What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

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, and European border officials recognize it as proof you are legally permitted to drive.

Most European countries accept a U.S. driver's license on its own for short visits, but an IDP removes friction at rental car counters, police stops, and insurance claims. Some rental companies require one, and a few countries — notably Italy and Spain — technically demand it, though enforcement varies. The permit costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you obtain it, and it is valid for three years.

You cannot drive on an IDP alone. You must carry both your domestic license and the IDP together at all times while driving in Europe.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works only with your valid home country license, not as a replacement.
  • In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Automobile Club (NAC) are the only authorized issuers.
  • You need a valid passport or state ID, your current driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and a completed process form.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at AAA offices, and the permit is valid for three years from issue date.
  • Most European car rentals accept a U.S. license alone, but some companies charge extra if you do not have an IDP.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Automobile Club (NAC). No other entity — including online services, travel agencies, or government offices — can legally issue one.

AAA is the larger network with over 1,000 locations nationwide. You can visit any AAA office in person, or mail your process to the national office. NAC serves primarily California members but also accepts applications by mail from anywhere in the country. Both charge the same fee and issue the same document.

Do not purchase an IDP from a third-party website or travel service. These are either scams or resellers charging markup fees for a document you can obtain directly for the standard price.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these items before visiting an AAA or NAC office or mailing in an process:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (your current one, not expired)
  • A valid passport or state-issued ID
  • One passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches), taken within the last six months
  • The completed process form (Form DS-11 for AAA, or the NAC equivalent)
  • Payment (cash, check, or card — varies by location)

You must sign the process in front of the AAA or NAC representative. You cannot sign it beforehand. If you are explore by mail, you sign the form in the presence of a notary public, then mail the notarized form along with copies of your license and ID, your photo, and payment.

Your driver's license must not be expired. If it is, renew it with your state's DMV before explore for the IDP.

how the process works in Person or by Mail

In person: Locate your nearest AAA office using the AAA website locator or call 1-800-222-4357. Bring all documents listed above. The representative will verify your information, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit on the spot or within a few hours. Same-day issuance is standard at most locations.

By mail: read the process form from AAA.com or NAC.org. Complete it, have it notarized, and mail it with copies of your license and ID, your passport photo, and a check or money order. Mail to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks. The IDP will arrive by standard mail.

If you are in a hurry, visiting an AAA office in person is faster. If you do not have an AAA membership, you do not need one to obtain an IDP — the service is open to all drivers.

What Happens When You Arrive in Europe

Pack both your U.S. driver's license and your International Driving Permit in your travel documents. At a car rental counter, present both. The rental agent will scan or photocopy your IDP alongside your license. Some companies note it in their system; others do not require it but accept it as proof of authorization.

If you are stopped by police, hand over both documents. The officer will read the IDP as a certified translation of your license. In most cases, this speeds up the interaction because the officer does not have to puzzle out whether a U.S. license is valid in their country.

If you are in an accident or need to file an insurance claim, your rental company or the other driver's insurer may request the IDP as additional proof of your driving status. Having it prevents delays in claims processing.

The IDP is not a substitute for travel insurance or an international driving record. It is purely a translation document. You still need valid auto insurance coverage in Europe, which your U.S. policy may or may not provide — check with your insurer before you travel.

European Countries and IDP Requirements

Most European Union countries recognize a valid U.S. driver's license for temporary visits without an IDP. However, a few countries have stricter rules or enforce them inconsistently:

Italy and Spain technically require an IDP by law, though rental companies and police do not always enforce it. Having one eliminates any ambiguity.

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom accept a U.S. license alone but recommend carrying an IDP for rental transactions and police stops.

Greece, Portugal, and Eastern European countries generally accept a U.S. license without an IDP, but rental companies often charge a fee if you do not have one.

If you are renting a car, contact the rental company in advance and ask whether they require an IDP. Many do not, but some charge a daily surcharge if you do not have one. An IDP costs $15 to $30 and is valid for three years, so it is cheaper than paying a rental surcharge on a two-week trip.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires on the date printed on the front of the document. After three years, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive in Europe again.

Your IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. If you renew your license, you do not need to renew your IDP — the old one remains valid until its three-year expiration date.

If you lose your IDP while traveling in Europe, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most countries. However, you will not have the translation document, which may slow down rental or police interactions. Contact AAA or NAC after you return home to request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

Most rental companies accept a U.S. driver's license alone. However, some companies require an IDP or charge a daily fee if you do not have one. Contact your rental company before booking to confirm their policy. Having an IDP costs $15 to $30 and eliminates this uncertainty.

Can I get an International Driving Permit outside the United States?

No. You must obtain it from AAA or NAC before you leave the country. You cannot get one at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Europe. If you forgot to get one before traveling, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most countries, but you will not have the translation document.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an International Driving Permit with an expired license. Renew your license with your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. You cannot drive legally in Europe on an expired license, with or without an IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Driving License?

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably. The official name is International Driving Permit, but you may hear it called an International Driving License or IDP. It is the same document issued by AAA or NAC.

Do I need travel insurance in addition to an International Driving Permit?

Yes. An IDP is only a translation document. It does not provide insurance coverage. Check whether your U.S. auto insurance covers rentals in Europe, or purchase a separate international rental insurance policy before you travel.