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 New York State, and many countries will not accept it without seeing both documents together.
You need an IDP only if you plan to drive in another country. Within the United States, your New York State license is sufficient everywhere. If you are traveling abroad and want to rent a car or drive, check the specific country's rules first — some nations require an IDP, some accept only your U.S. license, and some want both. The rental car company can tell you what they require before you book.
The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not by the DMV. You cannot get one from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by the New York State DMV, and costs between $15 and $20.
- You must have a valid New York State driver's license before you can get an IDP, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
- AAA issues permits same-day in person at their New York City office, or by mail in about two weeks if you are not a member.
- You will need your valid license, a passport or other government ID, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches) to explore.
- Check your destination country's rules before you travel, because some countries do not recognize the IDP or have their own requirements.
How to Get an IDP Through AAA in New York City
The fastest way to get an IDP in New York City is to visit the AAA office in person. AAA members can get a permit the same day they explore. The main AAA office in Manhattan is located at 1881 Broadway (at 61st Street), and they issue IDPs during regular business hours. If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore in person, but processing takes about two weeks.
Bring your valid New York State driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport), and a passport-sized photo that is 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must be in color and taken within the last six months. You will fill out a one-page form called the process for International Driving Permit, which AAA provides on-site.
The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AAA accepts cash, check, and credit cards. If you cannot visit in person, you can mail your process to AAA with the same documents, and they will mail the permit back to you in about two weeks.
Getting an IDP by Mail if You Cannot Visit AAA
If you live outside New York City or cannot reach the AAA office, you can explore by mail. read the International Driving Permit process from the AAA website or call AAA at 1-800-222-4357 to request one. Fill out the form completely and include your valid New York State driver's license, a government photo ID, and a 2-by-2-inch color photo taken within the last six months.
Mail the completed process and documents to the AAA address provided with the form. Include a check or money order for $15 (one year) or $20 (three years) — AAA does not accept credit cards by mail. Processing takes about two weeks from the date AAA receives your envelope. The permit will be mailed to the address you provide on the form.
Keep track of when you mail your process. If you do not receive the permit within three weeks, contact AAA to confirm they received it.
Getting an IDP Through AATA if AAA Is Not Available
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the other organization authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. AATA does not have a physical office in New York City, but you can explore by mail. The process is similar to AAA's mail process: you fill out their form, include your valid license, government photo ID, and a 2-by-2-inch photo, and mail it with payment.
AATA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, which is slightly higher than AAA. Processing time is also about two weeks. You can find AATA's mailing address and process form on their website. Most people in New York choose AAA because it has a local office and lower fees, but AATA is an option if you prefer it.
What to Know Before You Travel Abroad
An IDP is not a substitute for your actual New York State driver's license — you must carry both documents when you drive in another country. Some countries will not recognize the IDP at all, so always check the rules for your specific destination before you travel. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting, or ask your rental car company what documents they require.
The IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you purchased. It does not renew automatically. If you travel frequently to other countries, a three-year permit may save you money and time compared to getting a new one-year permit each time.
Your IDP is tied to your New York State license. If your license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date. If you renew your New York license, you will need a new IDP as well.
What Documents You Need to Bring or Send
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid New York State driver's license | Must not be expired. Bring the physical card. |
| Government photo ID | Passport, passport card, or state ID. Must match the name on your driver's license. |
| Passport-sized photo | 2 inches by 2 inches, color, taken within the last six months. Bring two copies if explore by mail. |
| Completed process form | AAA or AATA provides this. One page, takes about five minutes to fill out. |
| Payment | $15 or $20 for AAA (cash, check, or card in person; check or money order by mail). $20 or $30 for AATA by mail only. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in another country with just my New York license and no IDP?
It depends on the country. Some nations accept a U.S. driver's license alone, while others require an IDP, and some want both. Always check the rules for your destination before you travel. Your rental car company can tell you what they require, and the country's embassy or consulate can confirm the legal requirement.
How long does it take to get an IDP?
Same-day if you visit the AAA office in Manhattan in person and are an AAA member. About two weeks if you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, or if you visit AAA in person as a non-member. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon.
What if my New York driver's license expires while I am traveling?
Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your license expires, even if the permit itself has not reached its expiration date. Renew your New York license before you travel, and get a new IDP after the renewal if you still need one.
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico both accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP, though some rental companies may request one. Check with your rental company before you book. An IDP does not hurt and may be useful if you are stopped by police, so many people get one anyway for peace of mind.
Can I get an IDP from the DMV instead of AAA?
No. The New York State DMV does not issue International Driving Permits. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them in the United States. You must go through one of those two organizations.