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 works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, and many countries will not accept it without the original license present. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company what your U.S. license says, in a format they recognize.

You can obtain an IDP through the mail or in person, but not through a fully online process. Some vendors advertise "online" IDPs, but what they actually mean is that you fill out the form on their website and mail it in — you still cannot complete the entire transaction without mailing documents and paying by check or money order. The two legitimate U.S. sources are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both require you to mail in your process, a passport photo, and payment.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document only — it must be carried with your actual U.S. driver's license and is not valid on its own.
  • No U.S. organization issues IDPs through a fully online process; you must mail in an process form, a passport photo, and payment by check or money order.
  • AAA and AATA are the only legitimate U.S. sources for IDPs, and both charge between $15 and $20 for the permit itself.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail, so you should order an IDP at least three weeks before your trip.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should check your destination's specific requirements before ordering.

How to Order Through AAA

If you are a AAA member, you can start your IDP order on the AAA website by finding the International Driving Permit page and downloading the process form. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and passport photo. You will need a color passport photo that is 2 by 2 inches — the same size used for a U.S. passport.

Mail the completed form, your passport photo, and a check or money order for the IDP fee (currently $15 for AAA members) to the address listed on the form. AAA will process your process and mail the IDP back to you within one to two weeks. You do not need to visit a AAA office in person, though you can if you prefer to pay by card instead of check.

If you are not a AAA member, you can still order through AAA by paying a non-member fee, which is typically $20 instead of $15. The process is identical — read, mail, wait.

How to Order Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance handles IDP orders through the mail as well. Visit the AATA website, read the IDP process form, and fill in your information. Like AAA, AATA requires a 2 by 2 inch passport photo and payment by check or money order.

Mail your completed form, photo, and payment to the AATA address on the form. The current fee is $20. Processing takes one to two weeks. AATA does not have physical offices, so mail is your only option — there is no in-person alternative.

What Documents You Need to Gather

Before you order, collect these items: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport photo (2 by 2 inches, color), and a check or money order. Some vendors will accept a credit card if you order in person at a AAA office, but mail orders require a check or money order.

The passport photo is the most common missing piece. You can get one at any pharmacy with a photo counter (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart), at a post office, or at a professional photography studio. A pharmacy photo usually costs $10 to $15 and takes 15 minutes. Do not use a photo from your phone or computer — it must be printed on photo paper and meet the 2 by 2 inch requirement.

Timing: When to Order Before Your Trip

Order your IDP at least three weeks before you leave the country. Mail processing takes one to two weeks, and you want a buffer in case your process is incomplete or your photo does not meet requirements. If AAA or AATA rejects your photo, they will mail it back, and you will lose another week getting a replacement photo and resubmitting.

If your trip is sooner than three weeks away, you can visit a AAA office in person to order an IDP the same day. Call ahead to confirm they have passport photos available or bring one you have already obtained. AATA does not have offices, so mail is your only option with them.

Countries That Do Not Accept IDPs

Not every country recognizes the International Driving Permit. Some nations require an official translation of your U.S. license from a certified translator, a separate international license issued by their own government, or straightforward your U.S. license with a notarized English translation. Before you order an IDP, check the specific requirements for the country you are visiting.

Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country, or search "[country name] driving requirements for U.S. citizens." Many countries post this information on their tourism websites. If your destination does not recognize IDPs, you may need a certified translation instead, which takes longer and costs more than an IDP.

Avoiding Scams and Fake IDP Websites

Many websites advertise "when ready" or "online" international driving permits for $50 to $100. These are not legitimate U.S. IDPs. Some are outright scams that take your money and send nothing. Others send a document that looks official but is not recognized by any government — it is essentially a novelty item.

The only legitimate sources are AAA and AATA. Both charge under $20, require you to mail in an process, and take one to two weeks. If a website promises faster service, lower cost, or a fully online process, it is not a real IDP. Stick to AAA.com or AATA.com, or visit a AAA office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit without my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only and is not valid on its own. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. If you are stopped by police or asked to rent a car, you will need to show both documents.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP issued by AAA or AATA is valid for three years from the date of issue. If your U.S. driver's license expires before the IDP does, the IDP is no longer valid — you must renew your U.S. license first.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement IDP or confirm that your U.S. license alone is sufficient for the remainder of your trip. Keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Europe?

Most European rental car companies accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP, but some require one. Check your rental agreement or contact the rental company before your trip. An IDP costs less than $20 and takes two weeks, so ordering one is safer than assuming it is not needed.

Can I get an IDP for a motorcycle or commercial license?

An IDP translates whatever class of license you hold. If your U.S. license is valid for motorcycles or commercial driving, your IDP will reflect that. The process process is the same regardless of license class.