What an international driving permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your real license from your home country. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together. Some countries require it; others accept it as helpful but optional. A few do not recognize it at all, so you need to check the rules for each country you plan to visit before you leave.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by the countries you are visiting. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two authorized issuers. You cannot get an IDP from a foreign government, and no foreign government issues one to you.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license and must be carried with your real license at all times when driving abroad.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs; you cannot get one from any other organization or from a foreign country.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP.
  • An IDP is typically valid for one or three years depending on which issuer you use, and it expires even if your home license does not.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not recognize it; you must check the specific rules for each destination before traveling.

What you need before you start

Your home country driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license expired or is suspended, you cannot get an IDP. You will also need a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and you will need to be at least 18 years old.

You will need one passport-sized photograph — typically 2 by 2 inches. Some AAA locations accept digital photos you bring on your phone; others require a printed copy. Call ahead to ask what your local office accepts. You will also need to know your driver's license number and the date it was issued.

Getting an IDP from AAA

AAA is the larger of the two U.S. issuers and has physical offices in most states. You can visit an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, passport, and one passport photo. The staff will complete the form with you, take your photo if needed, and issue the permit on the spot or within a few days. AAA charges a fee; the amount varies by location but typically ranges from $15 to $20.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP from AAA without joining. Some AAA offices also accept mail-in requests, though this takes longer. Call your local AAA office or visit aaa.com to find the nearest location and confirm whether they handle mail-in requests and what documents they need you to send.

An AAA-issued IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires on that date even if your home driver's license does not expire until later.

Getting an IDP from AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorized U.S. issuer. AATA does not have physical offices; you must request an IDP by mail or through their website. You will send copies of your valid driver's license, passport, and a passport photo, along with a completed process form and the fee.

AATA typically processes mail requests within one to two weeks. You can find their current mailing address and read the process form at aata.org. The fee is similar to AAA's, usually between $15 and $20.

An AATA-issued IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, which is longer than an AAA permit. If you plan to travel internationally more than once in the next few years, AATA's three-year validity may be more practical.

How long the process takes and what to expect

If you visit an AAA office in person, you can walk out with your IDP the same day or within a few business days, depending on the location. If you mail your request to AATA, expect one to two weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time in both directions — so plan for three to four weeks total.

Once you receive your IDP, check that all the information is correct: your name, license number, date of birth, and signature. If anything is wrong, contact the issuer when ready to request a corrected copy.

Remember that your IDP is only valid if your home country driver's license is also valid. If your license expires or is suspended while you are traveling, your IDP becomes invalid too. Renew your home license before it expires if you plan to drive abroad.

Checking requirements for your destination

Before you travel, look up the specific driving rules for each country on your itinerary. Some countries, including many in Europe and Latin America, legally require an IDP. Others accept it but do not require it. A few countries do not recognize it at all and may not allow you to drive even with one.

Contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit, or check their official tourism or motor vehicle website. You can also ask your car rental company what documents they require — they often know the local rules and may refuse to rent to you without an IDP even if the country does not legally require one.

Some countries have additional requirements beyond an IDP, such as an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance or a headlight adjustment kit. Finding out before you leave gives you time to prepare.

What happens if you drive without an IDP when one is required

If a country requires an IDP and you drive without one, you may be stopped by police, fined, or have your vehicle impounded. The penalties vary widely by country and by the officer's judgment. In some places the fine is small; in others it is substantial. You may also be unable to rent a car if the rental company discovers you do not have one.

If you realize you need an IDP after you have already left home, you cannot get one while traveling. You would need to return home, get one, and come back — or arrange for someone at home to send you one by mail, which takes time. The easiest approach is to check requirements before you leave and get an IDP if there is any chance you will need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my regular driver's license?

It depends on the country. Some countries accept your home license alone; others legally require an IDP alongside it; a few do not recognize either. Car rental companies often have their own rules too — many require an IDP even in countries that do not legally mandate one. Check with your destination country's embassy and your rental company before you travel.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your home country license first, then request the IDP. If you are traveling soon, renew your license as early as possible — your state's motor vehicle department can tell you how long renewal takes.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car, not driving my own?

You still need a valid driver's license to rent a car, and many rental companies require an IDP as well. Some rental companies in certain countries will rent without one, but others will not. Call the rental company directly and ask what documents they require before you book.

How long is an IDP valid?

An AAA-issued IDP is valid for one year; an AATA-issued IDP is valid for three years. Both expire on the date printed on the permit, regardless of when your home license expires. If you travel frequently, AATA's three-year validity may save you money on future trips.

Can I get an IDP if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can get a U.S. IDP if you have a valid U.S. driver's license, regardless of citizenship status. If you hold a license from another country, you must get an IDP from that country's authorized issuer — AAA and AATA only issue permits based on U.S. licenses.