What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your home country. Most countries do not require it, but some do, and many car rental companies abroad will ask for one even when the local law does not.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going and what you plan to do there. If you are renting a car in Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, the rental company will often demand one even though the country itself does not. If you are driving in Mexico or Central America, some states and insurance companies require it. If you are staying in a major city and using public transit or taxis, you almost certainly do not need one.

The permit is issued in your home country before you leave — you cannot get one abroad. It costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you live, takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your license into ten languages but is not a replacement for your actual license — you must carry both documents.
  • Most countries do not legally require an IDP, but car rental companies often do, so check your rental agreement before you book.
  • You must obtain an IDP in your home country before traveling; you cannot get one once you arrive abroad.
  • The permit costs $15 to $30 and takes one to two weeks to arrive, so order it at least three weeks before your trip.
  • The IDP is valid for either one or three years depending on which version you request when you order.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue one. Both charge the same fee and issue the same document — the only difference is which one is closer to you or which membership you already hold.

If you belong to AAA, go to any AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The office will issue the permit on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks depending on the location. Some AAA offices issue it same-day; call ahead to confirm.

If you do not belong to AAA, you can go to an AATA office or order through the AATA website. The process is the same — bring your license, passport, and photo in person, or mail those documents to AATA with a completed process form. AATA typically takes one to two weeks to process and mail the permit.

Do not order through third-party websites that claim to speed up the process or offer "international license" services. These are not authorized issuers and will either send you a document that is not recognized abroad or take your money without delivering anything.

What Documents and Information You Need to Provide

Both AAA and AATA require the same set of documents. You will need a valid U.S. driver's license that is not expired. If your license expires within six months, some offices will ask you to renew it first, though this is not always enforced — call ahead to ask.

You will also need proof of identity. A U.S. passport or passport card works. A state ID card does not. If you do not have a passport, you will need to get one before you can order an IDP, which adds several weeks to your timeline.

A passport-sized photo is required — 2 inches by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months. You can get these printed at any pharmacy, drugstore, or photo shop for $5 to $15. Do not use a photo from your phone or computer unless you print it yourself and have it cut to size.

You will also fill out an process form. AAA and AATA both provide these at their offices or on their websites. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. It takes five minutes to complete.

Timing and Processing: When to Order Before Your Trip

Order your IDP at least three weeks before you travel. If you order in person at an AAA office, you may receive it the same day or within a few days. If you mail your process to AATA or request mail delivery from AAA, plan for one to two weeks of processing time plus mail delivery, which can add another week depending on where you live.

If your trip is sooner than three weeks away, call your nearest AAA office and ask whether they can issue it same-day. Many can, but not all, and availability varies by location and time of day. This is your fastest option if you are in a time crunch.

The one-year version and the three-year version take the same amount of time to issue. Choose the three-year version if you travel internationally more than once every three years — it costs only slightly more and saves you from ordering again on a short timeline.

Cost and Payment Methods

An International Driving Permit costs $20 for the one-year version and $30 for the three-year version through both AAA and AATA. These are the only official prices; if a website quotes you more, it is not an authorized issuer.

AAA accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards at their offices. AATA accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards by mail or phone. If you order online through AATA's website, you can pay by credit card. Neither organization charges a separate shipping fee — the cost quoted is the total you will pay.

Some travel insurance or roadside information plans include an IDP or reimburse the cost, so check your policy before you pay. A few credit card companies also offer reimbursement for travel documents, though this is rare.

What Happens When You Travel: How to Use Your IDP Abroad

When you drive in another country, carry both your U.S. driver's license and your International Driving Permit together at all times. Police or rental car companies will ask to see both. The IDP is not valid without your actual license — it is a translation document, not a replacement.

If you are stopped by police, hand over both documents. The officer will read the IDP to understand your license information in their language. In most countries, police speak enough English to read a U.S. license, but the IDP removes any ambiguity and speeds up the interaction.

If you are renting a car, give both documents to the rental company when you pick up the vehicle. They will photocopy them and return the originals. Some rental companies will refuse to rent to you without an IDP even if the country does not require one — this is their policy, not the law. Check the rental agreement before you book to see whether they require it.

The IDP does not change traffic laws, insurance requirements, or age restrictions in the country you are visiting. It only translates your license. You are still subject to all local driving rules and must have valid insurance.

International Driving Permits for Non-U.S. Citizens Living in the United States

If you hold a driver's license from another country and live in the United States, you can get an IDP from your home country's equivalent of AAA or the motor vehicle authority. You cannot get a U.S. IDP because you do not hold a U.S. license.

Contact your home country's embassy or consulate in the United States for information on how to order an IDP from abroad. Many countries allow you to order by mail or through an authorized agent in the U.S. Some require you to order in person when you visit home.

If you have a U.S. driver's license in addition to your home country license, you can get a U.S. IDP from AAA or AATA using your U.S. license. This is a separate document from any IDP you hold from your home country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just an International Driving Permit and no actual license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried with your actual driver's license from your home country. You must have both documents. If you are stopped by police or stopped by a rental company, presenting only the IDP will not be accepted.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You can still drive using your actual license alone in most countries, though a car rental company may refuse to rent to you if they require an IDP. Contact your country's embassy or consulate in that country to see whether they can issue a replacement, though this is rarely possible on short notice. For future trips, order a replacement from AAA or AATA once you return home.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting a major city and not renting a car?

No. An IDP is only necessary if you plan to drive. If you are using public transit, taxis, or rideshare services, you do not need one. Some travelers carry one anyway in case they decide to rent a car on short notice, but it is not required.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your actual license. An "international license" is not a real thing — if a website offers to sell you one, it is a scam. Only AAA and AATA in the U.S. can issue legitimate IDPs.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can order a one-year version or a three-year version. Both are valid for driving in any country that recognizes IDPs. The three-year version costs only $10 more, so it is usually the better choice if you travel internationally more than once.