An international driver's license is a translation document, not a replacement for your U.S. license
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your driver's license information into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not let you drive in countries where your U.S. license would not work. It exists solely to help foreign police officers and car rental companies read your U.S. license if they stop you or check your documents.
You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and the IDP together. The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you get, and it costs between $15 and $30. You can obtain one through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or through some state motor vehicle departments, though availability varies by state.
The IDP does not change the countries where you can drive or the rules you must follow. If your U.S. license is valid in a country, the IDP makes it easier for local authorities to understand it. If your U.S. license is not valid there, the IDP will not make it valid.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages, not a separate license.
- You must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP together; neither document works alone.
- The IDP is issued by AAA in most states and some state motor vehicle departments, and costs $15 to $30.
- Whether you can legally drive in a foreign country depends on your U.S. license and that country's laws, not on whether you have an IDP.
- An IDP is useful mainly for car rentals and traffic stops, where it helps local officials read your U.S. license information.
Where you can get an International Driving Permit
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the primary issuer of IDPs in the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can request one in person at a local AAA office or by mail. Non-members can also obtain an IDP through AAA, though some offices charge a small additional fee.
Some state motor vehicle departments issue IDPs directly, but this varies widely. Contact your state's DMV or equivalent agency to ask whether they offer this service. A few states do not issue IDPs at all, in which case AAA is your only option.
You will need to bring your valid U.S. driver's license and one passport-style photograph (2x2 inches) to the AAA office or include it with a mail request. Processing typically takes one to two weeks if you explore by mail.
How long an International Driving Permit lasts
AAA offers two versions: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year version costs less and is useful if you are taking a single trip. The three-year version is better value if you travel internationally more than once during that period.
The IDP expires on the date printed inside the booklet. You cannot renew it; you must obtain a new one. Some countries also have their own rules about how old an IDP can be when you enter, so check with your destination before you travel.
What an International Driving Permit does and does not do
An IDP helps in two main situations. First, if you are stopped by police in a foreign country, the officer can read your license information in their own language. Second, if you rent a car, the rental company can more easily verify your license details.
An IDP does not change which countries recognize your U.S. license. The United States has no formal agreement with most countries about driver's license reciprocity. Whether you can legally drive in a particular country depends on that country's laws, your age, how long you are staying, and sometimes the type of vehicle you are driving. An IDP does not override any of these rules.
An IDP also does not protect you from traffic violations or accidents. You are still subject to the traffic laws of the country where you are driving, and you are still responsible for having appropriate insurance.
Checking whether you need an International Driving Permit for your trip
Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. They can tell you whether an IDP is required, recommended, or unnecessary. Some countries require one; many recommend one but do not require it; and some do not recognize them at all.
If you plan to rent a car, contact the rental company directly. Many rental companies request an IDP even if the country does not require one, because it makes the rental process faster and reduces disputes about license validity.
Your travel insurance or roadside information provider may also have requirements or recommendations. Check your policy before you leave.
Differences between an International Driving Permit and other travel documents
An IDP is sometimes confused with an international license or a temporary license, but these are different things. Some countries issue their own temporary driving licenses to visitors; these are separate from an IDP and are obtained through that country's motor vehicle authority, not through AAA.
An IDP is also not a visa, passport, or travel document. It is purely a translation aid for your existing U.S. driver's license. Border officials do not check it when you enter a country; only police or car rental staff typically see it.
| Document | What it is | Who issues it | What it proves |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Driver's License | Your primary driving credential | Your state's motor vehicle department | You are licensed to drive in the U.S. |
| International Driving Permit | Translation of your U.S. license | AAA or some state DMVs | Your license information in multiple languages |
| Foreign Temporary License | A driving license issued by another country | That country's motor vehicle authority | You are licensed to drive in that country |
What to do if you lose your International Driving Permit while traveling
If you lose your IDP abroad, you still have your U.S. driver's license. In most cases, your U.S. license alone is sufficient to drive or rent a car, though it may cause delays or confusion. Contact your car rental company or local police to report the loss and explain that you have your primary license.
You cannot obtain a replacement IDP while you are outside the United States. You will need to wait until you return home and then request a new one through AAA or your state DMV. For this reason, some travelers keep a photocopy of their IDP in a separate bag as backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP, and many car rental companies in those countries do not ask for one. Your U.S. driver's license is usually sufficient. However, some rental companies recommend an IDP to speed up the rental process. Check with your rental company before you travel.
Will an International Driving Permit let me drive in a country that does not recognize U.S. licenses?
No. An IDP is a translation, not a license. If a country does not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, an IDP will not change that. You would need to obtain a temporary or international license from that country's motor vehicle authority, or not drive there.
Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my U.S. driver's license?
No. An IDP must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license. Neither document is valid on its own. If you lose your U.S. license while traveling, the IDP alone will not let you drive.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
AAA charges $15 to $30 depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version and whether you are a member. Some state DMVs charge different amounts. Call your local AAA office or state DMV for current pricing.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document issued by AAA. An international license is a separate credential issued by some countries to their residents who plan to drive abroad. The two are not interchangeable.