What an international driving permit is and where to find one locally

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 state or country. When you drive abroad, some rental car companies, border officials, or police may ask to see it, though many countries no longer require one.

You obtain an IDP through specific organizations in your area, not through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two bodies authorized to issue them. You cannot order one online and have it mailed; you must visit a local office in person with your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo.

To find the nearest AAA or AATA office, search "AAA near me" or visit aaa.com and use their office locator. AAA has branches in most states; AATA has fewer locations but covers areas AAA does not. Call ahead before visiting — some offices issue permits same-day, while others require an appointment or take several days.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document only, not a replacement license, and works only when carried with your valid state driver's license.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs; you must visit a local office in person with your license and a passport photo.
  • Many countries no longer require an IDP, so check your destination's rules before paying for one.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which organization issues it.

What documents and photos you need to bring

Bring your valid driver's license (state, provincial, or national — it must not be expired). Bring one or two passport-style photos, depending on which organization issues your permit. AAA typically requires one photo; AATA may require two. The photo must meet passport standards: a plain background, your face clearly visible, taken within the last six months, and roughly 2 by 2 inches.

You do not need to bring your passport itself, though having it with you can speed up the process if the office needs to verify your identity. Bring a form of payment — cash, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office's policy. Some AAA branches accept all three; others may be cash-only, so call first.

How long the permit takes and how long it lasts

If you visit during business hours and the office is not busy, you may receive your permit the same day. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer) or at busy urban locations, the office may ask you to return in a few days or may mail it to you. Plan for at least one week if you are not visiting in person on a slow day.

An IDP issued by AAA is valid for three years from the date of issue. An IDP issued by AATA is valid for one year. Neither permit is valid after your driver's license expires, so check your license's expiration date before ordering. If your license expires within a year, a one-year AATA permit may be the better choice to avoid buying another permit when you renew your license.

Whether your destination actually requires an international permit

Many countries have stopped requiring an IDP for visitors with a valid driver's license from the United States, Canada, or other English-speaking nations. The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe now accept a U.S. driver's license alone. Mexico and Central American countries vary by region and rental company.

Before you order a permit, contact your rental car company or check the government travel advisory for your destination. The U.S. State Department website (travel.state.gov) lists entry requirements by country, including whether an IDP is needed. Some rental companies require an IDP regardless of local law, so ask them directly. Spending $15 to $20 on a permit you do not need is common, but a quick phone call can prevent it.

What to do if no AAA or AATA office is near you

If you live in a rural area or a state with limited AAA presence, AATA may have an office closer to you. Use the AATA locator at aata.org. If neither organization has a location within reasonable driving distance, you have two options: order by mail or travel to the nearest office.

Both AAA and AATA accept mail orders, though the process takes longer. You mail your driver's license, a passport photo, a completed process form, and payment to the organization's processing center. The permit is then mailed back to you, which typically takes two to four weeks total. This route works if you are not traveling urgently, but it means your license is in the mail for part of that time.

Cost and payment methods

AAA charges $15 for a three-year permit if you are an AAA member, and $20 if you are not. AATA charges $20 for a one-year permit. Some AAA offices may charge slightly more or less depending on local policy, so confirm the price when you call. The fee covers the permit itself and the translation service.

Payment methods vary by office. Most AAA branches accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Some AATA offices are cash-only. Call the specific office before you visit to confirm what they accept. If you order by mail, you can pay by check or money order; some organizations also accept credit card payments by phone when you submit your mail order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an international driving permit if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico's rules vary by state and rental company. Some rental companies require an IDP regardless of Mexican law. Contact your rental company before you travel — they set their own rules, and an IDP may be mandatory even if the government does not require it.

Can I use an international driving permit without my actual driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original, valid driver's license. If a police officer or rental agent asks to see your IDP, you must also show your state license. Carrying one without the other defeats its purpose.

What if my driver's license expires before my international permit does?

Your IDP becomes invalid when your driver's license expires, even if the permit itself has time remaining. You cannot renew just the IDP; you must obtain a new one after you renew your driver's license. This is why checking your license's expiration date before ordering is important.

Is an international driving permit the same as an international license?

No. An international driving permit is a translation document only. An international license does not exist as a legal document in most countries. Some countries issue their own multi-language driving documents, but these are not recognized outside that country. The IDP is the only internationally recognized translation of a U.S. driver's license.

Can I order an international driving permit online and have it shipped to me?

No. You must visit an AAA or AATA office in person with your license and photo. You cannot order through their websites for in-person pickup. Mail order is available, but you must submit a paper process by post. There is no online ordering system that results in a physical permit being shipped to your home.