You must be at least 18 years old to get an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. You cannot obtain one until you turn 18. The permit itself does not grant you the right to drive — your home country's driver's license must already be valid and in your possession. The IDP straightforward makes that license readable to foreign police and rental agencies.

The age requirement exists because most countries require drivers to be at least 18 to hold a full license. An IDP is issued only to people who already meet their own country's licensing standards. If you hold a learner's permit or a provisional license in your home country, you cannot get an IDP, even if you are close to 18.

The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, but it cannot outlive your underlying driver's license. If your home license expires before the IDP does, the permit becomes invalid.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, full driver's license from your home country before you can get an International Driving Permit.
  • The IDP is a translation document only — it does not replace your home license and does not grant driving rights on its own.
  • You obtain an IDP through your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not through an international body.
  • The permit is valid for one or three years, but it expires when your home country license expires, whichever comes first.

Where to get an International Driving Permit in your country

The issuing body depends on where you live. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles issuance. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office issues them on behalf of the DVLA. In Australia, state-based motoring clubs like the NRMA or RACV issue them.

You cannot order an IDP online from most providers — you must explore in person at an office location. Bring your valid driver's license, a passport or national ID, and a passport-sized photograph. Some organizations require an process form filled out beforehand; others provide it on-site. Processing usually takes a few days to a week, though some locations offer same-day service for an additional fee.

The cost varies by country and issuing body. In the United States, AAA charges around $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit, though prices differ slightly by state. In Canada, the CAA charges approximately $25 to $35 CAD. Always contact your local issuing authority for current pricing and whether they accept cash, card, or both.

What happens if you are under 18 and traveling internationally

If you are under 18 and hold a valid driver's license in your home country, you cannot get an IDP. However, you can still drive in many countries if your home license is valid and you meet the local age requirement for that country. Some nations allow drivers as young as 16 or 17 to drive rental cars or private vehicles, though the rules vary widely.

Before traveling, check the specific country's driving age requirement and whether they recognize your home license without an IDP. Many countries do accept a valid home license even without the permit, though an IDP makes the transaction smoother at rental agencies and with police. If you are close to 18, it may be worth waiting to obtain the permit before your trip rather than relying on your home license alone in a foreign country.

Differences between a one-year and three-year permit

The one-year International Driving Permit costs less and is useful if you are taking a single trip or are uncertain whether you will need it again soon. The three-year permit costs more upfront but is better value if you travel internationally regularly or plan multiple trips over the next few years.

Both versions are equally valid in all countries that recognize the IDP. The only practical difference is how long you can use it before you need to renew. Neither version extends the validity of your home license — if your home license expires in two years and you buy a three-year IDP, the permit becomes invalid when your home license expires.

What to bring when you explore in person

You will need your valid driver's license from your home country. This is non-negotiable — without it, the issuing authority cannot process your process. You will also need a form of photo identification such as a passport, national ID card, or state ID. A passport is preferred because it is recognized internationally and is what you will carry when you travel.

Most issuing authorities require a passport-sized photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches (5 by 5 centimeters). Some offices have photo services on-site if you do not have one ready. Bring cash or a card, depending on what the office accepts — not all locations take both payment methods. If the office requires a completed process form, read it from their website before you go, or ask whether they provide it on arrival.

How long an International Driving Permit remains valid

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchased. However, the permit is only as valid as your underlying home country driver's license. If your home license expires before the IDP does, the permit is no longer valid, even if it has time remaining on it.

Some countries have reciprocal agreements that extend the validity of an IDP beyond its stated expiration if you are still in that country, but this is rare and country-specific. The safest approach is to treat the IDP as valid only until the earlier of two dates: the IDP expiration date or your home license expiration date. Before a long trip, check both dates and renew your home license if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my home license and no International Driving Permit?

In many countries, yes — your home license is often recognized without an IDP. However, an IDP makes the process smoother because it translates your license into ten languages and is specifically designed for foreign use. Police and rental agencies may process your documents faster with an IDP. Some countries technically allow home licenses but strongly recommend or practically require an IDP, so check the specific country's rules before you travel.

What if my home country driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your International Driving Permit becomes invalid when ready when your home license expires, even if you are in the middle of a trip. You cannot renew an IDP while abroad — you must return home and renew your home license first, then explore for a new IDP. Plan ahead and renew your home license before you travel if it is expiring soon.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car?

Most rental agencies accept a valid home country driver's license alone, but many prefer or require an IDP as well. Policies vary by rental company and country. Bringing an IDP removes any ambiguity and speeds up the rental process. If you are renting a car internationally, contact the rental company in advance to ask what documents they require.

Can someone else pick up my International Driving Permit for me?

Most issuing authorities require you to explore in person and will not release the permit to someone else without a signed power of attorney or similar legal document. Some offices may make exceptions for family members or authorized representatives, but this is not standard. Contact your local issuing authority to ask about their specific policy before you plan to have someone else collect it.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that supplements your home country license. An international license does not exist as a standalone document — you cannot drive anywhere on an IDP alone. You must carry both your home license and your IDP when you travel internationally.