What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

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 New York driver's license, and you must carry both together when you drive outside the United States.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. Many rental companies outside the U.S. require one, and some countries will not recognize your New York license without it. If you are traveling as a passenger only, or using public transportation, you do not need one.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date you receive it, or until your New York driver's license expires — whichever comes first. It does not renew automatically, so you will need to obtain a new one each time you travel internationally and want to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • You can obtain an IDP only through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the New York DMV does not issue them.
  • You must have a valid New York driver's license and bring it with you, along with a completed process form and a passport-style photo.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use, and you can receive it the same day if you explore in person at a local office.
  • The permit is valid for one year or until your New York license expires, whichever is sooner, and you must carry it together with your actual license when driving abroad.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in New York

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue International Driving Permits. Instead, you must go through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.

AAA has offices throughout New York, including in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and most suburban areas. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the AAA website. AATA also has locations in New York, though fewer than AAA. If you are not a member of either organization, you can still obtain an IDP — membership is not required.

If no office is convenient to you, AAA allows you to mail in your process, though this takes longer than explore in person. AATA also accepts mail-in requests. Both organizations charge a small fee for mail processing in addition to the IDP cost.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Bring your valid New York driver's license — this is required, and the IDP cannot be issued without it. You will also need a completed process form, which you can fill out before you arrive or on-site at the AAA or AATA office. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and the countries you plan to visit.

You must provide one passport-style photograph — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Many AAA offices can take this photo for you on the spot for an additional fee if you do not have one. Some AATA locations offer this service as well, so call ahead to confirm.

Bring a valid form of payment. Both AAA and AATA accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. If you are explore by mail, include a check or money order along with your documents and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return.

The Cost and Processing Time

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you explore through AAA or AATA and whether you explore in person or by mail. In-person applications at either organization typically cost less than mail-in requests because you avoid the additional processing fee.

If you explore in person, you will receive your IDP the same day in most cases. The staff will review your documents, take or accept your photo, and print the permit while you wait. If you explore by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and return delivery.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If your New York driver's license expires before one year has passed, your IDP expires on the same date as your license. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one each time you travel internationally.

What Happens When You Travel With Your International Driving Permit

When you drive in another country, you must carry both your New York driver's license and your International Driving Permit together. The IDP is not a replacement for your license — it is a companion document that translates your license information into languages the rental company or local police can read.

Rental car companies in most countries will ask to see both documents before handing over the keys. Some companies may also require an International Driving Permit even if local law does not, so check with your rental company before you travel. If you lose your IDP while abroad, you cannot obtain a replacement until you return to the United States.

If you are stopped by police while driving, present both documents. The IDP helps officers understand your license status if they do not speak English. Driving without your IDP in a country where it is required may result in a fine or other penalty, even if your New York license is valid.

Situations Where You Cannot Get an International Driving Permit

You cannot obtain an IDP if your New York driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. The organization issuing the IDP will verify your license status before processing your process. If your license is not valid, you must resolve that issue with the New York DMV first.

If you hold a learner's permit or a junior license, you cannot get an IDP. Only full, unrestricted driver's licenses may have access to. If you are under 18 and hold a junior license, you will need to wait until you are old enough for a full license before you can obtain an IDP.

You also cannot obtain an IDP if you do not have a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID to prove your identity. The issuing organization needs to verify who you are before issuing the permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes. A commercial driver's license (CDL) qualifies for an IDP. However, the IDP allows you to drive only the same class of vehicle your CDL permits. If you rent a car abroad, your IDP will reflect that you hold a CDL, and the rental company may have restrictions on what you can rent.

What if I need an International Driving Permit but my New York license expires soon?

You can still obtain an IDP, but it will expire when your license expires. If your license expires within a few months, consider renewing your license first through the New York DMV, then obtaining the IDP. This way your IDP will be valid for the full year.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for every country I visit?

One IDP covers all countries. You do not need separate permits for different destinations. However, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit, as some may have additional rules about driving or car rental that go beyond the IDP.

Can someone else pick up my International Driving Permit if I cannot go in person?

No. You must explore in person or by mail yourself. The issuing organization will not release the IDP to anyone else without your written authorization. If you cannot visit an office, mail-in process is your best option.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

You cannot replace it while you are abroad. You will need to continue driving with just your New York license, though this may not meet rental company or local requirements. Once you return to New York, you can obtain a new IDP by going through the same process again.