An international driving permit is a document that translates your regular driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in another country

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license — it is a booklet that sits alongside your regular driver's license and repeats your license information in multiple languages. It exists because a police officer in France or Japan cannot read an English-language license from the United States. The IDP proves to a foreign authority that you hold a valid license at home.

You can only get an IDP in your home country before you travel. You cannot explore for one once you arrive abroad. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on where you live, and the permit itself is valid for one or three years depending on which type you choose.

Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but car rental companies often do, and some countries will not accept your home license alone if you are stopped by police. Carrying one removes doubt and makes renting a car simpler.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet, not a new license, and must be obtained in your home country before you travel.
  • You need your valid driver's license, passport, and a passport-sized photo to request an IDP from your local motor vehicle office.
  • The one-year permit costs less than the three-year version, and both are valid only when carried together with your original license.
  • Car rental companies are the most common reason travelers need an IDP, though some countries require one to drive legally.
  • An IDP does not replace your home license and does not give you permission to drive in a country where your home license would not be valid.

Where to request an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, you request an IDP from one of two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American International Automobile Association (AIAA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. AAA is far more common — most people find a local AAA office, bring their documents, and receive the permit within a few days.

You do not need to be a AAA member to request an IDP from them. Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license, passport, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The office staff will complete the form with you on the spot. The cost is typically around $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by location.

If you do not have a AAA office nearby, you can request an IDP by mail from AIAA. You will mail your documents and a completed form to their office, and they will return the permit by mail within one to two weeks. The process is slower but works if you live far from any AAA location.

What documents you need and how to prepare them

Gather these items before you visit AAA or mail your request to AIAA: your current, valid driver's license; your passport; and one passport-sized photo. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from your phone or a screenshot.

Your driver's license must be valid on the day you request the IDP. If your license has expired or will expire within the next month, renew it first through your state's motor vehicle department. An IDP cannot be issued for an expired license.

Your passport does not need to be valid for the entire time you will use the IDP, but it must be valid on the day you request it. The IDP itself is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, regardless of when your passport expires.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew

When you request an IDP, you choose between a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year version costs less and is useful if you travel internationally only once or twice. The three-year version costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period.

The permit expires on the date printed on the front cover. Once it expires, you cannot use it, even if your home driver's license is still valid. You must request a new IDP if you plan to travel again after the expiration date.

An IDP is valid only when you carry it together with your original driver's license. If you lose your home license, your IDP becomes useless. If you lose your IDP but still have your home license, you can request a replacement IDP before your next trip.

Countries that require an International Driving Permit and those that do not

Most countries do not legally require an IDP, but many car rental companies will not rent to you without one. France, Germany, Spain, and Italy do not require an IDP by law, but rental agencies in those countries often ask for one anyway. Some countries in South America, Asia, and Africa do require an IDP by law — check the specific country's government website or contact its embassy before you travel.

Even in countries where an IDP is not required, carrying one protects you if you are stopped by police. A foreign officer may not accept your home license as proof of your right to drive, but an IDP removes that argument. It is a small document that takes up almost no space in your bag.

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where your home license would not be valid. If you are not old enough to drive in that country, or if your home country's license is not recognized there, an IDP will not change that. It is a translation tool, not a permission tool.

The difference between an International Driving Permit and an International License

An International Driving Permit is the official document issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority (or an authorized organization like AAA). It is recognized worldwide and is the only version you need.

An International License is not a real thing — it is a term some websites and services use to describe the IDP, or sometimes to describe unofficial translation documents sold online. Do not buy an "international license" from a website that is not AAA or AIAA. Those documents are not recognized by rental companies or police and will not help you.

Stick with the official IDP from AAA or AIAA. It is inexpensive, takes only a few days to obtain, and is recognized everywhere you travel.

What happens if you drive without an International Driving Permit when one is required

If you rent a car in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, the rental company will refuse to rent to you. You cannot drive the car off the lot. If you somehow drive without one in a country where it is legally required, you can be fined by police, and your rental car insurance may not cover an accident.

The safest approach is to check the requirements for your destination country before you book a rental car. If an IDP is required or if the rental company requires one, request it from AAA or AIAA before you leave home. The small cost and short wait time are worth avoiding problems at the rental counter or on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on whether you plan to rent a car. If you are using public transportation or taxis, you do not need one. If you are renting a car, most companies require an IDP regardless of how long you are staying. Request one before you travel — it takes only a few days and costs less than $35.

Can I get an International Driving Permit at the airport or in another country?

No. An IDP must be issued in your home country before you travel. You cannot request one at an airport, at a rental car counter, or from a foreign motor vehicle office. Plan ahead and request it from AAA or AIAA at least one week before your trip.

What if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot get an IDP if your license is suspended or revoked. An IDP is only issued for a valid, current license. If your license status changes, you must resolve that with your state's motor vehicle department before requesting an IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is the official document issued by AAA or AIAA. An "International License" is not a real thing — it is either a misused term for an IDP or an unofficial document sold online that is not recognized by rental companies or police. Always request an IDP from AAA or AIAA.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

If you visit a AAA office in person, you can receive it the same day or within a few days. If you mail your request to AIAA, it takes one to two weeks. Request it at least one week before your trip to avoid delays.