What an international driving permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it does not replace your state license, and you cannot drive with only an IDP. You must carry both your valid U.S. driver's license and the IDP together when you drive outside the United States.

The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize U.S. licenses without a translation. A few countries require it by law; most others straightforward accept it as proof that your home country has verified you can drive. Some car rental companies outside the U.S. also ask for one before they will rent to you, even in countries where it is not legally required.

The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you get. It does not give you any driving rights you do not already have — it only proves that your U.S. license is real.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your license into ten languages and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license.
  • You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not from your state DMV.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to get an IDP.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

Your state DMV does not issue International Driving Permits. Instead, you get one from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. AAA is far more common — most people find an AAA office within a short drive.

You can visit an AAA office in person, which is the fastest route. You walk in with your documents, pay the fee, and leave with your permit in about 15 minutes. Some AAA offices also accept mail-in requests, though this takes longer. AATA primarily handles mail-in requests and is useful if you have no AAA office nearby.

Do not confuse this with your state DMV. Even if your DMV office is closer, they do not issue IDPs. You must go to AAA or AATA.

Documents you need to bring

You will need three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Most drugstores with photo services (CVS, Walgreens) can take one for you on the spot for $10 to $15.

Your driver's license must not be expired. Your passport does not have to be valid — an expired passport is fine — but you must have one. If you do not have a passport, you cannot get an IDP.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The AAA or AATA staff member will look at them to confirm your identity before issuing the permit.

Cost and how long it takes

An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20, depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. The one-year permit costs less but expires sooner. The three-year permit costs more but lasts longer and is usually the better choice if you plan to travel internationally more than once.

If you go to an AAA office in person, you will have your permit the same day. If you mail in your request to AAA or AATA, processing takes one to two weeks, plus mail time in both directions. Plan ahead if you are leaving soon.

What to do before you travel

Check the entry requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit. Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not require one but accept it. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all. Your travel guide or the embassy website for your destination will tell you whether you need one.

If you are renting a car, check with the rental company before you book. Many international rental companies ask for an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. Having one prevents a problem at the rental counter.

Remember that an IDP does not change the rules of the road in another country. You still must follow that country's traffic laws, speed limits, and licensing rules. An IDP only proves that your U.S. license is valid.

Renewing an expired International Driving Permit

When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it — you must get a new one. Go back to AAA or AATA with your expired permit, a valid driver's license, a valid or expired passport, and a new passport-style photo. The process is the same as getting your first one.

Do not wait until your permit expires to get a new one if you are about to travel. Order it at least two weeks before your trip to account for processing and mail time.

International Driving Permit vs. other travel documents

An IDP is not the same as a travel visa, travel insurance, or a vehicle registration. A visa is a separate document that some countries require for entry. Travel insurance covers medical and trip costs. Vehicle registration is a document for a car you own or are bringing into another country. An IDP only translates your driver's license.

If you are driving a car that belongs to you or a rental company, you will also need proof of vehicle registration and proof of insurance for that specific car. The IDP does not cover any of that. Check with the country you are visiting to learn what documents the car itself must have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state DMV first, then get the IDP from AAA or AATA.

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

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP by law, but some car rental companies ask for one. Check with your rental company before you book. Your valid U.S. driver's license alone is usually enough, but having an IDP removes any doubt at the rental counter.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement or confirm that your U.S. license is valid. You can also contact AAA or AATA by phone from abroad, though they cannot issue a replacement while you are outside the U.S.

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a passport?

No. You must have a valid or expired U.S. passport or passport card. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one at your state DMV or a passport acceptance facility before you can get an IDP.

How do I find the nearest AAA office?

Visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code to find the nearest location, hours, and phone number. You can also call AAA directly or visit an office without an appointment — most handle walk-ins, though wait times vary by location and time of day.