You need an International Driving Permit only if you plan to rent a car or drive in certain countries outside the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that sits alongside your regular license. Whether you need one depends entirely on where you are going and what you plan to do there.

If you are visiting another country as a tourist and will not be driving, you do not need an IDP. If you are flying into a country and using public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing apps, you do not need one. You only need an IDP if you intend to rent a car or drive a personal vehicle in a foreign country.

Some countries require an IDP by law. Others do not require it but car rental companies will not rent to you without one. A few countries accept only your U.S. license. The requirement varies by destination, so checking with your rental company or the country's embassy before you travel is the only way to know for certain.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license and is only needed if you plan to drive or rent a car abroad.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP, while others do not require it but rental companies will refuse to rent without one.
  • You can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office.
  • Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and you must be at least 18 years old to get an IDP.

Where an International Driving Permit is required by law

Many European countries, parts of Asia, and several other destinations legally require an IDP. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom all require one. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan require one. Mexico and Costa Rica require one. If you are driving in any of these places, you must carry an IDP along with your U.S. license — driving without one can result in fines or your vehicle being impounded.

Some countries technically do not require an IDP by law but will not allow you to drive without one. Thailand and Vietnam fall into this category. Even though the law may not explicitly demand it, police can stop you and you will have no legal document to show. The safest approach is to treat "rental companies require it" the same as "the law requires it" — if you cannot drive without it, you need it.

A few countries accept only your U.S. license with no IDP needed. Canada, the United States, and Mexico (for short-term tourism) are examples. However, Mexico's rules change depending on how long you stay and whether you cross into certain regions, so confirming with your rental company is still necessary.

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. AAA is more widely available — there are AAA offices in most U.S. cities. AATA is less common but offers online ordering if you cannot visit an office in person.

To get an IDP through AAA, visit a local AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (AAA provides this). You will also need one passport-sized photograph (2x2 inches). The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You pay the fee on the spot and walk out with your IDP.

If you use AATA, you can order online at their website. You will need to upload a photo of your driver's license, a photo of your passport, and a passport-sized photo of yourself. AATA will mail the IDP to you, which takes about one to two weeks. The process is slower but works if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person.

What an International Driving Permit costs and how long it lasts

An IDP costs $15 through AAA and $20 through AATA. There are no additional fees or hidden charges. You pay once and receive the document. Some AAA offices may charge a small membership fee if you are not already a member, but the IDP itself is $15.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires after 12 months, regardless of when your U.S. driver's license expires. If you travel multiple times in a year, one IDP covers all your trips. If you travel again the following year, you will need to obtain a new one. Some travelers get a second IDP before the first one expires if they know they will be traveling again soon.

An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license. If you lose your license, your IDP becomes useless. If your U.S. license expires, your IDP is no longer valid even if the IDP itself has not reached its one-year expiration date.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person process at AAA, bring: your valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), one passport-sized photograph (2x2 inches), and a completed AAA process form. You do not need to bring your Social Security number, proof of address, or any other documents. AAA will have the process form available at the office if you do not fill one out beforehand.

For an online process through AATA, you will need to upload digital images of your driver's license, your passport, and a passport-sized photo of yourself. Make sure the images are clear and show all required information. AATA will reject blurry or incomplete photos and ask you to resubmit.

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain an IDP. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid — an expired license will not work. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP.

What to do if you are traveling soon and do not have time

If you are leaving within a few days and need an IDP, visit an AAA office in person. This is the only way to get one when ready. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and has the process forms available. Bring all required documents and you can walk out with your IDP the same day.

If there is no AAA office near you and you are traveling within one to two weeks, AATA's online ordering may work if you order right away. However, mail delivery times vary, so there is a risk it will not arrive before your trip. Contact AATA directly to ask about expedited processing — they may be able to speed up delivery in some cases, though this is not may provide.

If you are leaving within days and cannot reach an AAA office or AATA in time, you have a problem. Some rental companies will refuse to rent to you without an IDP in countries that require one. Others may accept your U.S. license alone, though this is risky. Contact your rental company when ready and explain your situation — they can tell you whether they will rent to you without an IDP or whether you need to change your travel plans.

Whether you need an IDP for ride-sharing or taxis

You do not need an IDP to use Uber, Lyft, or local taxi services in another country. These services do not require you to present a driver's license. You are a passenger, not the driver, so your license is irrelevant. An IDP is only necessary if you personally will be operating the vehicle.

Some travelers mistakenly believe they need an IDP to rent a scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle for a day trip. The answer depends on the rental company and the country. Many scooter rental shops in Southeast Asia do not check licenses at all. Others require a valid license but do not specifically require an IDP. Some do require an IDP. Before you rent, ask the rental company what documents they need. If they say "international license," confirm whether they mean an IDP or whether your U.S. license alone is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license. You must have both documents. If you lose your U.S. license, your IDP becomes useless. The IDP is a translation tool, not a replacement.

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

For Canada, no — your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. For Mexico, it depends on how long you stay and which regions you visit. For short-term tourism, your U.S. license usually works. For longer stays or travel beyond certain zones, requirements change. Contact your rental company before you travel to confirm what they require.

What happens if I drive without an International Driving Permit in a country that requires one?

You can be stopped by police, fined, or have your vehicle impounded. The penalty varies by country. In some places the fine is small; in others it is substantial. If you are in an accident, your insurance may not cover you if you were driving illegally without required documents.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP. Renew your U.S. license first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, then explore for an IDP.

How far in advance should I get an International Driving Permit?

If you are using AAA, you can get one the same day you explore. If you are using AATA's online service, order at least two weeks before your trip to account for mail delivery time. If you are traveling within days, visit an AAA office in person — it is your only option for when ready service.