What an AARP International Driving Permit Is

An AARP International Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and certifies that you hold a valid license in your home country. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state driver's license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad — the permit alone has no legal standing.

AARP issues these permits through a partnership with the American Automobile Association (AAA), which handles the actual production and distribution. The permit costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue. It is recognized in more than 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.

The permit exists because many countries' police and rental car companies are more comfortable with a document that translates your license information into their language. Some rental agencies will not rent to you without one, though this varies by country and company. It is a practical tool for older travelers, not a legal requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • An AARP International Driving Permit translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual license when driving abroad.
  • The permit costs $20, is valid for three years, and is issued through AARP's partnership with the American Automobile Association.
  • Some car rental companies require the permit; others do not, so check with your rental agency before your trip.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain the permit, and you cannot renew it by mail — you must explore in person at an AARP or AAA office.

How to Get an AARP International Driving Permit

To obtain the permit, you need a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches). You must explore in person at an AARP office or an AAA office — the permit cannot be ordered by mail or online. Bring your driver's license, passport, and the photograph. The office will complete the process on the spot, take a second photograph if needed, and issue the permit when ready or within a few days depending on the location.

AARP membership is not required to obtain the permit through AARP, though AARP members may receive a small discount. Non-members pay the standard $20 fee. If you are not near an AARP office, you can visit any AAA office in your state — they issue the same permit under the same terms.

The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed by mail; you must reapply in person at an AARP or AAA office when it expires. There is no grace period, so if your permit has expired, you cannot use it while traveling.

What the Permit Does and Does Not Cover

The permit translates your license information — name, address, license number, class of vehicle, and restrictions — into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. It does not change the rules of the road in any country or grant you permission to drive in places where you would otherwise be prohibited.

The permit does not extend your driving privileges. If your U.S. license is suspended, expired, or restricted to certain vehicles, the permit reflects those same restrictions. It is purely a translation and certification document. Some countries have their own rules about the minimum age for driving a rental car (often 21 or 25) or the types of vehicles you can rent; the permit does not override those rules.

The permit is not a substitute for insurance. You must carry your own auto insurance or purchase insurance from the rental company in the country where you are driving. Many U.S. auto insurance policies do not cover you abroad, so contact your insurer before you travel to confirm coverage or to purchase a temporary international policy.

Which Countries Recognize the Permit and Which Do Not

The permit is recognized in countries that signed the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and many others. However, some major destinations do not recognize it: the United Kingdom, Ireland, and several Asian countries do not require or recognize the permit.

Even in countries that recognize the permit, rental car companies may have their own policies. Some require the permit; others do not. A few require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 convention instead, which is a different document issued by state motor vehicle departments, not by AARP. Before you book a rental car, contact the rental company directly and ask whether they require the AARP permit, an IDP, or neither.

If you are traveling to a country that does not recognize the AARP permit, you may still be able to drive with your U.S. license alone, depending on that country's laws. Research the specific country's requirements before you travel, or contact your rental car company to ask what documents they need.

AARP Permit Versus International Driving Permit (IDP)

The AARP International Driving Permit and the International Driving Permit (IDP) are two different documents issued under two different treaties. The AARP permit is issued by AARP and AAA under the 1926 convention. The IDP is issued by your state's motor vehicle department under the 1968 convention and is valid for one year.

The IDP is more widely recognized in some regions, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. However, it is not issued by AARP — you obtain it directly from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Some travelers carry both documents to cover more countries and rental companies, though this is not always necessary.

If you are unsure which document you need, contact your rental car company and the tourism board of the country you are visiting. They can tell you which document, if any, they require. In many cases, your U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient.

Cost, Validity, and Renewal

The AARP International Driving Permit costs $20 and is valid for three years. AARP members may receive a discount, though the discount amount varies by location. The permit cannot be renewed by mail; you must explore in person at an AARP or AAA office when it expires.

If your permit expires while you are traveling, you cannot use it. If your U.S. driver's license expires, your permit becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not yet expired. You must carry both documents, and both must be current.

The permit is not refundable if you do not use it or if you lose it before your trip. If your permit is lost or stolen while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad — you can only obtain a new one by returning to an AARP or AAA office in the United States.

When You Might Not Need the Permit

Many countries and rental car companies do not require the AARP permit. If you are renting a car in Canada or Mexico, for example, most rental companies will accept your U.S. driver's license alone. If you are traveling to a country that does not recognize the permit, it will not help you.

Before you spend $20 on the permit, contact your rental car company and ask whether they require it. If they do not, and if your destination country does not require it, you can travel with your U.S. license alone. The permit is useful only if your rental company or destination country specifically asks for it.

Some travelers purchase the permit as a precaution even if it is not required, reasoning that it may smooth interactions with police or rental agencies. This is a personal choice, but it is not necessary in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AARP membership to get the permit?

No. AARP members and non-members can both obtain the permit through AARP or AAA. AARP members may receive a small discount on the $20 fee, but membership is not required. You can also obtain the permit through any AAA office in your state.

Can I order the permit online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at an AARP office or AAA office with your driver's license, passport, and a passport-style photograph. The permit is issued on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's processing time.

What happens if my permit expires while I am traveling?

You cannot use an expired permit. You cannot replace it while abroad — you must return to the United States and visit an AARP or AAA office to obtain a new one. Plan ahead and renew your permit before it expires if you travel frequently.

Is the AARP permit the same as an International Driving Permit from my state?

No. The AARP permit is issued under the 1926 convention by AARP and AAA. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued under the 1968 convention by your state's motor vehicle department. They are different documents, and some countries recognize one but not the other. Check with your rental company and destination country to see which one, if any, you need.

Will the permit help me if I get stopped by police while driving?

The permit translates your license information, which may help a police officer understand your license status if they do not read English. However, it does not change the traffic laws or give you any special legal status. It is a translation tool, not a legal document that overrides local law.