An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a booklet that translates your existing driver's license into ten languages — typically English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. The permit itself carries no legal authority; it only works alongside your valid home-country license.
The document is issued under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic and the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Most countries that are signatories to these treaties recognize the IDP format. However, recognition varies by country and region. Some nations require it; others accept it but do not require it; still others do not recognize it at all.
The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent government body — not by an international organization. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two bodies authorized to issue IDPs. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles issuance. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and RAC are the authorized providers.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation document only and must always be carried with your valid home-country driver's license.
- The IDP is issued by your country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by a central international authority.
- Some countries require an IDP to rent a car or drive legally; others do not recognize it at all, so check your destination's rules before traveling.
- An IDP is typically valid for one to three years depending on your home country's rules, and you cannot renew it — you must obtain a new one.
- The cost and processing time vary by country and issuing body; in the United States, AAA charges a flat fee and issues permits same-day or by mail.
Who Issues International Driving Permits and Where to Get One
Your home country's national automobile association or transportation authority is the only legitimate source for an IDP. In the United States, AAA and AATA are the sole authorized issuers. AAA has over 1,000 branch locations across the country. AATA operates through a smaller network but also issues permits. Both charge a fee and require your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photograph.
In Canada, the CAA provincial branches issue IDPs. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) handle issuance. In the European Union, each country's automobile club or transport ministry issues permits for its own citizens. The United Kingdom's AA and RAC both issue IDPs to UK residents.
Do not purchase an IDP from a third-party website or travel agency. Many websites claim to issue "international licenses" or "international driving permits" for a higher fee, but these are not legitimate documents. A real IDP bears the issuing body's official seal and is recognized only when paired with your original license.
What You Need to Bring and What It Costs
To obtain an IDP from AAA in the United States, you need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (available online or at any AAA branch), and one passport-style photograph (2x2 inches). Some AAA locations accept digital photos; others require a printed photo. Call your local branch to confirm their requirements before visiting.
AAA charges a flat fee for an IDP, which is the same regardless of your license class or how long you plan to travel. The fee does not vary by destination country. Processing is available same-day at most branch locations, or by mail if you submit your process and photo by post. Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks.
AATA charges a similar fee and requires the same documents. Processing times and availability vary by location. Both organizations accept payment by cash, check, or card at physical locations; mail applications may require a check or money order.
How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts and When You Need a New One
An IDP issued in the United States is valid for three years from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed. When it expires, you must obtain a new one by repeating the process process. Some countries issue IDPs valid for one year only; others issue them for two years. Check the expiration date on your permit before traveling.
Your IDP is only valid if your home-country driver's license is also valid. If your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not reached its expiration date. If your license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is no longer usable.
If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot obtain a replacement abroad. You must return home and reapply through your country's issuing body. This is why many travelers carry a photocopy of the permit in a separate location as a backup reference.
Which Countries Require or Recognize an International Driving Permit
Recognition of the IDP varies significantly by country and region. Some nations legally require an IDP to drive; others accept it but do not require it; still others do not recognize it at all. Car rental companies often have their own policies that differ from local law.
Many European countries accept but do not require an IDP if you carry your home license. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy all recognize the IDP but do not mandate it. However, some rental companies in these countries require an IDP as a condition of renting a vehicle, even if local law does not.
In Asia, requirements are less uniform. Japan, South Korea, and Thailand recognize the IDP. China does not recognize it and requires a separate Chinese driving permit obtained through a different process. India accepts the IDP but also requires a separate Indian permit for stays longer than a few weeks.
In Latin America, Mexico and Brazil recognize the IDP. In Africa, recognition is inconsistent and depends on the specific country and local police enforcement. Before traveling to any country, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination to confirm current requirements. Do not rely on a car rental company's website alone, as their policies may be stricter than local law.
What an International Driving Permit Does and Does Not Do
An IDP translates your license information into multiple languages so that police, rental agents, and border officials can understand your driving status without needing a translator. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. It does not override local traffic laws. It does not make you insured in another country.
Your home-country license determines what you are legally permitted to drive — your license class, any restrictions, and your driving history. The IDP straightforward makes that information readable to officials in other countries. If your home license restricts you to automatic transmissions, that restriction applies in every country, and the IDP will note it.
Insurance is a separate matter. Your home-country auto insurance may or may not cover you abroad. Many policies do not. You must contact your insurer before traveling to confirm coverage in your destination country. Some countries require you to purchase local insurance at the border or through a rental company. An IDP does not change these requirements.
International Driving Permit Versus Other Travel Documents
An IDP is sometimes confused with other documents. A visa is a travel document issued by a country's government that grants you permission to enter that country. An IDP is not a visa and does not replace one. You may need both.
A carnet de passage is a customs document used when temporarily importing a vehicle into another country. It is not the same as an IDP. If you are driving your own car across international borders, you may need a carnet in addition to an IDP, depending on the countries involved.
A green card (in Europe) or international motor insurance certificate is proof of auto insurance coverage across borders. It is not the same as an IDP. Some countries require it; others do not. Check with your insurer and your destination country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico from the United States?
Canada does not require an IDP; your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but many car rental companies in Mexico require one as a condition of renting. If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, obtain an IDP before you travel to avoid complications at the rental counter.
Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my home license?
No. An IDP must always be carried together with your valid home-country driver's license. Presenting only the IDP without your original license is not sufficient. Both documents together prove your driving status.
What happens if I get pulled over by police in another country and I have an IDP?
Present both your home-country license and your IDP. The police officer can read your license information in their own language through the IDP translation. If you are cited for a traffic violation, the citation process follows local law, not your home country's rules. An IDP does not protect you from traffic enforcement.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An "international license" is not a real document. Only an International Driving Permit issued by your country's authorized automobile association is legitimate. Websites offering "international licenses" for a fee are selling fraudulent documents that will not be recognized by police or rental companies.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my home license is suspended or expired?
No. Your home-country license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it first through your local motor vehicle department, then explore for an IDP.