An international driver's permit is not hard to get, but it requires planning and the right documents

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your valid driver's license into ten languages, recognized in over 150 countries. You do not need one to drive in most places — your regular license works in Canada, Mexico, most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. But some countries require it, rental car companies sometimes demand it, and it can smooth interactions with police in places where English is not common. The actual process takes 15 minutes to an hour and costs between $15 and $30, depending on which organization issues it.

The difficulty is not the process itself. The difficulty is knowing whether you actually need one, understanding which organization can issue it in your state, and getting there before you leave. Many people discover they needed one at the rental counter or at a border crossing, which is too late.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in person, with your valid driver's license and a passport photo, in under an hour.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not, but rental companies may refuse to rent to you without one — check your destination's rules before you book.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you buy, and it expires whether you use it or not.
  • You cannot get an IDP online or by mail; you must appear in person with your original license and proof of citizenship.
  • AAA membership is not required to get an IDP from AAA, though non-members pay a higher fee.

Which countries actually require an international driving permit

The list changes, but countries that currently require an IDP include China, India, Russia, South Africa, and several others in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Many more countries do not legally require one but will accept it as a secondary form of ID. The safest approach is to check the specific rules for your destination country on its government tourism or transportation website, not on a travel blog — the rules vary by region within some countries and change without warning.

Rental car companies have their own policies separate from what the country requires. Some will not rent to you without an IDP even in countries where it is not legally necessary. Others will rent to you with just your U.S. license. Call the rental company directly and ask what they require for your specific destination and pickup location, because policies differ by branch and by country.

Where to get an international driving permit in the United States

Only two organizations in the U.S. are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA has thousands of local offices; AATA is smaller and has fewer locations. Both issue the same document, recognized in the same countries. The choice comes down to which one is closer to you or has hours that fit your schedule.

AAA charges $20 for members and $30 for non-members for a one-year permit, or $35 for members and $45 for non-members for a three-year permit. AATA charges $25 for a one-year permit and $40 for a three-year permit. You do not need to be a member of either organization to get an IDP from them, though AAA membership does lower the cost. Find your nearest AAA office on aaa.com or your nearest AATA office on aata.com.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept digital photos taken on the spot; others require you to bring a printed photo. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts. You do not need to bring your passport itself, only proof of citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate will work.

The staff will fill out the process form in front of you. You sign it, they process it, and you walk out with your IDP. The whole process takes 15 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Bring the original license, not a copy — they need to see it to verify it is valid.

How long an international driving permit lasts and when it expires

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you buy. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. It expires on that date regardless of whether you use it, so if you buy a three-year permit in January and do not travel until December of year two, it will still be valid. If you travel after the expiration date, it is no longer recognized.

Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license. If you lose your U.S. license, your IDP becomes useless. If your U.S. license expires, your IDP is no longer valid even if the IDP itself has not expired yet. You cannot renew an IDP — you have to get a new one.

Why you cannot get an international driving permit online or by mail

The IDP system requires in-person verification because the document is a translation of your license, not a separate credential. The issuing organization has to see your original license and confirm your identity before they can issue the permit. There is no online version, no mail-in option, and no third-party service that can do this for you legally. Any website offering to mail you an IDP or issue one without an in-person visit is either a scam or issuing a document that will not be recognized.

This is why planning matters. If you book a trip and realize you need an IDP the day before you leave, you may not have time to get to an office. AAA and AATA do not have emergency or expedited options. Plan to get your IDP at least a week before you travel, and check the hours of your local office before you go.

What happens if you drive without an international permit when one is required

If a country requires an IDP and you do not have one, you are driving without the required documentation. The consequences vary by country and by the officer who stops you. In some places, you will be fined. In others, you may be detained, your car may be impounded, or you may be denied entry at the border. Rental companies may also refuse to rent to you, or may charge you a penalty if you return the car without having had the required permit.

Travel insurance typically does not cover accidents or incidents that happen while you are breaking local driving laws. If you are in an accident without the required IDP, you may be liable for all costs and may face legal consequences in that country. The cost of an IDP — $20 to $45 — is far less than the cost of dealing with these situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize your valid U.S. driver's license. You do not need an IDP for either country. However, some rental car companies may ask for one anyway, so confirm with your rental company before you book.

Can I get an international driving permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. If your license is about to expire, renew it first, then get your IDP.

What if I lose my international driving permit while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country and explain the situation. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can advise you on whether you can continue driving with just your U.S. license or whether you need to stop driving until you return home. Some countries will accept your U.S. license alone if you can show proof that you had an IDP.

Is an international driving permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. An international license is a separate credential issued by some countries to their own citizens. You cannot get an international license in the U.S. — only an IDP. The IDP is what you need.

How far in advance should I get an international driving permit?

Get it at least one week before you travel, to give yourself time to visit an AAA or AATA office during their regular hours. If you are traveling within a few days, call your local office and ask if they have same-day or next-day availability. Do not wait until the day before you leave.