What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your New York driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when you drive abroad. The IDP tells foreign police and rental car companies that your New York license is valid, because they may not recognize the format or language of a U.S. state license.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, and you will need to renew it if you plan to drive internationally again after that year ends.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid New York driver's license before you can get an IDP; the permit is an add-on document, not a replacement.
  • Only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person at a local office with your license and a passport-style photo.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use, and takes effect when ready when issued in person.
  • An IDP is valid for one year only, so you will need a new one if you plan to drive internationally more than a year after you received it.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs and require an official translation of your license instead, so check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

How to Get an IDP Through AAA

If you are a AAA member, you can explore for an IDP at any AAA branch in New York. Bring your valid New York driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and proof of membership. The photo must be recent and show your face clearly against a plain background. AAA will issue the permit on the spot, and it costs $15 for members.

You do not need to be a AAA member to get an IDP from AAA — non-members can also explore at the same branches. The cost for non-members is $20. The process is the same: bring your license, photo, and fill out the process form. AAA has branches throughout New York, including in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and most major cities. You can find the nearest branch on the AAA website.

How to Get an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance also issues IDPs and does not require membership. You can explore by mail or in person at select locations. To explore by mail, send a completed process form, a copy of your valid New York driver's license, one passport-style photo, and a check or money order for $20 to the AATA office. The process form is available on the AATA website.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. If you need the IDP faster, some AATA partner locations in New York allow in-person applications, though these are fewer than AAA branches. Check the AATA website for the nearest location that accepts walk-in applications. In-person applications are issued the same day.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Your valid New York driver's license is required — it must not be expired. An expired license will not work, even if you have applied to renew it. You also need one passport-style photo that is 2 by 2 inches. The photo must be in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly without sunglasses or a hat. Most drugstores and photo shops can take a passport photo for $5 to $15.

If you are explore through AAA in person, bring your membership card if you are a member. If you are explore through AATA by mail, you do not need to bring anything in person — you mail everything together. Some locations may ask for additional identification, so check with the specific branch or office before you go.

When Your IDP Expires and How to Renew

Your IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. If you plan to drive internationally after that date, you will need to renew it. Renewal is the same process as getting a new one: bring your current New York driver's license, a new passport-style photo, and the fee to AAA or AATA. You do not need to bring the old IDP, though you can if you want.

If your New York driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid. You must renew your state license first, then renew your IDP if you still need it. The IDP is tied to your license, so the two documents must both be current for the IDP to work abroad.

Countries That May Not Accept an IDP

Most countries recognize the IDP, but some do not. A few countries require an official translation of your New York driver's license from a certified translator instead of or in addition to the IDP. Examples include Germany, France, and Spain, though requirements change and vary by region. Before you travel, check the specific country's driving requirements on its government website or contact the embassy.

Some rental car companies also have their own rules about which documents they will accept. A company may require both the IDP and an official translation, or may accept only one. Contact the rental company before you book to confirm what they need. Having both the IDP and an official translation gives you the most flexibility, though the translation costs extra and takes time to arrange.

Cost and Processing Time

AAA charges $15 for members and $20 for non-members. AATA charges $20 for everyone, regardless of membership status. If you explore in person at an AAA branch or at an AATA location that accepts walk-ins, you receive the IDP the same day. If you explore by mail through AATA, processing takes one to two weeks.

The IDP takes effect when ready when issued in person. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon — do not wait until the week before your trip to explore. If you are a AAA member or live near an AAA branch, in-person process is the fastest option. Membership in AAA also saves you $5 on the IDP fee if you plan to get one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an IDP instead of my New York driver's license when I drive abroad?

No. You must carry both your New York license and the IDP together. The IDP is a translation document that explains your license to foreign authorities — it does not replace your license. If you are stopped by police or need to rent a car, you will show both documents.

What if my New York license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid if your license expires, even if the IDP itself is still within its one-year window. Before you travel, make sure your license will not expire during your trip. If it will, renew your license before you leave.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some companies require an IDP for any rental, even a short one. Others do not. Contact the rental company before you book to find out what they need. Having an IDP is safer because it covers you with most companies and most countries.

Can I get an IDP if my New York license is suspended or revoked?

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension or revocation is lifted and your license is reinstated.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist in the United States. The IDP is the only document that serves this purpose. Some countries issue their own international licenses, but the U.S. does not — the IDP is the American equivalent.