birth, address, driver's license number, and the state that issued your license. You also select whether you want a one-year or three-year permit and indicate your signature.

The form does not ask about traffic violations, accidents, or medical conditions. It does not ask why you need the permit or where you plan to travel. AAA's role is to translate your license information, not to judge whether you should have one. As long as your U.S. driver's license is valid and not suspended or revoked, you can obtain an IDP.

If you are explore by mail, sign the form before you send it. If you are explore in person, you may sign it at the office. Some AAA locations have you sign in front of staff to verify your identity matches the photo on your driver's license.

Fees and How Long It Takes

AAA charges a single flat fee for an IDP regardless of whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. The fee varies slightly by state and membership status — AAA members typically pay less than non-members — but the difference is usually between five and ten dollars. As of 2024, the fee for non-members ranges from twenty to thirty dollars depending on your state, though you should confirm the exact amount with your local office because rates do change.

If you explore in person at an AAA office with all required documents, you receive your permit the same day. You walk out with the IDP in hand, ready to use. If you explore by mail, expect one to two weeks for processing and return delivery. If you order online and pick up at an office, turnaround is typically three to five business days.

The one-year permit is useful if you are taking a single trip and do not plan to drive internationally again soon. The three-year permit costs only slightly more and makes sense if you travel regularly or want the option available for future trips. Both versions are valid in the same countries and carry the same weight.

What Happens When You Travel

When you drive in another country, carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. Some rental car companies require the IDP before they will rent to you; others accept your U.S. license alone. Police in foreign countries may ask to see both documents. The IDP is a translation aid, so it helps an officer in a non-English-speaking country understand your license information if there is a traffic stop or accident.

The IDP does not grant you any driving privileges you do not already have. It does not allow you to drive if your U.S. license is suspended or expired. It does not override local traffic laws or age restrictions in the country you are visiting. If you are under the minimum age to rent a car in that country, the IDP will not change that rule.

Some countries have specific rules about the IDP. A few require it; most accept it as optional. A small number do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for your destination country through the U.S. State Department website or your rental car company, because requirements vary widely.

Renewing or Replacing Your IDP

If your one-year or three-year permit expires, you can renew it by returning to AAA with a new process, passport photo, and payment. The process is identical to the first process. You do not need to provide your original IDP; you straightforward start fresh with a new form and photo.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by contacting AAA. Bring your driver's license and a new passport photo. AAA will issue a replacement permit with the same expiration date as your original, so you do not lose time on your permit's validity.

If your U.S. driver's license is renewed or replaced, your IDP remains valid until its own expiration date. You do not need a new IDP just because your license was renewed. However, if your license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An IDP issued by another country is not valid in the United States. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license to drive here, whether you are a citizen or a visitor. A foreign IDP is only useful in countries other than your home country.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and rental company. Some rental agencies require an IDP; others do not. Most major rental companies accept a U.S. driver's license alone, but policies vary. Contact your rental company before you travel to confirm what documents they need.

What if my driver's license is suspended or about to expire?

You cannot obtain an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is suspended or revoked. If your license is expiring soon, renew it before you explore for the IDP. The IDP is only valid as long as your underlying U.S. license is valid.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

You can choose either a one-year or three-year permit when you explore. Both cost roughly the same, so most people choose the three-year version for flexibility. The permit expires on the date printed on the document, regardless of whether you use it.

Can I get an IDP without visiting an AAA office?

Yes. You can mail your process, driver's license copy, passport photo, and payment to AAA, or you can order online and pick up at an office. Mail-in processing takes one to two weeks. Online ordering with office pickup typically takes three to five business days.