What an IDP driver license is and who needs one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual driver license from your state or country. If you plan to rent a car or drive in another country, an IDP tells local police and rental companies that your home license is legitimate, even if they cannot read it.

You need an IDP only if you are driving outside your home country. Within the United States, your state driver license is sufficient everywhere. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident traveling abroad, or a visitor to the U.S. with a valid foreign license, an IDP may help you rent a vehicle or avoid confusion at a traffic stop.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or government motor vehicle office, not by the country you are visiting. You must obtain it before you leave home — you cannot get one once you arrive in another country.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation document that works only with your actual driver license, not a replacement for it.
  • U.S. citizens obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through state DMVs.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver license from your state before you can get an IDP.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $30 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you choose.
  • Some car rental companies outside the U.S. require an IDP, while others accept a state driver license alone — check with your rental company before you travel.

How to get an IDP if you are a U.S. citizen

If you hold a valid U.S. driver license, you can get an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is the faster and more widely available option — most AAA branches issue IDPs on the spot or within a few days.

Visit your local AAA office in person with your valid driver license and a passport or other government-issued photo ID. Bring cash or a card to pay the fee, which is typically $15 to $20 depending on your state. You will need to fill out a short form. If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still get an IDP, though membership may lower the cost slightly.

If there is no AAA office near you, contact the American Automobile Touring Alliance directly. AATA issues IDPs by mail — you send in your process, a photocopy of your driver license, and payment, and they mail the permit to you within two to three weeks. The fee is usually $20 to $30.

What documents and information you need

Bring your current, unexpired driver license and a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you are explore by mail through AATA, you will need a photocopy of your driver license rather than the original.

You will also need to provide your full name, date of birth, and address exactly as they appear on your driver license. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — so the IDP matches your current legal name.

Have a payment method ready. AAA offices accept cash and cards. AATA accepts checks and money orders by mail, and some regional offices accept cards or online payment. Check the AATA website or call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.

How long an IDP takes and how long it lasts

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP when ready or within a few business days. If you explore by mail through AATA, allow two to four weeks for processing and delivery. Plan ahead if you have a specific travel date — do not wait until the week before your trip.

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs less (usually $15 to $20) and is useful if you travel internationally only occasionally. The three-year permit costs more (usually $20 to $30) and makes sense if you drive abroad regularly. Both versions expire on a fixed date regardless of when you purchase them, so a one-year permit purchased in November may expire in the following November, not twelve months later.

Your IDP is valid only while your state driver license is also valid. If your driver license expires before your IDP does, you must renew your license to continue driving legally abroad. You do not need to renew your IDP unless it expires first.

What happens when you use your IDP abroad

When you rent a car outside the United States, present both your IDP and your state driver license together. The rental company will check that both documents are valid and that the names match. Some rental companies require an IDP; others accept a state license alone. A few require an IDP plus an International Driving Document (IDD), which is a separate form — ask your rental company what they need before you book.

If you are stopped by police while driving, have your IDP and driver license ready along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The IDP helps the officer verify that your license is legitimate even if they cannot read English. In most countries, police will accept the IDP as proof that you are a licensed driver in your home country.

The IDP does not override local traffic laws or give you any special rights. You must still follow the speed limits, traffic signals, and driving rules of the country you are in. An IDP straightforward proves that you hold a valid license at home.

If you hold a foreign driver license

If you are not a U.S. citizen but hold a valid driver license from another country, you may be able to drive in the United States on your home license alone for a limited time — usually up to one year, though this varies by state. Check your state's DMV website to confirm how long a foreign license is valid.

If you want to rent a car in the U.S., most rental companies will accept your foreign license plus your passport. Some may ask for an IDP from your home country as additional proof. Contact the rental company before you book to confirm what documents they need.

To get an IDP for a foreign license, contact your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle authority. The process and cost vary by country. Many countries issue IDPs through their national automobile clubs, similar to how AAA works in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my state driver license and no IDP?

Many countries allow you to drive on a valid U.S. driver license alone for short visits. However, some rental companies and police may not recognize it, and a few countries legally require an IDP. Check the specific country's rules before you travel, and confirm with your rental company what documents they will accept.

What if my driver license is suspended or expired?

You cannot get an IDP if your driver license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your IDP is valid only while your underlying license is valid. Renew your license first, then explore for an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting another country and not driving?

No. An IDP is only for people who plan to drive. If you are traveling as a passenger or using public transportation, you do not need one.

Can I get an IDP online or by phone?

AAA allows you to order an IDP online through their website, but you must still visit an AAA office in person to pick it up and verify your identity. AATA processes mail-in applications but does not offer online ordering. You cannot get an IDP by phone alone.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can provide a temporary letter confirming your license status while you arrange a replacement. You can also contact AAA or AATA to request a replacement IDP be mailed to you, though this takes time.