You probably do not need an International Driving Permit, but you do need to carry your regular license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. Most countries will accept your valid U.S. license alone. You need an IDP only if you are renting a car in certain countries, or if a police officer in a country where you are stopped cannot read English and your license does not have a photo or your name in Latin characters.

The IDP is not a license itself — it is a document that travels with your regular license. You cannot drive with only an IDP. Many travelers carry one as backup insurance, but it is not required by law in most places. Whether you need one depends on where you are driving, what you are doing there, and which rental company you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Your U.S. driver's license is valid for driving in most countries, and you must carry it at all times when driving abroad.
  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and is required by some car rental companies but not by most countries' laws.
  • You can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) for a small fee and a passport photo.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase, and you must renew it before it expires if you plan to drive abroad again.
  • Some countries, including most of Europe, do not require an IDP if your U.S. license is in English and has a photo, but rental companies may still ask for one.

When rental companies require an International Driving Permit

Most major car rental chains — Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise — do not require an IDP at their European locations. However, some smaller rental companies, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, will refuse to rent to you without one. Before you book, check the rental company's website or call their location directly and ask whether they accept a U.S. license alone.

Some companies require an IDP only if your license does not have a photo, or if the text is not in Latin characters. If you have a standard U.S. state license with your photo and name in English, you are less likely to face this requirement. Rental companies use the IDP as a safeguard because they want proof that you understand the document if a local police officer stops you.

Which countries actually require an International Driving Permit by law

Most countries do not legally require an IDP. The United States has a treaty with many nations that recognizes the U.S. driver's license as valid. However, some countries — including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and a few others — do require an IDP by law. If you are planning to drive in a country outside Europe, North America, or Australia, check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country or contact its embassy to confirm what documents you need.

Even in countries where an IDP is not required by law, local police may ask for one if they stop you and cannot read your license. Carrying an IDP eliminates this friction point. It is a small document that takes up little space and costs between $15 and $20, so many travelers carry one regardless of legal requirement.

How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

You can obtain an IDP through two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a member of AAA to purchase an IDP from them.

To explore, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). You can explore in person at any AAA office or by mail. The fee is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. Processing takes about one week by mail. AAA can also issue an IDP on the spot at most local offices if you walk in with your documents.

The AATA processes applications by mail only. You send your documents and fee to their office, and they mail the IDP back to you. Processing takes two to three weeks. The fee structure is the same: $15 for one year or $20 for three years.

What information is on an International Driving Permit

An IDP contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the date your U.S. license expires. It translates the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive (such as cars, motorcycles, or trucks) into ten languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not contain your photo — the IDP is meant to be used alongside your regular license, which has your photo.

The IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires, your IDP is no longer valid, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. When you renew your U.S. license, you will need to obtain a new IDP if you plan to drive abroad again.

Situations where you should carry an International Driving Permit

Carry an IDP if you are renting a car from a company that requires one, or if you are driving in a country where English is not widely spoken and your license does not have a photo. You should also carry one if you are driving in a country where you are uncertain about the legal requirements — it is inexpensive insurance against being turned away at a rental counter or stopped by police who cannot read your license.

If you are driving your own car that you have shipped abroad, or if you are driving someone else's car and have their permission, an IDP is less critical but still useful. If you are only visiting a country for a few days and using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, you do not need an IDP at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. driver's license?

Yes. Most European countries recognize a valid U.S. driver's license. You must carry your license at all times while driving. Some rental companies may ask for an IDP as well, but it is not required by law in most European countries. Check with your rental company before you book.

What happens if I get stopped by police and do not have an International Driving Permit?

If your U.S. license is valid and you are driving legally, you should not face a penalty. However, if the police officer cannot read English or your license lacks a photo, they may have difficulty verifying your information. An IDP eliminates this problem by providing a translation. In some countries, a police officer may ask you to produce an IDP if one is required by local law.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. It is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your U.S. license expires, your IDP expires as well, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date.

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

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license. You do not need an IDP to drive in either country. You must carry your license at all times, and you should also carry proof of insurance and your vehicle registration.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through AAA or AATA. Be cautious of websites that claim to issue IDPs online — they are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and their documents may not be recognized abroad.