How to Get an International Driver's License

What an International Driver's License Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

The IDP is issued by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them, and both follow the same rules. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first.

Key Takeaways

You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit — the IDP cannot be issued alone.
AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and both charge the same fee.
The entire process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office or AATA location, or you can order by mail and receive it in 2 to 3 weeks.
You will need your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches).
An IDP is valid for one year or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first, so check your license expiration date before you order.

Getting an IDP in Person at AAA

The fastest way to get an International Driving Permit is to walk into an AAA office with the required documents. You do not need to be an AAA member — AAA issues IDPs to anyone with a valid U.S. driver's license. Bring your current driver's license, your passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background.

Hand these documents to the staff member at the counter along with the IDP process form. AAA will fill out most of the form for you — you only need to sign it. The fee is currently $20, though this can vary slightly by location. You will receive the IDP when ready, usually within 15 minutes. If you do not have a passport-style photo, some AAA offices can take one for you on the spot for an additional fee, typically $10 to $15.

To find an AAA office near you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator tool. Not all AAA branches issue IDPs, so confirm that your nearest location offers this service before you go. You can also call ahead to make sure they have the process form in stock.

Getting an IDP Through AATA by Mail

If you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer to order by mail, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) accepts applications through the mail. Visit aata.org, read the IDP process form, and print it. Fill out the form completely, then mail it along with your valid driver's license, your passport or passport card, one passport-style photo, and a check or money order for $20.

Send your envelope to the AATA address listed on their website. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your process. They will mail the IDP back to you at the address you provide on the form. If you need the IDP faster, AATA does not offer expedited mail service, so plan accordingly if you are leaving the country soon.

Keep copies of everything you mail — your driver's license, passport, and photo — in case the envelope is lost. AATA will not replace lost documents, and you will need to resubmit if your process does not arrive.

What Documents You Need and Why

The three required documents serve specific purposes. Your valid U.S. driver's license proves you are licensed to drive in the United States and is the document the IDP translates. Your passport or passport card proves your identity and citizenship. The passport-style photo is printed on the IDP itself so that border officials and rental car agents can verify it is actually you.

Your driver's license must be valid — not expired and not suspended. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Your passport does not need to be valid for the entire year of the IDP's validity, but it must be valid on the day you explore. A passport card counts as a valid passport for IDP purposes and is faster to obtain than a full passport book if you do not already have one.

The passport-style photo must meet specific requirements: 2x2 inches, color, taken within the last six months, and showing your full face against a plain white or off-white background. Selfies and photos taken at home usually do not meet these standards. Professional photo services at drugstores, post offices, and photography studios all know these requirements and can take a compliant photo for $10 to $15.

How Long the IDP Is Valid and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. Check your driver's license now — if it expires in six months, your IDP will also expire in six months, even though it was just issued. If you plan to drive internationally more than once in the next year, check both expiration dates before you order.

You cannot renew an IDP — you must order a new one. If your IDP expires while you are out of the country, it is no longer valid, and you should not drive. If your U.S. driver's license expires, your IDP automatically becomes invalid at the same time, even if the one-year mark has not passed. Renew your driver's license first, then order a new IDP if you still need one.

What Happens When You Cross the Border

When you rent a car or are stopped by police in another country, you will present both your U.S. driver's license and your International Driving Permit together. The IDP is not a replacement — it is a companion document. Border officials and rental car companies expect to see both. If you have only the IDP and not your U.S. license, it is not valid.

Some countries require the IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it. A few countries do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit. Your rental car company will tell you what documents they need, and your country's embassy website will list the driving requirements for that destination. Having the IDP does not hurt and often makes the process smoother, even in countries that do not strictly require it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP, and rental car companies in those countries will accept your U.S. driver's license alone. However, some rental agencies may ask for it anyway, and having one does not hurt. Check with your specific rental company before you travel to see what they require.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted. If it is expired, you must renew it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then order the IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while I am traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. This letter may help you rent a car or satisfy police if you are stopped. Keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The fee is $20 through both AAA and AATA. Some AAA offices charge an additional $10 to $15 if you need them to take a passport-style photo for you. There are no other official fees — if a website charges more than $20 for the permit itself, it is not an authorized issuer.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online without going to AAA or AATA?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Websites that claim to issue them online are not legitimate. You must either visit an AAA office in person or mail your process to AATA. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge high fees to "help" you order — you can do this directly and for $20.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.