How to Get an International Driving Permit in New York

What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your New York driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid New York license, and a police officer or rental company abroad will ask to see both documents together.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in most countries outside the United States. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental car companies often will not hand over keys without one. A few nations (including Canada and Mexico) accept a valid U.S. driver's license alone, so check the specific country's requirements before you explore.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It does not replace your New York license and cannot be used to drive in New York or anywhere in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in New York, not by the DMV.
You must have a valid New York driver's license in hand before you can obtain an IDP — the permit cannot be issued without it.
The one-year IDP costs $20 and the three-year IDP costs $30, and both are available the same day you explore in person at an AAA office.
You will need a passport-style photo (2x2 inches) and proof of your identity and New York address when you explore.
An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original New York driver's license; presenting one without the other will not satisfy foreign authorities.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in New York

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue International Driving Permits. Instead, you obtain one through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), both of which are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

AAA has multiple offices throughout New York State. You can find the nearest location by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator tool. AATA also has authorized agents in New York, though AAA is the more widely available option. Both organizations issue the same document — the choice is straightforward which office is closer to you.

Some travel agencies and automobile clubs may also be authorized to issue IDPs, but AAA and AATA are the most reliable and widely available sources. Call ahead to confirm that the specific office you plan to visit has the document in stock and can process your request the same day.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your valid New York driver's license — this is the one document you cannot proceed without. The IDP is a translation of your license, so the license must be current and not expired.

You will also need a passport-style photograph that is 2 inches by 2 inches. This is the same size photo used for passport applications. You can have one taken at most AAA offices for a small fee if you do not already have one, or bring one you have had taken elsewhere.

Bring a document that proves your identity and your current New York address. A passport, state ID, or utility bill in your name will work. If your driver's license shows your current address, that alone may be sufficient — ask when you call to confirm what the specific office requires.

The process Process and Timeline

Walk into an AAA or AATA office with your license, photo, and proof of address. Fill out the process form on site — it takes a few minutes and asks for basic information from your license. Hand the completed form, your documents, and your payment to the staff member.

The IDP is printed and issued the same day. You will walk out with the document in hand, usually within 15 to 30 minutes of submitting your process. There is no waiting period, no mail delivery, and no follow-up appointment needed.

If you need the IDP before you can visit an AAA office in person, some offices may accept mail-in applications, though this is less common and takes longer. Call the office nearest you to ask whether they offer this option and what documents they require by mail.

Cost and Validity Period

A one-year International Driving Permit costs $20. A three-year permit costs $30. Both are issued on the spot and both are valid only when carried with your original New York driver's license.

Choose the one-year option if you are taking a single trip or are unsure whether you will drive internationally again soon. Choose the three-year option if you travel frequently or plan multiple international driving trips over the next few years. The three-year permit is the better value if you know you will use it more than once.

Payment is typically cash or card, depending on the office. Ask when you call to confirm what payment methods the specific location accepts.

What Happens When You Drive Abroad

Carry both your New York driver's license and your International Driving Permit together at all times when you are driving outside the United States. If a police officer stops you or a rental car company asks for your license, present both documents. The IDP translates your license information into ten languages, so the officer or agent can read your name, address, license number, and restrictions without needing an interpreter.

Some countries have specific rules about which documents they accept. Before you travel, check the embassy or tourism website for the country you are visiting to confirm that an IDP is accepted there. A few nations have their own requirements or do not recognize U.S. permits at all, so this step can save you from arriving without the right paperwork.

The IDP does not give you any driving privileges you do not already have. It does not override local traffic laws, and it does not extend your license's validity. If your New York license expires while you are abroad, the IDP expires with it.

Renewing or Replacing Your International Driving Permit

If your one-year or three-year permit expires, return to an AAA or AATA office with your expired permit, your current New York driver's license, a new passport-style photo, and the renewal fee. The process is identical to the original process, and you will receive a new permit the same day.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by visiting an AAA or AATA office with your New York driver's license, a new photo, and the replacement fee (usually the same as the original cost). Bring any remaining portion of the damaged permit if you have it, though it is not required.

If your New York driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your International Driving Permit becomes invalid. You cannot renew the IDP without a valid New York license to accompany it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in New York or the United States?

No. An IDP is only valid outside the United States and only when carried with your original New York driver's license. To drive in New York, you need only your New York license. The IDP has no legal standing in the U.S.

What if my New York driver's license expires while I am traveling abroad?

Your International Driving Permit becomes invalid the moment your New York license expires. If you are traveling for an extended period, renew your New York license before you leave. You cannot renew it while abroad, so plan ahead.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental car companies may request one anyway, so check with your rental company before you travel. Having an IDP does not hurt and can speed up the rental process if the company prefers it.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail from the DMV?

No. The New York DMV does not issue International Driving Permits. You must obtain one from AAA or AATA in person, though some offices may accept mail-in applications. Call your nearest AAA office to ask whether they offer this option.

What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL) in New York?

You can obtain an International Driving Permit with a CDL, but it translates only your personal driving privileges, not your commercial endorsements. Check with the country you are visiting to confirm whether a CDL-based IDP is accepted for the type of driving you plan to do.

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.