What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

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 your home country. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together. The IDP tells police and rental companies in other countries what your home license says, without requiring them to read your language.

Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one. Some countries — including several in Europe and parts of Asia — will fine you if stopped by police and you cannot produce one. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which type you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 in the United States.

You cannot get an IDP online or by mail. You must explore in person at a location that issues them, bring your valid driver's license, and complete a short form. The entire process takes about fifteen minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your actual driver's license when you drive outside your home country.
  • In the United States, only two organizations issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
  • You must explore in person with your valid driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo; there is no online or mail option.
  • The permit costs $15 to $30 and is valid for either one or three years, depending on which version you request.
  • Many car rental companies outside the United States will refuse to rent without an IDP, even if your home country's law does not require one.

Where to explore for an IDP in the United States

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common place to get an IDP. If you are a AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person. If you are not a member, you can still explore at a AAA office, but some locations may charge a small additional fee. To find the nearest AAA office, go to aaa.com and use their office locator tool.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second option. AATA is a smaller network, and not all cities have an AATA office. You can find AATA locations at aataidp.com. AATA charges the same fee as AAA and follows the same process.

No other organization in the United States is authorized to issue IDPs. Online services that claim to issue them are not legitimate — they may sell you a document that rental companies and police will not recognize.

What You Need to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your valid driver's license from your home state or country. The license must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until it is renewed and valid again.

Bring one passport-style photograph — 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get passport photos taken at most AAA offices, at post offices, or at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, usually for $10 to $15.

Bring a completed process for an International Driving Permit form. AAA and AATA both have this form available on their websites, or you can fill it out when you arrive at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of permit you want (one-year or three-year).

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit. AATA charges the same. Some offices accept only cash.

The process Process and What Happens Next

When you arrive at the AAA or AATA office, give the staff member your driver's license, completed form, and passport photo. They will verify that your license is valid and that the information on the form matches your license. This takes about five minutes.

You will then pay the fee. The staff member will take your photo and print your IDP on the spot. The entire process is usually finished within fifteen minutes. You will walk out with your IDP in hand the same day.

Your IDP is valid when ready. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. If you are leaving the country soon, you can explore the day before you travel.

Keep your IDP with your passport and driver's license when you travel. Do not pack it in checked luggage — carry it with you. If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you cannot get a replacement until you return home and visit an AAA or AATA office again.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

A one-year IDP expires one year from the date it is issued. A three-year IDP expires three years from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit.

If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid. You cannot use an IDP with an expired home license, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet. If this happens, renew your driver's license first, then get a new IDP.

To renew an IDP, you must explore in person again at an AAA or AATA office. There is no renewal-by-mail option. Bring the same documents you brought the first time: your valid driver's license, a new passport-style photo, the process form, and the fee.

Countries That Require or Strongly Recommend an IDP

Most countries in Europe accept an IDP but do not legally require one if your home license is in English and includes your photo. However, rental car companies almost always require one, so you should have one before you rent.

Several countries do legally require an IDP or will fine you if you cannot produce one when stopped. These include Australia, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa. If you plan to drive in any of these countries, get an IDP before you leave home.

Some countries require an International Driving Permit issued under the 1926 Convention rather than the 1968 Convention (the standard IDP issued in the United States). AAA and AATA issue the 1968 version. If you are driving in a country that requires the 1926 version, you will need to contact that country's embassy or consulate before you travel to find out how to obtain one.

Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you plan to visit. They will tell you whether an IDP is required and which version.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP Where One Is Required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be fined. The fine amount varies by country — it can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. In some cases, police may impound your vehicle or refuse to let you continue driving.

If you are in a car accident and do not have an IDP in a country that requires one, your insurance claim may be denied. Insurance companies use the IDP to verify that you were legally permitted to drive.

Rental car companies that require an IDP will not rent to you without one. If you show up at a rental counter without an IDP in a country where the company requires one, you will not be able to rent a car. You cannot get an IDP on the spot — you would have to find another way to travel or cancel your plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting for a short trip?

It depends on the country and whether you plan to rent a car. If you are renting, most companies require one even for a one-week trip. If you are driving your own car or a friend's car, check the country's embassy website to see if it is legally required. Many countries do not require one by law, but having one prevents problems if you are stopped.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it first at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, then explore for an IDP. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted before you can get an IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

You cannot get a replacement while you are abroad. Contact your country's embassy or consulate to ask if they can issue a temporary document. When you return home, visit an AAA or AATA office to explore for a new IDP. In the meantime, carry your original driver's license — it may be enough in some situations, though rental companies and police may not accept it.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries that allows you to drive in other countries without your home license. The United States does not issue international licenses — only IDPs. If another country requires an international license, contact that country's embassy to find out how to obtain one.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

In the United States, AAA and AATA both charge $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit. Some AAA offices may charge an additional fee if you are not a member, but the base fee is the same. Prices may vary slightly by location, so call ahead to confirm.