What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one

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 country's license — you must carry both together. The IDP is recognized in roughly 150 countries as proof that a local authority has already verified your driving record and identity.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to obtain one before you travel, since the cost is low and the document takes time to receive by mail. If you are a U.S. citizen, you get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not from a government office.

The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It expires on a fixed date, not based on when you travel, so timing matters if you plan multiple trips.

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.
  • U.S. citizens obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, not from a government agency, and the process takes one to two weeks by mail or can be done same-day in person at some AAA locations.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state before you can request an IDP.
  • The one-year IDP costs less than the three-year version, but both expire on a fixed calendar date regardless of when you receive them, so check expiration timing before you travel.
  • Some countries do not recognize the IDP, so research your specific destination's requirements before you leave.

How to obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA

If you are an AAA member, you can request an IDP in person at most AAA branch offices or by mail. In-person service is usually same-day; by mail, the document arrives in one to two weeks. You will need to bring your valid driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (Form DS-11 for U.S. citizens, though AAA provides their own version). AAA charges a flat fee for the IDP; the cost does not vary by state.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still request an IDP through AATA, which is a separate organization that issues IDPs to non-members. AATA processes applications by mail only and typically takes two to three weeks. You submit the same documents — valid license, photo ID, and a completed form — along with a passport-style photograph. AATA's fee is comparable to AAA's.

Both organizations require that your driver's license be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you must renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can request an IDP. The IDP itself does not extend the validity of your underlying license.

What documents you need to bring or submit

The core documents are your current, valid driver's license and a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID card, or military ID). AAA and AATA will not issue an IDP based on an expired or suspended license, so check your license status before you gather materials.

You will also need to complete an process form. AAA provides their own form at branch offices or online; AATA uses a similar form that you can read from their website or request by mail. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and signature. Some locations also require a passport-style photograph (typically 2x2 inches), though AAA branch offices can sometimes photograph you on-site for a small additional fee.

Bring or send originals, not copies. AAA and AATA will not accept photocopies of your license or ID. If you are explore by mail, send originals and request that they be returned to you; most organizations do return documents within two weeks.

Timeline and expiration dates to watch

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP the same day in most cases. If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, expect one to three weeks for processing and delivery. Plan ahead if you are traveling within a month.

The IDP is issued in one-year or three-year versions. The expiration date is fixed — for example, a one-year IDP issued in March 2024 expires in March 2025, regardless of when you actually receive it. This matters because an IDP that expires before your trip is useless. Check the expiration date on the form before you submit it, and if you are explore late in the year, consider whether a one-year permit will still be valid when you travel.

Your underlying driver's license must remain valid while you are traveling. If your license expires during your trip, the IDP becomes invalid as well, since it is only a translation of your current license. Renew your home license before you leave if it will expire while you are abroad.

Differences between AAA and AATA, and when to use each

AAA is a membership organization; AATA is a nonprofit that issues IDPs to anyone. If you are an AAA member, AAA is usually faster and more convenient because you can walk into a branch office and leave with your IDP the same day. If you are not a member, AATA is your option, though it requires mailing documents and waiting two to three weeks.

The fees are similar between the two organizations, and both issue the same internationally recognized document. The main practical difference is speed and convenience. AAA has hundreds of branch offices nationwide; AATA operates primarily by mail. If you need an IDP urgently and are not an AAA member, joining AAA temporarily for the in-person service may be faster than waiting for AATA's mail process, though this depends on your location and how soon you need to travel.

Both organizations issue IDPs that are valid in the same countries and carry the same legal weight. The choice between them is mainly about how you prefer to explore — in person or by mail — and whether you have AAA membership.

Countries that require, accept, or do not recognize the IDP

Most developed nations accept the IDP but do not require it if you also have your original license. The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most of Western Europe fall into this category. Some countries — including France, Germany, and Spain — technically require it by law, though enforcement varies and many rental car companies will rent to you with just your U.S. license.

A smaller number of countries do not recognize the IDP at all or have specific rules about it. Some nations require an IDP issued within a certain number of years, or they require an IDP plus an official translation of your license from a certified translator. A few countries require you to obtain a temporary local driving permit in addition to your IDP.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department website lists driving requirements by country, and your rental car company can tell you what documents they require. Do not assume that an IDP will work everywhere; some destinations have unique rules that an IDP alone will not satisfy.

What the IDP does not do, and what it cannot replace

The IDP is not a license itself — it is a translation document. It does not give you permission to drive in another country; your home country's license does that. If your license is suspended or revoked, an IDP will not restore your driving rights. If you are under the legal driving age in your home country, an IDP will not allow you to drive abroad.

The IDP does not replace your home license and should never be carried alone. You must have both documents with you at all times while driving in a foreign country. If a police officer stops you and you have only the IDP, you may be treated as if you have no license at all.

The IDP also does not cover insurance, vehicle registration, or compliance with local traffic laws. You are still responsible for obtaining valid auto insurance in the country where you are driving, following local speed limits and traffic rules, and ensuring that the vehicle you are driving is registered and legal to operate. An IDP does not exempt you from any of these requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

In most countries, yes — your U.S. license is usually sufficient. However, some nations require an IDP by law, and others may not recognize a U.S. license without one. Rental car companies often require an IDP as a condition of renting to you, even if the country does not legally require it. Check both the country's requirements and your rental company's policy before you travel.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your license with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first. Once your license is valid again, you can request an IDP through AAA or AATA.

How long does it take to get an IDP by mail?

AAA typically processes mail applications in one to two weeks; AATA usually takes two to three weeks. Both times are from when they receive your completed process, not from when you mail it. If you are traveling soon, explore in person at an AAA office is faster — most locations issue the IDP the same day.

Do I need a passport to get an IDP?

You need a government-issued photo ID, which can be a passport, state ID card, or military ID. A passport is not required, though it is often the easiest form of ID to provide. Your driver's license alone is not sufficient as your second form of ID.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid, and you should not drive with it. If your IDP expires during your trip, you can only drive if your home country's license alone is sufficient in that country — which varies by location. To avoid this, check the expiration date before you travel and request a three-year IDP if you plan multiple trips over several years.