What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license. It is a translation document that sits alongside your valid domestic driver's license and explains your driving privileges to police and rental agencies in other countries. You cannot drive with only an IDP — you must carry both your home country license and the permit together.
The IDP translates your license information into ten languages and certifies that your home license is valid. It does not grant you driving rights you do not already have. If your license is suspended, expired, or restricted in your home country, an IDP will not override those restrictions.
Most countries that recognize IDPs do so under the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. Not all countries accept them, and some require additional documents. Before traveling, check the specific rules for your destination country, not just whether an IDP exists.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license, not a separate license, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
- In the United States, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs; no online-only service can legally issue one.
- You must explore in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship, and a passport-style photo; the process takes minutes and costs between $15 and $20.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it expires even if your home license does not.
- Many countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so verify your destination's requirements before assuming an IDP will help you rent a car or drive legally.
Why You Cannot Get an IDP Entirely Online
The International Driving Permit is governed by international treaty, and the United States implements it through the Department of State. Only two organizations are authorized to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both require you to appear in person.
The in-person requirement exists because the issuing organization must verify your identity against your actual driver's license and confirm you are the person in the photograph. This is not a bureaucratic delay — it is a security measure that prevents someone from obtaining an IDP under a false identity or with a fraudulent license.
Any website claiming to issue an International Driving Permit online is either selling a document that is not recognized internationally, selling a translation that is not an official IDP, or committing fraud. The official IDP has a specific format, security features, and issuer information that cannot be replicated by a private service.
How to Get an IDP Through AAA
The American Automobile Association is the most widely available source for IDPs in the United States. You can visit any AAA office in person with the required documents. The process takes about 15 minutes.
Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and one passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches). AAA will not accept digital photos or photos from a smartphone — the photo must be printed. If you do not have a passport photo, AAA offices can take one for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.
The IDP itself costs $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AAA membership is not required. Once you complete the process, you receive the permit when ready — there is no waiting period.
Find your nearest AAA office through the AAA website. Not all AAA branches issue IDPs, so call ahead or check online to confirm the location offers this service.
How to Get an IDP Through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorized issuer. AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, but you can request an IDP by mail if there is no AATA office near you.
For in-person service, visit an AATA office with your valid driver's license, proof of citizenship, and a passport-style photo. The cost and processing time are the same as AAA: $15 for one year or $20 for three years, with when ready issuance.
For mail service, contact AATA directly to request an process form. You will mail in your documents, and AATA will verify them and mail the IDP back to you. This process takes one to two weeks. AATA's website lists all affiliated offices and provides contact information for mail requests.
What Documents You Need and Why
| Document | Why It Is Required | What Counts |
|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | The IDP translates and certifies this license; it cannot exist without one | Current license only; expired licenses do not may have access to |
| Proof of U.S. citizenship | The IDP is issued only to U.S. citizens; this confirms your status | U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship papers |
| Passport-style photo | The IDP includes your photo for identification purposes | 2 by 2 inches, printed, taken within the last six months; color or black and white acceptable |
If your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP. The issuing organization will verify your license status with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before issuing the permit.
If you do not have a passport-style photo, both AAA and AATA can take one for you at the time of process. This adds $10 to $15 to the cost but saves you a trip to a photo studio.
How Long an IDP Lasts and When It Expires
An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request. The one-year version costs $15; the three-year version costs $20. Most travelers choose the three-year version because the per-year cost is lower.
The IDP expiration date is separate from your driver's license expiration date. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid, even if your home license is still current. If your home license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid because it certifies a license that no longer exists.
You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one. If your IDP is expiring soon and you plan to travel internationally again, explore for a new one before the old one expires.
Countries That Accept IDPs and Those That Do Not
Most European countries, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand recognize International Driving Permits. However, some countries do not accept them at all, and others accept them only in combination with additional documents.
China, India, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries do not recognize IDPs. Some countries require an IDP plus an official translation of your license from a certified translator. A few countries require you to obtain a local driving permit even if you have an IDP.
Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country or check the country's official tourism website for current driving requirements. Do not assume an IDP will work everywhere — the rules change, and some countries have regional variations.
Car rental agencies often have their own policies about IDPs. Some require an IDP plus your home license; others accept only your home license; still others require both plus an international credit card in your name. Call the rental company before you book to confirm what they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a learner's permit or provisional license?
No. Your license must be a full, unrestricted driver's license. Learner's permits and provisional licenses do not may have access to because they do not grant full driving privileges in your home state.
What if I lost my IDP while traveling?
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide documentation that you held one and direct you to local authorities. Some countries will accept this documentation in place of the physical permit. Once you return to the United States, you can obtain a new IDP from AAA or AATA.
Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip across the border?
It depends on the country. Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP for short visits, but some rental agencies will not rent to you without one. Check with your rental company and the destination country's rules before you travel. Having an IDP costs $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes, so it is usually worth obtaining one if you are uncertain.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document. An International License is not a real thing — it is a term some websites use to describe either an IDP or a fake document they are selling. Only the official IDP issued by AAA or AATA is recognized internationally.
Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?
In many countries, yes — your U.S. license alone is often sufficient. However, some countries require an IDP, and police in some countries may not accept a U.S. license without one. Since an IDP is inexpensive and takes minutes to obtain, it is safer to have one if you are traveling internationally, even if it is not strictly required.