What an International Driver's License Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Texas driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it does not replace your Texas license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both documents together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your Texas license is valid.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. Many countries do not require it, but some rental companies will not hand over a car without one. If you are traveling as a passenger, or if you will not be driving, you do not need an IDP. Check with your rental car company or the country's embassy website before you travel — requirements vary by destination.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date you receive it, or until your Texas driver's license expires, whichever comes first. You cannot renew an IDP — you must get a new one each time you travel internationally and want to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that you must carry with your Texas driver's license; it is not a license by itself.
  • You can get an IDP only from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the Texas Department of Public Safety does not issue them.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes in person at a AAA office, and you need your valid Texas driver's license, a passport-style photo, and the process fee.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year; you cannot renew it and must get a new one for each trip.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs, so contact the country's embassy or your rental car company before you travel to confirm you need one.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in Texas

Only two organizations in the United States issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The Texas Department of Public Safety does not issue them. Most Texans use AAA because it has offices throughout the state and the process is fast.

To find a AAA office near you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code. Not every AAA office issues IDPs on the spot — call ahead to confirm the location you plan to visit offers this service. Some smaller offices may ask you to come back later or direct you to a nearby office that handles IDP requests.

If you do not have a AAA membership, you can still get an IDP. Non-members pay a slightly higher fee than members, but you do not need to join AAA to get the permit. Ask the office staff about the non-member price when you call.

Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Bring your valid Texas driver's license — expired licenses will not work. You also need one passport-style photograph, which is a 2-by-2-inch color photo taken within the last six months. You can get passport photos at most CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart photo centers for $10 to $15, or at the AAA office itself if they offer that service.

You will fill out a short process form at the AAA office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. Bring a pen. You do not need your passport, Social Security card, or proof of residency — just your license and photo.

Have cash or a card ready for the fee. AAA offices accept both, though some smaller locations may be cash-only — call ahead to confirm.

The Step-by-Step Process at the AAA Office

Step 1: Arrive at the AAA office during business hours. Most AAA locations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings. Check the office's hours on aaa.com before you go.

Step 2: Tell the staff you want an International Driving Permit. They will hand you an process form. Fill it out completely with your name, current address, date of birth, and Texas driver's license number. Sign and date the form.

Step 3: Provide your documents. Hand the staff member your completed form, valid Texas driver's license, and passport-style photo. They will review everything to make sure the information matches.

Step 4: Pay the fee. The cost is typically $15 to $20 for members and $20 to $25 for non-members, depending on the office. Prices vary slightly by location.

Step 5: Receive your IDP. The staff will print your International Driving Permit on the spot. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You walk out with the permit in hand.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your International Driving Permit is ready to use when ready. Before you travel, write down the IDP number and keep it separate from the document itself — if the IDP is lost or stolen, you can report the number to police or your rental car company. Take a photo of both the front and back of the IDP and email it to yourself as a backup.

Pack your IDP with your Texas driver's license in the same place — a travel wallet or document folder. You must have both documents together when you drive. If a police officer or rental car agent asks to see your license, show both the Texas license and the IDP.

Remember that your IDP expires one year from the date you receive it, or when your Texas driver's license expires, whichever is sooner. If your Texas license expires before the year is up, your IDP becomes invalid even if it still has time left. Check the expiration date on both documents before you travel.

Countries That Do and Do Not Recognize International Driving Permits

Most countries in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa recognize International Driving Permits. However, some countries do not — the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada do not require or recognize IDPs. In those places, your Texas driver's license alone is enough to rent a car, though some rental companies may still ask for an IDP out of habit.

A few countries have their own rules. Mexico recognizes IDPs but also requires you to carry your passport and vehicle registration. Japan and South Korea recognize IDPs but may also ask for an International Driving Permit issued by your home country's automobile association — the AAA permit counts as this.

The safest approach is to contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States before you travel, or call your rental car company and ask what documents they need. Many rental companies list their requirements on their website under "International Rentals" or "Driving Documents."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

AAA does not issue IDPs by mail. You must visit an office in person with your driver's license and passport photo. The process is fast enough that most people do it the week before they travel, or even the day before if an office is nearby.

What if my Texas driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Renew your Texas license first through the Department of Public Safety, then visit AAA. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or the United Kingdom?

No. Canada and the United Kingdom do not recognize or require International Driving Permits. Your valid Texas driver's license is sufficient. However, some rental companies may ask for one anyway — call ahead to confirm what the company needs.

What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the local police or your rental car company and report the loss. You can continue driving with your Texas license alone in most countries, though some rental companies may refuse to let you keep the car. Having a photo of the IDP number on your phone helps you report it quickly.

Can I get an IDP from the Texas Department of Public Safety?

No. The Texas DPS does not issue International Driving Permits. Only AAA and AATA issue them in the United States. AAA is the faster and more convenient option for most Texans.