AAA issues International Driving Permits, but they are not the same as a license and do not replace your home country's driver's license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your current driver's license into ten languages. It is issued by AAA (American Automobile Association) in the United States and by similar motor clubs in other countries. The permit itself does not grant you the right to drive — your valid home country license does. The IDP straightforward makes your existing license readable to police, rental companies, and insurance agents in countries where your home license might not be understood.

AAA issues IDPs at most of its local offices and through mail order. The process takes about a week by mail or can be completed the same day in person. You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. The cost is typically around $20, though this varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and you must carry your actual home country license alongside it when driving abroad.
  • AAA issues IDPs at local offices (same-day service) or by mail (about one week), and you need a valid license, passport photo, and completed form.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 Geneva Convention.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel.
  • Rental car companies often require an IDP even in countries that do not legally require it, so having one protects you from being denied a rental.

When you actually need an International Driving Permit

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving and what you are doing there. If you are renting a car, most major rental companies — Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and others — require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandatory. This is a company policy, not a law, but it means you will not be able to rent without one.

If you are driving your own vehicle or a borrowed car, the legal requirement varies by country. Many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America recognize IDPs issued under the 1926 Geneva Convention. Some countries, including Canada and Mexico, do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. driver's license, though police may ask for one and rental companies still often demand it. A few countries — including China, Russia, and some Middle Eastern nations — do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to obtain a local license or an official translation of your license from their government.

The safest approach is to check the driving requirements for each specific country and rental company before you book. Your country's embassy website or the rental company's website will tell you what documents they require.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA

To get an IDP from AAA, you have two options: in-person at a local AAA office or by mail.

In person: Visit any AAA office with your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo (2x2 inches), and a completed Form DS-11 or the AAA IDP process form. You can read the form from AAA's website or fill it out at the office. The permit is issued the same day, and the cost is typically $20 to $25. You will need to bring cash or a card, depending on the office.

By mail: Send your driver's license, a passport-sized photo, the completed process form, and a check or money order to your local AAA office. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Processing takes about one week, and your license will be returned with the IDP. The cost is the same as in-person service.

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount. If you are not a member, you can still visit any AAA office and request one.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts

AAA issues IDPs in two versions: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year version costs less and is useful if you are taking a single trip. The three-year version is better if you travel internationally multiple times or plan to move abroad temporarily. Both versions are valid only if your home country driver's license is also valid — if your license expires, the IDP becomes invalid even if it has time remaining.

You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one when it expires. If your home license expires before your IDP does, you will need to renew your license and then get a new IDP.

What to bring and what to expect at an AAA office

Bring your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and the completed process form. Some AAA offices have photo services on-site if you do not have a photo ready. You will also need to sign the process in front of an AAA staff member.

The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes in person. Staff will verify that your license is valid and that your photo meets requirements (clear face, neutral background, no sunglasses). If everything is in order, you will receive the IDP when ready. If you are explore by mail, allow one to two weeks for processing and return mail.

Countries that recognize International Driving Permits

IDPs issued under the 1926 Geneva Convention are recognized in over 150 countries, including most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many countries in Central and South America. However, recognition is not universal. Some countries that do not recognize IDPs include Canada, Mexico, China, Russia, India, and most Middle Eastern nations.

Even in countries that recognize IDPs, local police may not be familiar with them, and you should always carry your actual home license as well. Some countries require an official translation of your license from their government in addition to an IDP. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit on that country's embassy website or through your rental car company.

International Driving Permit versus other travel documents

An IDP is different from a visa, a passport, or a local driver's license. A visa is permission to enter a country; a passport is proof of citizenship; a local license is a permit to drive issued by that country's government. An IDP is only a translation of your existing license and does nothing to help you enter a country or stay there legally. You will still need a valid passport and any required visas to travel internationally.

Some countries require you to obtain an official translation of your license from their government rather than accepting an IDP. For example, if you plan to drive in France for more than a year, you may need to exchange your U.S. license for a French license or obtain an official French translation. Check the rules for each country before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just an International Driving Permit and no home license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your existing license and is not valid on its own. You must carry both your valid home country driver's license and the IDP when you drive abroad. If you are stopped by police, you will need to show both documents.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. However, most car rental companies in both countries require an IDP as a company policy. If you plan to rent a car, you should get one before you travel.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid, and you will not be able to rent a car or drive legally. If your permit expires during your trip, you will need to return home or find another way to travel. Plan ahead and make sure your IDP will be valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my home license is suspended or expired?

No. Your home country license must be valid and in good standing to get an IDP. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and valid again.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist as an official document. An IDP is sometimes called an "international license" informally, but it is not a license — it is a translation of your existing license. Some countries issue their own local licenses to foreign residents, but that is different from an IDP.