What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or car rental company that your U.S. license is valid, because many countries do not recognize American licenses on their own.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, from an embassy, or from any other source. The permit costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it by law; others do not require it but rental companies will not rent to you without one; still others do not care. Before you book a trip, contact your rental company or check the specific country's driving rules, because the requirement varies widely.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual driver's license.
  • Only the AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs, and you cannot get one from your state DMV or any other organization.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment to obtain an IDP in person or by mail.
  • The permit is valid for one or three years and costs $15 to $20, depending on the duration and whether you explore in person or by mail.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law, while others do not require it but rental companies will refuse to rent without one.

How to Get an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can get an IDP in person at any AAA office. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and cash or a card to pay the fee. The staff will complete the process on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit when ready. This takes about 15 minutes.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at an AAA office, but the fee is slightly higher. You do not need to join AAA to purchase an IDP. Call your local AAA office first to confirm they have the photo capability and the permit in stock, because some smaller offices may not.

You can also explore by mail through AAA. read the process from AAA's website, include a passport-style photo, a copy of your driver's license, and a check or money order. Mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail, so plan ahead if you are leaving soon.

How to Get an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. Visit the AATA website, read the process, and mail it with a passport-style photo, a copy of your driver's license, and payment by check or money order. AATA processing takes two to three weeks.

AATA charges the same fee as AAA but does not have physical offices, so this route is slower. Use AATA only if AAA is not available in your area or if you prefer to handle everything by mail. The final permit is identical regardless of which organization issues it.

What to Bring and What It Costs

You will need three things to get an IDP: a valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background and cannot be more than six months old. If you explore in person at AAA, many offices will take the photo for you on the spot for a small additional fee if you do not have one.

The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit if you explore in person at AAA. By mail through AAA or AATA, the cost is $16 for one year or $25 for three years, because of processing fees. Some AAA offices may charge slightly more, so call ahead to confirm the exact price.

Payment methods vary by location. In-person AAA offices take cash and cards. By mail, you must send a check or money order — neither AAA nor AATA accepts credit cards by mail.

When You Need an IDP and When You Do Not

The requirement for an IDP is set by each country, not by the U.S. government. Some countries legally require it; others do not require it but rental companies will not rent a car without one; and some do not care at all. Before you travel, contact your rental company directly and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. This is the fastest way to know for certain.

Countries that legally require an IDP include Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others. The European Union does not require an IDP, but some individual European rental companies will not rent without one. Mexico and Canada do not require an IDP, but some rental companies there will ask for one anyway.

If you are not planning to rent a car or drive, you do not need an IDP. If you are using ride-sharing services or traveling by public transportation, an IDP is not necessary. The permit is only useful if you are behind the wheel in a foreign country.

How Long an IDP Takes and When to Order

In-person at AAA, you get the permit the same day. By mail through AAA, allow one to two weeks. By mail through AATA, allow two to three weeks. If you are leaving within two weeks, explore in person at an AAA office instead of by mail.

Order your IDP at least three weeks before your trip if you are mailing it, or one week before if you plan to visit an AAA office in person. Do not wait until the week before departure, because delays happen and you will have no backup option.

An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue. You can renew it before it expires by explore again through the same process. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid, so check the expiration date before you leave.

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

If a country requires an IDP and you do not have one, a police officer can fine you, impound your rental car, or refuse to let you continue driving. The penalty varies by country. In some places, the fine is small; in others, it can be several hundred dollars. Your rental company may also charge you a fee for driving without the required documents.

If you are stopped and do not have an IDP but the country does not legally require one, you will not face a legal penalty. However, if you are in an accident or the rental company discovers you drove without one, they may refuse to cover damage or may charge you a fee.

The safest approach is to get an IDP before you leave if there is any chance you will drive. The cost is low, and it eliminates the risk entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license?

It depends on the country. Some countries accept a U.S. license alone; others require an IDP by law; and rental companies often require an IDP even when the country does not. Contact your rental company and check the country's driving rules before you book.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that must be carried with your U.S. license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. You must have both documents together for the IDP to be valid.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

You can choose one year or three years when you order. A one-year permit costs $15 to $16, and a three-year permit costs $20 to $25. The permit is valid only for the duration you choose, so check the expiration date before you travel.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's DMV before you order an IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA to report it lost and request a replacement. If you are still abroad, you may be able to get a replacement through an AAA office in that country, though availability varies. Keep a photo or scan of your IDP in your phone or email as a backup.