What an international driving permit is and whether you need one for Brazil

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid domestic license. Brazil does not legally require an IDP to rent a car or drive as a tourist, but many car rental companies will ask for one, and having one removes friction at checkpoints or if you are stopped by police.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not by Brazil. You obtain it before you travel. If you are a U.S. citizen, you get it from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). If you are from another country, you contact your national motor club or the equivalent body that issues driving documents.

Brazil recognizes IDPs issued under the 1926 and 1968 Vienna Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. Most IDPs issued by established motor clubs meet this standard, but you should confirm with the issuing organization before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's automobile association and must be obtained before you travel to Brazil.
  • Brazil does not legally require an IDP, but rental car companies often do, and it can help if you are stopped by police.
  • The IDP is valid only when carried together with your original domestic driver's license — one document without the other is not sufficient.
  • The process takes one to two weeks in most countries and costs between $15 and $30 USD, depending on your country of origin.

How to get an IDP if you are a U.S. citizen

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) both issue IDPs to U.S. citizens. AAA is the larger and more widely known option. You can explore in person at any AAA office or by mail.

To explore, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches). The fee is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. If you explore in person, you receive the permit the same day. If you explore by mail, allow one to two weeks. You can also explore online through AAA's website, and they will mail the permit to you.

The IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you purchase. It is not automatically renewed — you must reapply if it expires while you are abroad or before your next trip.

How to get an IDP if you are from another country

The process varies by country. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) or RAC handle them. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) or the Australian Automobile Association issue them. In most European countries, your national automobile club or motor federation is the issuing body.

Contact your country's national automobile association or motor club directly to learn the process, required documents, fees, and processing time. Many now accept online applications and mail the permit to you. Processing typically takes one to three weeks, and fees range from $15 to $40 USD equivalent, depending on the country.

Before you explore, confirm that your country's IDP is recognized under the 1926 or 1968 Vienna Convention. Most established motor clubs issue compliant permits, but some smaller or regional organizations may not.

What documents you need to carry in Brazil

You must carry both your original domestic driver's license and your IDP together. Neither document alone is sufficient. If you are stopped by police or checked at a rental counter, you need to show both. The IDP is a translation aid — it does not replace your home license.

You should also carry your passport or passport card, as police may ask for identification. Keep copies of all three documents (license, IDP, and passport) in a separate location in case the originals are lost or stolen.

If you plan to drive a rental car, bring the IDP to the rental counter when you pick up the vehicle. Many companies will not rent to you without it, even though it is not legally required. Having it on hand prevents delays or refusal of service.

What happens if you drive in Brazil without an IDP

You will not be arrested or fined solely for not having an IDP. Brazil's traffic laws do not mandate it. However, a rental car company may refuse to rent to you, or may charge a higher deposit or insurance premium if you do not have one. If you are stopped by police, they will check your domestic license. If it is valid and you are not violating traffic law, you can proceed.

The practical risk is at the rental counter, not on the road. Most major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Localiza, Unidas) list the IDP as a requirement or strongly recommend it. Smaller local companies may be more flexible, but you cannot know this in advance. Having the IDP removes this uncertainty.

How long an IDP is valid and what to do if it expires

An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which term you purchased. It expires on the date printed on the document. It does not renew automatically.

If your IDP expires before your trip to Brazil, you must obtain a new one from your home country's issuing authority. You cannot renew it in Brazil or extend it by any other means. Plan ahead if you travel frequently — a three-year IDP may be more cost-effective than buying one-year permits multiple times.

Your domestic driver's license must also remain valid. If your home license expires, your IDP becomes useless, because you must carry both together. Renew your domestic license before it expires, and then obtain a new IDP if you plan to drive abroad again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Brazil with just my domestic license and no IDP?

Legally, yes — Brazil does not require an IDP. However, rental car companies often do, so you may not be able to rent a vehicle. If you are driving your own car or a borrowed car, you can drive with only your domestic license, though carrying an IDP is safer if you are stopped by police.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your domestic license. An international license does not exist as a standalone document. You must carry both your home license and your IDP together for the IDP to be valid.

How much does an IDP cost?

In the U.S., AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. Costs vary by country — typically between $15 and $40 USD equivalent. Check with your country's automobile association for the exact fee.

Can I get an IDP in Brazil instead of before I travel?

No. Brazil does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. You must obtain one from your home country's automobile association or motor club before you travel. Plan to get it at least one to two weeks before your trip.

What if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am in Brazil?

You cannot replace it in Brazil. If you lose it, you still have your domestic license, which is legally sufficient to drive. However, you may have difficulty renting a car without it. Contact your home country's automobile association to see if they can issue a replacement by mail or email a digital copy you can print.