An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country driver's license into ten languages

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a booklet that shows your name, photo, and driving privileges in multiple languages — typically English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. It exists because a police officer in another country may not be able to read your home license, even if your license is valid there.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or transportation authority, not by the country you are visiting. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license to get one.

An IDP does not replace your home license — you must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. The IDP is a companion document only. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so before you travel, check the specific rules for the country or countries where you plan to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your driver's license information into ten languages and is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States.
  • You must carry your valid U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad — the IDP does not stand alone.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs, so you should verify the rules for each country before you travel.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about fifteen minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed — you must obtain a new one if you travel again after it expires.

When you actually need an International Driving Permit

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in a country outside the United States. Many car rental companies in Europe, Asia, and Latin America require an IDP along with your U.S. license as a condition of the rental agreement. Even if a rental company does not require it, local police may ask for it during a traffic stop, and you will have no way to prove your driving status without one.

Some countries have signed the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic, which means they recognize IDPs issued by other signatory countries. Most developed nations are signatories, including Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and Japan. However, some countries — including China, India, and several Middle Eastern nations — do not recognize IDPs at all. In those places, you may need an official translation of your license from a certified translator, or you may not be permitted to drive as a visitor.

If you are moving to another country permanently or working there for an extended period, an IDP is temporary and will not satisfy local licensing requirements. You will eventually need to obtain a driver's license from that country's transportation authority.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA

To obtain an IDP, you must visit an AAA office or AATA office in person. You cannot order one by mail or online. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form. AAA and AATA both provide the process form on their websites, and you can fill it out before you go to save time.

The process takes about fifteen minutes. You will pay a fee — AAA charges $15 for a one-year IDP, and AATA charges $20. Some AAA offices may charge slightly different amounts depending on location. You will receive the IDP booklet when ready after you pay and complete the process.

AAA has thousands of offices across the United States. AATA has fewer locations but covers all fifty states. If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP at an AAA office — membership is not required. You can find the nearest office by visiting the AAA or AATA website and using their office locator tool.

What information the IDP contains and how long it lasts

The IDP booklet contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, photograph, signature, and a list of the vehicle categories you are permitted to drive (such as cars, motorcycles, or trucks). This information is printed in ten languages so that officials in other countries can understand your driving privileges without needing a translator.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It cannot be renewed. If you travel again after your IDP expires, you must obtain a new one. The expiration date is printed on the front cover of the booklet.

Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if the one-year period has not ended. If you renew your U.S. license before your IDP expires, you do not need a new IDP — the old one remains valid as long as your license is valid.

Differences between an IDP and an official license translation

Some countries accept an official translation of your driver's license instead of an IDP. A translation is a document prepared by a certified translator that converts your license into the language of the country where you are driving. Translations are typically more detailed than an IDP and may be required by rental companies or local authorities in certain places.

An IDP is faster and cheaper than obtaining a translation — you can get one in fifteen minutes for $15 to $20. A certified translation usually takes several days and costs $50 to $150 depending on the translator and the language. However, a translation may be more widely recognized in countries that do not participate in the International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.

Some travelers obtain both an IDP and a translation to cover all possibilities. If you are unsure which one you need, contact the rental car company or the embassy of the country where you plan to drive and ask what documents they require.

What happens if you drive without an IDP in a country that requires one

If you are stopped by police in a country that recognizes IDPs and you do not have one, you may be fined or have your vehicle impounded. The consequences vary by country and by the specific traffic law. In some places, driving without proper documentation is a minor infraction with a small fine. In others, it can result in a larger fine or temporary confiscation of your vehicle.

Your U.S. driver's license alone may not be sufficient proof of your right to drive, even if it is valid. Police in other countries are not always familiar with U.S. licenses and may not be able to verify your status without the IDP translation. Carrying an IDP protects you from this situation and makes the traffic stop faster and simpler.

If you are involved in an accident and do not have an IDP, your insurance claim may be complicated or denied. Many international car rental insurance policies require that you carry all required documents, including an IDP, at the time of the accident.

Countries that do not recognize International Driving Permits

Several countries do not recognize IDPs and have their own requirements for foreign drivers. China requires foreign visitors to obtain a Chinese driver's license or an official translation of their home license from a specific government office. India does not recognize IDPs and requires an International Driving Permit issued under a different system, or a translation certified by the Indian embassy.

Some countries in the Middle East and North Africa have similar restrictions. Before you travel, check the official website of the country's transportation authority or contact the embassy to learn what documents you need. Do not assume that an IDP will work everywhere — it will not.

If you plan to drive in a country that does not recognize IDPs, you may need to hire a driver, use public transportation, or arrange a translation through the embassy. These options take more time and money than obtaining an IDP, so plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the country. Some countries recognize U.S. licenses without an IDP, but many do not. Rental car companies almost always require an IDP even if local law does not. The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you travel, since it costs only $15 to $20 and takes fifteen minutes.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

You receive your IDP when ready after you complete the process and pay the fee at an AAA or AATA office. The entire process takes about fifteen minutes. There is no waiting period or processing time — you walk out with the booklet the same day.

What if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is not valid. Your license must be current and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted. If your license is expired, you must renew it before you can get an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

Yes. Rental car companies require an IDP regardless of how long you rent the vehicle. Even a one-day rental requires both your U.S. license and your IDP. Obtain the IDP before you travel so you can complete the rental agreement without delay.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. AAA and AATA only issue IDPs in person at their offices. You must visit an office, bring your documents, and complete the process on site. You cannot order one remotely or have one mailed to you.