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 state or country. When you travel abroad, you carry both documents together. Some rental car companies and police in certain countries will ask to see it, though many will accept your U.S. license alone.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on the issuer and validity period.

The IDP does not replace your driver's license and does not give you any driving rights you do not already have. It is purely a translation document meant to help foreign authorities understand what your U.S. license says.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state's DMV, and costs $15 to $30 for one or three years of validity.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
  • AAA issues IDPs at local branch offices during business hours, while AATA handles them by mail; AAA is usually faster if you have a branch near you.
  • Some countries and rental companies require an IDP, while others accept a U.S. license alone — check your destination's rules before you travel.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are a AAA member, the fastest route is your local AAA branch office. You walk in with your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and the fee. The staff will fill out the process on the spot, take your photo if needed, and issue the permit when ready — usually within 15 minutes. You leave with both the IDP and your original license.

AAA branches are located in most metropolitan areas and many smaller towns. You can find the nearest one by searching "AAA near me" on the AAA website or calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Hours vary by location, but most are open during standard business hours Monday through Friday, with some weekend hours. You do not need to make an appointment at most branches, though calling ahead during busy seasons is wise.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at an AAA branch — membership is not required. However, the fee is slightly higher for non-members, and some branches may ask you to wait longer. Membership costs around $50 to $150 per year depending on the level, so if you travel frequently, membership may pay for itself.

Getting an IDP Through AATA by Mail

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail if you do not have an AAA branch nearby or prefer not to visit in person. You read the process from the AATA website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a passport photo, a photocopy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for the fee.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the time AATA receives your envelope. You should allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for mail to reach them and another 3 to 5 days for the permit to reach you, so plan for roughly two to three weeks total. If you need the permit faster, AATA does not offer expedited processing, so AAA in person is your only option.

The AATA fee is typically $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit, though you should confirm current pricing on their website before mailing. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can return your documents and the permit to you.

What Documents and Photos You Need

You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. The IDP cannot be issued to someone whose license has expired or been suspended. If your license is expired, renew it at your state's DMV before explore for the IDP.

You need one passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats. Most AAA branches can take the photo for you on the spot if you do not have one, usually for a small additional fee. If you are explore by mail through AATA, you must provide your own photo.

You will also need to fill out an process form. AAA handles this at the branch. AATA provides the form on their website for read. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete.

How Long the Permit Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue. The one-year permit costs less upfront but requires renewal sooner if you travel frequently. The three-year permit costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period.

The permit expires on a specific date printed on the document itself. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one once the old one expires. There is no grace period, so if your permit expires on June 15 and you travel on June 20, you will need to have already obtained a new one.

Check the expiration date on your permit before each international trip. If it has expired, contact AAA or AATA to get a new one. The process is the same as the first time, and you will need a new photo and a new process form.

Countries That Require or Recommend an IDP

Requirements vary widely by country and change periodically. Some nations require an IDP by law, some recommend it but do not require it, and some do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific rules for your destination country on the U.S. State Department website or contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States.

Generally, European countries are more likely to require or strongly recommend an IDP than countries in the Americas. Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian nations also commonly request one. However, even in countries where an IDP is not legally required, rental car companies often ask to see one, so having it can smooth the rental process.

Your travel insurance or rental car reservation confirmation may also specify whether an IDP is needed. Check these documents before you leave, and if they mention an IDP, obtain one before departure.

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 face a fine, vehicle impoundment, or both. The penalty varies by country and the specific circumstances. In some places, the fine is minor; in others, it can be substantial. You may also be unable to rent a car without one, even if the country does not legally require it.

The IDP is inexpensive and takes little time to obtain, so the cost of getting one is far lower than the risk of being stopped without one. If you are unsure whether your destination requires an IDP, getting one is the safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted. If it is expired, renew it at your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get an International Driving Permit?

No. You need a valid U.S. driver's license, which non-citizens can hold. If you have a valid U.S. license, you can get an IDP regardless of citizenship status.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my regular driver's license when driving in the United States?

No. The IDP is only for use outside the United States. When driving in the U.S., you must carry your actual state-issued driver's license. The IDP has no legal standing in the United States.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA from abroad if possible, though they cannot issue a replacement while you are out of the country. You can continue driving with your U.S. license alone in most places, though some countries may not accept it without the IDP. When you return home, explore for a new IDP through the normal process.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA charges $15 to $20 for a one-year permit and $20 to $30 for a three-year permit, depending on membership status and location. AATA charges $15 for one year and $20 for three years. Fees may vary slightly, so confirm the current price before explore.