What an international driver's license is and whether you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your original license — you must carry both together. The permit exists because some countries' police officers may not read English or your home country's license format, and the IDP proves you hold a valid license at home.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. The United States, Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand do not require an IDP — your home license is sufficient. Many other countries technically allow your home license alone but will accept an IDP as supporting proof. A small number of countries (parts of South America, some Asian nations, and a few others) either require an IDP or make it much easier to rent a car with one. Before you book a trip, check the specific country's rules on its tourism board website or contact the car rental company you plan to use.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your license into ten languages but does not replace your home license — you carry both documents together.
  • Most developed countries do not require an IDP, but some countries in South America and Asia either require one or strongly prefer it for car rentals.
  • In the United States, you obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through your state's motor vehicle department.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, or you can pick one up in person at an AAA office the same day.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and you must renew it if it expires before your trip.

How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP from either organization without joining.

To obtain one, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form. AAA offers two methods: you can visit a local AAA office in person with these documents and receive the permit the same day, or you can mail in your process with photocopies of your license and ID. The mailed route takes one to two weeks. Both AAA and AATA charge between $15 and $20 for the permit itself, though AAA may charge a small processing fee if you are not a member.

What documents you need and how to prepare them

Gather your valid U.S. driver's license and a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID all work). You will also need to complete the process form, which both AAA and AATA provide on their websites. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years).

If you are explore by mail, make photocopies of both sides of your driver's license and your photo ID. Do not send originals. Write your name and address on the back of each copy so they do not get separated. Include the completed process form, a check or money order for the fee (AAA and AATA do not accept credit cards by mail), and your contact information. Mail everything to the address listed on the process form.

If you are explore in person at an AAA office, bring the originals of your license and ID, the completed form, and cash or a card to pay the fee. The office will make copies for you and hand you the permit before you leave.

How long the permit is valid and when to renew

When you explore, you choose whether you want a one-year or three-year International Driving Permit. The one-year version costs slightly less and is useful if you travel internationally only once. The three-year version is better if you plan multiple trips or want to avoid reapplying. Both versions are valid only while your U.S. driver's license remains valid — if your home license expires, the IDP becomes invalid even if its own expiration date has not passed.

Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel. If it has expired or will expire during your trip, you will need to request a new one. The process is the same as the first time: visit an AAA office or mail in an process. Plan ahead, because the mail route takes one to two weeks.

What to do if you lose your permit while traveling

If your International Driving Permit is lost or stolen overseas, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. This letter, combined with your passport, may be enough to satisfy a police officer or car rental company in most countries. Keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate bag or email it to yourself so you have proof of the permit number if you need to report it lost.

When you return to the United States, you can request a replacement IDP from AAA or AATA using the same process as a new process. Tell them your previous permit was lost and provide the permit number if you have it. There is no additional fee for a replacement.

International Driving Permits from other countries

If you are not a U.S. citizen or do not hold a U.S. driver's license, you will obtain an International Driving Permit through your home country's equivalent organization. In Canada, it is the Canadian Automobile Association. In the United Kingdom, it is the Post Office or the AA (Automobile Association). In Australia, it is the state-based motor vehicle authority. Each country has its own issuing body, and the process and cost vary.

If you are visiting the United States and need to drive, your home country's International Driving Permit is recognized here. You do not need to obtain a U.S. version. Carry your home license and IDP together, just as you would in any other country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. Carry your valid U.S. license and your passport or other proof of citizenship. Some car rental companies may ask to see an IDP, but it is not required by law in either country.

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. license?

Yes. All European Union countries and most other European nations recognize U.S. driver's licenses. An IDP is not required, though some car rental companies prefer to see one. If you are renting a car, call the rental company before your trip and ask whether they require or recommend an IDP for your specific destination.

What if I do not have a passport?

AAA and AATA accept any government-issued photo ID, including a state ID card or military ID. You do not need a passport to obtain an International Driving Permit. However, you will need a passport or other travel document to enter most countries, so you should have one before you travel internationally anyway.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The permit itself costs between $15 and $20 through AAA or AATA. AAA may charge a small additional processing fee if you are not a member, usually $5 to $10. There are no other official fees. Websites that claim to issue IDPs for much higher prices are not authorized and should be avoided.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail. Websites offering to issue IDPs online for a higher fee are not legitimate. The only authorized U.S. sources are AAA and AATA, and both require either an in-person visit or a mailed process with original documents.