An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages, not a separate license
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet issued by your home country that restates your driving privileges in multiple languages. It does not replace your regular driver's license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license on its own, even though it is a valid government-issued ID in America. When you drive abroad, local police and rental car companies may not be able to read English or verify your license status without the translation.
The U.S. does not issue IDPs directly. Instead, two private organizations have been authorized by the State Department to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both produce identical documents that meet the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic, the international standard that most countries recognize. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it costs between $15 and $30.
You do not need an IDP to drive in every country. Canada, Mexico, and most of Western Europe accept a U.S. driver's license alone. However, many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central America either require an IDP or strongly recommend one. If you rent a car abroad, the rental company's insurance may not cover you without it, even in places where local law does not technically require it.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet, not a new license, and you must carry your U.S. driver's license with it at all times.
- Only the AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and both charge between $15 and $30 for a one- or three-year permit.
- You need an IDP in many Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries, but not in Canada, Mexico, or most of Western Europe.
- Rental car companies often require an IDP even in countries where local law does not, because their insurance policies depend on it.
How to get an IDP from AAA
The AAA issues IDPs at its local club offices across the United States. You must visit in person — the AAA does not issue IDPs by mail or online. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot, but calling ahead to confirm what your local office accepts will save a trip.
The one-year IDP costs $15 for AAA members and $20 for non-members. The three-year IDP costs $20 for members and $30 for non-members. You do not need to be a member to purchase one, but membership discounts explore if you are. The permit is issued on the spot in most cases, though some offices may ask you to return the next day. AAA offices are located in most U.S. cities; you can find the nearest one on the AAA website by entering your zip code.
How to get an IDP from AATA
The AATA issues IDPs by mail and online. You can order through their website without visiting an office. You will need to upload a scan or photo of your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The AATA accepts digital photos and will process your order within five to seven business days.
The one-year IDP costs $20 and the three-year IDP costs $30. Shipping is included in the price. The AATA also offers rush processing for an additional fee if you need the permit sooner. Because the AATA operates by mail, it is the better option if you do not live near an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person.
What information the IDP contains
The IDP restates the key facts from your U.S. driver's license in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, and Japanese. It includes your name, date of birth, license number, the date your license was issued, and the date it expires. It also lists the vehicle categories you are authorized to drive — for example, whether you can operate motorcycles, commercial vehicles, or passenger cars.
The IDP does not change what you are allowed to drive or add any new privileges. It straightforward translates existing information so that a police officer or rental agent in another country can understand your license status. If your U.S. license has restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — those restrictions appear in the IDP as well.
When you actually need an IDP versus when it is optional
Many countries do not legally require an IDP but strongly recommend one because rental car companies and insurance policies depend on it. The table below shows where an IDP is typically required by law, where it is recommended, and where it is rarely needed.
| Region | IDP Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canada and Mexico | Not required | U.S. license alone is sufficient for driving and car rental. |
| Western Europe (UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.) | Not required by law | U.S. license is recognized, but some rental companies request it. |
| Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey | Recommended | Not always legally required, but police may request it and rental companies often require it. |
| China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam | Required or strongly recommended | Many countries require it by law; rental companies will not rent without it. |
| India, Middle East, North Africa | Required or strongly recommended | Legal requirements vary by country; IDP is safer than relying on translation services. |
| Central and South America | Varies by country | Some countries require it; others do not. Check with your rental company before traveling. |
Before you travel, contact your rental car company and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. Many companies will not rent to you without one, regardless of local law. If you plan to drive a car you own or borrow, check the local traffic laws for the country you are visiting — your embassy website or the country's tourism board can tell you the requirement.
How long an IDP lasts and what happens when it expires
An IDP is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front cover. The IDP is only valid while your U.S. driver's license is also valid — if your license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid even if it has time remaining.
You cannot renew an IDP. When it expires, you must purchase a new one from either AAA or AATA. There is no grace period, so if you are planning a trip and your IDP will expire during your travel dates, you should purchase a new one before you leave. Some countries may accept an expired IDP as a backup translation, but do not rely on this — always carry a current one.
What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling
If your IDP is lost or stolen abroad, you can still drive using your U.S. driver's license alone in most countries, though you may face complications with rental car companies or police. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate — they cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. license, which some rental companies will accept as a temporary substitute.
To prevent this problem, keep your IDP and license in separate locations while traveling. Take a photo of both documents and store it in your email or cloud storage so you can prove you held them if needed. When you return to the United States, you can purchase a replacement IDP from AAA or AATA using the same process as the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
No. Both Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, if you rent a car, the rental company may request one as a backup form of identification. Check with your rental company before you travel.
Can I get an IDP online or by mail?
Yes, through the AATA. The AAA requires an in-person visit to a local office. The AATA processes online orders within five to seven business days and includes shipping in the price.
What if my U.S. driver's license expires before my IDP does?
The IDP becomes invalid when your license expires, even if the IDP has time remaining. You cannot use an expired license with a valid IDP. You must renew your license and purchase a new IDP.
Is an IDP the same as a license to drive internationally?
No. An IDP is only a translation of your existing license. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have, and it does not override local traffic laws in other countries. You must still follow the driving rules of the country you are visiting.
How much does an IDP cost?
A one-year IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you are an AAA member and which issuer you use. A three-year IDP costs $20 to $30. The AATA includes shipping; the AAA issues permits on the spot at local offices.