You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and an process form — but the permit itself comes from a specific organization, not the DMV
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 documents together to drive legally in most countries that recognize the IDP.
The IDP is issued only by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Your state's DMV does not issue it, and neither does the federal government. This matters because it changes where you go and what you pay. You cannot get an IDP by mail from most AAA branches, and you cannot get one online. You must explore in person at a location that issues them, bring the documents listed below, and wait while they process your process — usually the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license issued by your state; an expired license will not work.
- You need a passport or passport card as a second form of identification; a state ID card does not substitute.
- Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States; your DMV cannot issue one.
- You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location; there is no online or mail option for most applicants.
- An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 depending on the issuer.
Documents you must bring to the AAA or AATA office
Bring your current, unexpired U.S. driver's license. If your license has expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it at your state DMV. The IDP is a translation of your current license, so it cannot be issued if the license it translates no longer exists.
Bring a passport or passport card. A state ID card, military ID, or other form of identification will not work. AAA and AATA require a passport-level document because the IDP is intended for international travel and border officials expect to see it paired with a passport. Bring a completed process form. AAA and AATA both provide these forms on their websites, and most AAA offices have printed copies at the counter. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and passport number. You can fill it out before you arrive or at the office.
Bring payment. AAA charges $15 for an IDP if you are a member, or $20 if you are not. AATA charges $20 regardless of membership. Both organizations accept cash and card.
How to find an AAA or AATA office near you
AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. To find one that issues IDPs, visit the AAA website, use their office locator tool, and filter for "International Driving Permit" or call the office directly to confirm they issue them. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so calling ahead saves a trip. Many AAA members can also request an IDP through their membership portal, though in-person pickup is still required.
AATA has fewer locations than AAA and is less widely known. Their website lists authorized offices by state. AATA offices are often travel agencies or tourism-related businesses rather than standalone offices, so the locator tool is essential to find one in your area. If you live in a rural area or far from any AAA or AATA office, some organizations allow you to mail in your process with copies of your documents and a check or money order. Call the nearest office to ask whether they accept mail-in applications; policies vary by location.
How long the IDP is valid and when to renew
An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you are planning a trip more than a year away, you do not need to get one yet. If your trip is within the next year, get the IDP before you travel. An IDP does not renew automatically. When it expires, you must return to an AAA or AATA office with a new process, your current driver's license, and your passport to get a new one. The process is the same as the first time.
If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You must renew your state license first, then get a new IDP. The two documents must match in validity. Keep track of both expiration dates so you do not end up with an IDP that outlives your license.
What the IDP does and does not do
The IDP translates your driver's license information into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. It does not grant you permission to drive in any country. Your actual driving rights depend on your U.S. license, local traffic laws, and whether the country recognizes U.S. licenses at all.
Some countries require an IDP in addition to your U.S. license; others accept a U.S. license alone; and a few do not recognize either and require you to get an international license from their own government. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country where you plan to drive. Your rental car company or the country's tourism board can tell you what documents you need. The IDP is not a substitute for your U.S. license. You must carry both documents together. If you are stopped by police or a border official, showing only the IDP without your actual license will not satisfy them.
Differences between AAA and AATA
| Feature | AAA | AATA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for members | $15 | $20 (no member discount) |
| Cost for non-members | $20 | $20 |
| Number of U.S. locations | Over 1,000 | Fewer; varies by state |
| Processing time | Same day (in-person) | Same day (in-person) |
| Mail-in option | Some locations only | Some locations only |
If you are an AAA member, getting an IDP from AAA saves you $5. If you are not a member and do not plan to join, the cost is the same at either organization. The real difference is location: AAA is more likely to have an office near you, which makes it the faster choice for most people.
AAA membership also comes with other travel benefits that may be useful if you drive internationally, such as roadside information in some countries and discounts on travel services. AATA does not offer these extras, so if you are a frequent international driver, AAA membership may pay for itself beyond just the IDP discount.
What to do if you cannot get to an office in person
Some AAA and AATA offices accept mail-in applications, but this is not standard. Call the office closest to you and ask whether they will process your process by mail. If they do, they will tell you what documents to send (usually photocopies), how to pay, and how long processing takes. Mail-in processing typically takes one to two weeks, compared to same-day service in person.
If no office near you accepts mail-in applications and you cannot travel to one in person, you have two options: delay your trip until you can visit an office, or check whether the country where you plan to drive actually requires an IDP. Many countries accept a U.S. driver's license without one, so the IDP may not be necessary for your specific trip. Contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country to confirm their requirements before you assume you need the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?
No. An IDP is a translation of your current license, so it cannot be issued if your license is not valid. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with your state DMV first, then get an IDP.
Do I need an IDP to rent a car internationally?
It depends on the country and the rental company. Some rental companies require an IDP; others do not. Check with your rental company before you book. Many countries in Europe and Asia accept a U.S. license alone, but some require an IDP or an official translation of your license.
What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
An expired IDP is not valid. If you are traveling for longer than a year, get a new IDP before you leave. If your IDP expires during your trip, you can still drive using your U.S. license alone in most countries, but check local laws for the specific country.
Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?
No. You must have a valid, full driver's license. A learner's permit does not may have access to.
Is an IDP the same as a license to drive in another country?
No. An IDP is only a translation. It does not give you the right to drive anywhere. You still need a valid U.S. license, and you must follow the traffic laws of the country where you are driving. Some countries do not recognize U.S. licenses at all and require you to get a local license or international permit from their own government.