What an international driving permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your original license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company what your home license says, without requiring them to read your language or understand your country's licensing system.

The IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You cannot get one from a government office directly.

Many countries do not require an IDP at all — your valid home license is enough. Others require one, and a few will not recognize your home license without it. The requirement depends on which country you are visiting and which country issued your license, so you need to check the specific rules for your destination before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried with your original home license at all times.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs; you explore in person with your valid driver's license and a passport photo.
  • Some countries require an IDP, others do not, and a few will not accept your home license without one — check your destination's rules before you travel.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain if you explore in person at an AAA office.
  • Rental car companies sometimes require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required, so confirm the rental company's policy when you book.

Who issues an International Driving Permit in the United States

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations in the United States authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. AAA is by far the more common source — it has offices in most cities and can issue an IDP on the same day you explore.

You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, the State Department, or any other government office. You also cannot order one online or by mail from AAA — you must explore in person at an AAA office or, in some cases, at an AATA office. If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still explore for an IDP; membership is not required.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA and is less commonly used. If you cannot find an AAA office near you, search for "AATA International Driving Permit" plus your city name to see whether AATA has a location in your area.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

You will need three things: a valid driver's license issued by your U.S. state, a valid passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and meet standard passport photo rules: a plain background, your face clearly visible, and no sunglasses or hats.

Bring the originals, not copies. The AAA or AATA staff member will verify your license and passport before issuing the IDP. If your driver's license is expired, you cannot get an IDP; you must renew your license first through your state's DMV.

Some AAA offices have photo services on-site, so if you do not have a passport photo ready, you can often have one taken there for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15). Call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers this service.

Cost and how long it takes

An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20, depending on which organization issues it and whether you need a one-year or three-year version. Most people request the three-year version because the cost difference is small and the permit lasts longer. Payment is cash or card.

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive the IDP when ready — usually within 15 minutes. There is no waiting period or mail delivery. This is one reason to explore in person rather than through AATA if you have a choice: AAA's faster turnaround means you can get the permit the same day you decide you need it.

Plan to explore at least a few days before you travel, even though same-day issuance is possible. This gives you time to verify that you have all required documents and to reach an office during business hours.

Which countries require an IDP and which do not

Requirements vary widely. Some countries — including Canada, Mexico, and most of Western Europe — do not require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. Others, including many countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, require one by law. A few countries will accept your U.S. license alone but strongly recommend an IDP because police officers may be unfamiliar with U.S. licenses.

The safest approach is to check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department website has a country-by-country guide to driving requirements. You can also contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country and ask directly whether an IDP is required for U.S. citizens.

Even if your destination does not legally require an IDP, your rental car company may require one as a condition of renting to you. Always confirm the rental company's policy when you book, because some companies have stricter rules than the country itself does.

How to use your IDP when you travel

Carry your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together at all times while driving. If a police officer stops you, present both documents. The officer can read the IDP to understand what your U.S. license says without needing to interpret your state's license format or language.

When you rent a car, give the rental company both your U.S. license and your IDP. The company will photocopy or scan both documents. Some rental companies will not complete the rental without an IDP if you are in a country where it is required or recommended.

Do not rely on the IDP alone. Your original license is the legal document; the IDP is only a translation aid. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive legally with your original license in most countries, though you may have difficulty renting a car.

What happens if you do not have an IDP when you need one

If you arrive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you cannot legally drive. A police officer can fine you, confiscate your vehicle, or both. In some countries, driving without required documents can result in arrest or jail time, though this is rare for tourists.

If you realize you need an IDP after you have already traveled, you cannot get one while you are abroad. You must get one before you leave your home country. This is why checking requirements before you book your trip is important.

If you are renting a car and the rental company requires an IDP that you do not have, the company will refuse to rent to you. You will not be able to complete the rental, and you may lose your deposit depending on the company's cancellation policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Canada or Mexico with just my U.S. driver's license?

Yes. Canada and Mexico do not require an International Driving Permit for U.S. citizens. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. However, some rental car companies may request an IDP anyway, so confirm with your rental company before you book.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can request either a one-year or three-year version when you explore. The three-year version costs only slightly more, so most people choose it. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself.

What if my driver's license is from a different country?

If you are a U.S. resident but your license is from another country, you will need an IDP issued by that country, not by the United States. Contact your home country's motor vehicle authority or embassy to learn how to obtain one.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on your destination. If the country requires an IDP by law, you need one regardless of how long you are staying. If it is not required, you do not need one. Check your destination's rules before you travel.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

No. Both AAA and AATA require you to explore in person with your original documents. You cannot order an IDP online or by mail. You must visit an office in your area.