What an international driver license actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your national license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize foreign licenses, even valid ones, and border officials or police may not read your home language.

The IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority, not by an international body. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Canada issues them through CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) offices. The UK issues them through Post Office branches. Each country has its own issuing body, and you must go through your own country's system.

The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It costs between $15 and $30 in most countries. It is a physical booklet, roughly the size of a passport, with your photo, signature, and license information printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by your home country's motor vehicle authority and must be carried alongside your national license, not instead of it.
  • In the United States, AAA and AATA are the only organizations authorized to issue IDPs; you cannot obtain one online or from any other source.
  • You need your valid national driver license, a passport or state ID, and a passport-sized photo to request an IDP in person.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years and costs $15 to $30; processing takes a few days to two weeks depending on whether you visit in person or mail your process.
  • Some countries recognize foreign licenses without an IDP, while others require one; check the specific country's rules before you travel.

Why you cannot get an international driver license online

No legitimate international driving permit can be issued online. The IDP must include your photograph, your original signature, and an official stamp from your country's motor vehicle authority. These elements require in-person verification or notarized mail submission with original documents.

Websites claiming to issue international licenses online are either scams or selling documents that will not be recognized by any government. Real IDPs are issued only through official channels: AAA and AATA in the United States, CAA in Canada, Post Office in the UK, and equivalent bodies in other countries. If a website does not name the official issuing body for your country, it is not legitimate.

The reason for this requirement is practical: an IDP is a legal document that certifies you hold a valid license in your home country. A government cannot certify that without verifying your identity and your current license status against its own records. Online issuance would make the document worthless because no border official would trust it.

How to get an IDP in the United States

In the United States, you can obtain an IDP through AAA or AATA. Both organizations are authorized by the State Department to issue permits. You do not need to be a member of either organization to request one.

To request an IDP, you will need: a valid, unexpired U.S. driver license; a passport or state ID; and a passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. Bring all three documents with you. The staff will verify your license, take your process, and issue the permit on the spot or within a few days depending on the office's workload.

The cost is $20 at AAA and $15 at AATA as of 2024, though prices vary slightly by location. The one-year permit costs less than the three-year permit. Processing is when ready at most locations if you visit in person. Some offices allow mail-in requests, but you must send original documents and a notarized process, which takes two to three weeks.

Find the nearest AAA or AATA office on their websites. AAA has locations in most states; AATA has fewer locations but covers all regions. Call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and to ask about current wait times.

How to get an IDP in Canada, the UK, and other countries

In Canada, visit a CAA office with your valid driver license, passport or provincial ID, and a passport photo. The process is the same as in the United States: in-person process, when ready or next-day issuance, and a cost of around $20 CAD. CAA has offices in every province.

In the United Kingdom, visit a Post Office branch with your photocard license, passport, and a passport photo. The Post Office issues IDPs on behalf of DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Processing takes about five working days if you explore in person, or up to two weeks by post.

In Australia, contact your state's motor vehicle authority directly. In New South Wales, that is Service NSW; in Victoria, it is VicRoads. Each state has its own issuing process and fees, typically $20 to $30 AUD.

In most other countries, contact your national motor vehicle authority or visit its website to find the authorized issuing body. The process is similar everywhere: you provide proof of identity, your current license, and a photo, and the authority issues the permit in person or by mail.

Which countries actually require an international driving permit

Not every country requires an IDP. Many countries recognize a valid national license from English-speaking countries without one. However, the rules vary widely and change, so you should check the specific country's current requirements before you travel.

Countries that typically require an IDP include China, India, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, and most Middle Eastern nations. Countries that usually do not require one include most of Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The United States does not require an IDP for U.S. citizens traveling abroad, but many destination countries do require one from foreign drivers.

The safest approach is to check the government travel advisory or the destination country's motor vehicle authority website before you book your trip. If the rules are unclear, get an IDP anyway — it costs little and removes doubt at a border or police checkpoint.

What happens if you drive without an IDP when one is required

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be denied entry at the border. The consequences vary by country. Some countries will turn you back at the border; others will fine you on the spot and let you continue if you pay.

In some cases, your rental car company may refuse to rent to you without an IDP, even if the country does not technically require one. Rental companies often have their own policies that are stricter than the law. If you plan to rent a car abroad, check the rental company's requirements when you book.

If you are in an accident without an IDP in a country that requires one, your insurance may not cover the claim. Insurance companies often use the presence or absence of an IDP as evidence of whether you were driving legally. This is another reason to obtain one before you travel, even if you are not certain it is required.

Scams and fake international driver licenses

Websites offering to issue international licenses without requiring you to visit an office or mail original documents are selling fake documents. Common scam tactics include: charging $50 to $200 (far more than the real cost), promising delivery within 24 hours, asking only for your name and license number, and using official-sounding names like "International Driving Authority" or "World Driving License Bureau."

These documents will not be recognized by any government. If you are stopped by police or at a border with a fake IDP, you will face the same penalties as if you had no permit at all, plus potential charges for carrying a fraudulent document. In some countries, this can result in fines of hundreds of dollars or even jail time.

The only way to know if a website is legitimate is to check whether it is the official issuing body for your country. In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized. In Canada, only CAA is authorized. If a website is not one of these, it is not legitimate, no matter how official it looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my national license and no IDP?

It depends on the country you are visiting. Many countries recognize valid licenses from English-speaking nations without an IDP. However, some countries require one by law, and others may not recognize your license even if not required. Check the destination country's rules before you travel. An IDP costs little and removes doubt, so getting one is usually the safer choice.

How long does it take to get an international driving permit?

If you visit an AAA or AATA office in person in the United States, you can receive your IDP the same day or within a few days. If you mail your process, it takes two to three weeks. Processing times vary by country and issuing office, so contact your local office for their specific timeline.

Do I need to renew my IDP if I renew my national license?

Yes. An IDP is valid only as long as your national license is valid. If your national license expires or is renewed, your IDP becomes invalid. You must request a new IDP after you renew your national license. Some offices will issue a new IDP on the same day you renew your license if you visit in person.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They may be able to issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your license status. In the meantime, carry your national license and passport. Some countries will accept a national license with a passport as proof of your right to drive, even without an IDP.

Can I use an IDP to drive in my home country?

No. An IDP is for use outside your home country only. It is not a valid license in the country that issued it. You must carry your national license to drive at home. The IDP is only useful when you cross a border into another country.