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 — it is a companion document that sits alongside your real license. When you drive abroad, you carry both together. The IDP itself has no legal authority; it only works because your actual license is valid.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by an international body. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. If you bought one from a website that is not AAA or AATA, or from a third-party service that claims to "process" your IDP, that document is not legitimate.

The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which type you purchase. It expires whether you use it or not. Many people buy an IDP, never travel, and it sits unused until it lapses — that is normal and does not affect your actual license.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license, not a replacement for it, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue legitimate IDPs; any other source is selling you a document that will not be recognized.
  • You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in certain countries; many nations accept your U.S. license alone, though an IDP removes doubt.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office; online orders take longer and cost more.
  • If a website promises to obtain an IDP for you by mail or online without your in-person signature, it is a scam and will not produce a valid document.

Which Countries Actually Require an IDP

No country technically requires an IDP if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some countries make it much harder to rent a car or drive without one. The practical difference is this: a rental car company may refuse to hand you keys without an IDP, even though local police would accept your U.S. license alone.

Countries where an IDP is strongly recommended include most of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), Mexico, Costa Rica, and several others. In these places, a rental company will often demand an IDP as a condition of the rental agreement. If you show up without one, you may be turned away or charged a fee to obtain one on the spot — which is expensive and inconvenient.

Other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, generally accept a U.S. license without an IDP. Before you travel, contact your rental car company directly and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. This is faster than guessing and takes two minutes on the phone.

How to Get a Legitimate IDP from AAA or AATA

To obtain an IDP in the United States, you must visit an AAA office or AATA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or state ID. You cannot obtain one by mail, and you cannot have someone else pick one up for you. The issuing organization must see your face and verify your license directly.

At an AAA office, the process takes about 15 minutes. You fill out a one-page form, show your documents, and pay the fee. AAA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit as of 2024, though prices vary slightly by location. You walk out with the IDP in hand. If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP; membership is not required.

AATA operates similarly but has fewer physical locations than AAA. You can find an AATA office through the State Department's website. Both organizations issue the same document — the difference is only location and membership benefits.

Do not order an IDP online from a third-party website, even if it claims to be affiliated with AAA or AATA. Legitimate IDPs are issued only at physical offices after you show your documents in person. Any website that promises to mail you an IDP without seeing you is not authorized to issue one.

Red Flags That Separate Scams from Real IDPs

A scam IDP website will typically promise one or more of these things: delivery by mail without an office visit, processing by a third party on your behalf, a lower price than AAA or AATA, or a may provide that it will work in any country. None of these are true for legitimate IDPs.

Real IDPs are issued only at AAA or AATA offices after you appear in person. Real IDPs cost $15 to $20. Real IDPs are recognized in countries that have signed the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic, but some countries may still refuse them — no legitimate issuer can may provide acceptance everywhere.

If a website asks you to upload a photo of your license or passport instead of showing documents in person, it is a scam. If it charges more than $25, it is a scam. If it promises to "verify your information" or "check your status" before issuing, it is a scam. The only legitimate path is walking into an AAA or AATA office with your license and ID.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP in a Country That Wants One

If you rent a car in a country where the rental company requires an IDP and you do not have one, the rental company will refuse to give you the car. You will not be able to complete the rental. This is a business decision by the rental company, not a legal requirement from the country itself.

If you somehow drive without an IDP in a country where local law prefers one, a police officer may ask for it during a traffic stop. In most cases, they will accept your U.S. license and passport as sufficient. However, in some countries, the lack of an IDP may result in a fine or a delay while they verify your license through your embassy. The risk is low but real.

The safest approach is to get an IDP before you travel if you plan to rent a car. The document costs $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes to obtain. The cost of being stranded without a rental car, or paying a fine abroad, is much higher.

IDP Versus Other Travel Documents You Might Need

An IDP is not the same as a visa, passport, or travel permit. A visa is permission from a country to enter; an IDP is permission to drive once you are there. You need a passport to travel internationally. You may need a visa depending on your destination and citizenship. An IDP is separate from both and addresses only driving.

Some countries require an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance (sometimes called a "green card" in Europe, though it is not a credit card). This is different from an IDP and is issued by your car insurance company, not by AAA. If you are renting a car, the rental company usually handles this for you. If you are driving your own car across a border, you may need to request one from your insurance provider before you leave.

Do not confuse an IDP with a "travel document" or "international license" sold by third-party websites. Those are not real documents and will not help you drive anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an IDP to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only for driving outside your home country. If you are a visitor to the United States, you can drive on your home country's license as long as it is valid and in your native language. You do not need an IDP to drive in the U.S.

How long does an IDP take to arrive if I order it online?

Legitimate IDPs are not issued online. AAA and AATA issue them only at physical offices after you show your documents in person. If a website claims to mail you an IDP, it is not a real document. Visit an AAA or AATA office instead and walk out with your IDP the same day.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. However, most countries will still accept your U.S. driver's license alone if your IDP has expired. The IDP is a convenience, not a requirement. If you are traveling for more than a year, you can renew your IDP before you leave by visiting an AAA or AATA office again.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting and not renting a car?

No. An IDP is only useful if you plan to drive. If you are using public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services, you do not need an IDP. You will never be asked for one.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An international license is not a real document. An IDP is a real document issued by AAA or AATA that translates your existing U.S. license. Websites selling "international licenses" are scams. The only legitimate document is an IDP from AAA or AATA.