What an international driving permit actually is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Texas driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your Texas ID — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your Texas license is valid, because they can read what it says.
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 one from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, and you will need to renew it if you travel internationally again after that year ends.
Many countries do not require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. driver's license, but some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and a few countries (including some in Europe and Asia) do require it. Before you book a trip, check with your rental car company and the country's embassy or tourism board to see whether you need one.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by the state of Texas, and you must carry it with your Texas driver's license.
- The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about ten minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office.
- You need a valid Texas driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to get one.
- The permit is valid for one year, so you will need a new one if you travel internationally again after that year.
- Some countries and rental car companies require an IDP, but many do not — check before you travel.
How to get an IDP from AAA
Visit an AAA office in Texas in person with your valid Texas driver's license, your passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). AAA does not issue IDPs by mail or online. You will fill out a one-page form, pay the fee (usually $15 to $20), and receive your permit on the spot.
To find an AAA office near you, go to AAA.com and use their office locator. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs, so call ahead or check the office details online to confirm they offer this service. You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP, though members may receive a small discount.
Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted. The photo must meet passport photo standards: a clear, color headshot taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. If you do not have a passport-style photo, many AAA offices can take one for you for an additional fee.
How to get an IDP from AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance also issues IDPs and can be reached by mail or online. You can order an IDP through their website at AATA.org or by mailing an process to their office. The process takes longer than AAA — typically one to two weeks by mail — and costs around $20.
To order by mail, you will need to send your completed process form, a copy of your valid Texas driver's license, a copy of your passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo. AATA will mail your IDP back to you. This route is useful if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to go in person.
Check AATA.org for the current mailing address and process form, as these can change. Some travel agencies and auto clubs also partner with AATA to issue IDPs, so you may be able to get one through them if you belong to an organization that offers this service.
What documents you need to bring
Your valid Texas driver's license is required — it must not be expired. Your passport or passport card is also required; a state ID card or birth certificate will not work. The passport or card proves your identity and citizenship to the issuing organization.
You will need one passport-style photo. This is a color photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with your head centered and a plain background. Sunglasses and hats are not allowed. If your photo does not meet these standards, the office will reject it and ask you to provide a new one.
Bring the original documents, not copies. AAA and AATA both require you to show the actual license and passport in person or to send originals by mail. If you are mailing your process to AATA, you can send copies of your license and passport, but the photo must still be an original.
How long an IDP lasts and when to renew
An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. After one year, it expires and is no longer recognized by foreign authorities or rental car companies. If you travel internationally again after the permit expires, you will need to get a new one.
There is no renewal process — you straightforward get a new IDP by going through the same steps again. You can get a new one before the old one expires if you want to, but you will pay the full fee again and receive a new permit with a new expiration date. Some travelers get a new IDP each time they take an international trip, even if their current one has not expired yet.
Keep track of your IDP's expiration date. Write it on your calendar or set a phone reminder if you know you will be traveling internationally again. If your IDP expires while you are out of the country, it will no longer be valid, and you may have trouble renting a car or explaining your license to police.
What happens if you lose your IDP while traveling
If you lose your International Driving Permit while you are outside the United States, you cannot get a replacement while you are abroad — AAA and AATA only issue them in the U.S. You will still have your Texas driver's license, which is valid in most countries even without the IDP.
Contact your rental car company when ready if you lose the permit while you have a rental. Many companies will allow you to continue using the car if you can show your Texas license and passport, though some may charge a fee or require you to sign additional paperwork. If you are stopped by police, show your Texas license and passport and explain that you lost the IDP.
When you return to the United States, you can get a new IDP by visiting AAA or AATA again. There is no penalty for losing one — you straightforward pay the standard fee and receive a new permit.
Countries and situations where an IDP is required or recommended
Some countries legally require an International Driving Permit in addition to your U.S. driver's license. These include several countries in Europe (such as Italy, Spain, and Greece), some in South America (including Brazil and Argentina), and some in Asia (including Thailand and Vietnam). However, the requirement changes, so check the specific country's embassy website or tourism board before you travel.
Even if a country does not require an IDP by law, many car rental companies will not rent to you without one. This is especially common in Europe and parts of Asia. When you book a rental car, the company's website usually states whether an IDP is required. If it is not clear, call the rental company and ask before you book.
If you are driving your own vehicle or a borrowed vehicle in another country, check that country's driving laws. Some countries require an IDP, an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration (also called a carnet), and proof of liability insurance. Your auto insurance company can tell you what documents you need for the specific country you are visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my Texas license is expired?
No. Your Texas driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license has expired, renew it through the Texas Department of Public Safety first, then get your IDP. You cannot use an expired license to get an IDP.
Do I need an IDP if I am just visiting another country and not driving?
No. An IDP is only for people who plan to drive. If you are not renting a car or driving while you travel, you do not need one. Your passport is sufficient for travel and identification.
Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail from AAA?
No. AAA only issues IDPs in person at their offices. You must visit an AAA location with your documents. AATA, the other authorized issuer, does accept mail-in applications and can send your IDP to you.
What if the country I am visiting does not recognize the IDP?
This is rare, but if it happens, your Texas driver's license is still your primary driving document. Some countries may also require an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration or other documents. Check with the country's embassy before you travel to find out exactly what documents you need.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
An IDP costs between $15 and $20 through AAA or AATA. AAA members may receive a small discount. There are no additional fees unless you need a passport photo taken at the office, which typically costs $5 to $10 extra.