An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages, but it is not a separate license and does not replace your original one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority that contains your driving information — name, photo, driving categories — printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, and Arabic. It exists because a police officer in another country may not recognize your home license or be able to read it. The IDP serves as a translation and verification tool, not as a license itself.

You must carry both your original driver's license and the IDP together when driving abroad. The IDP has no legal standing without the license it translates. If you lose your original license, the IDP becomes useless. Most countries that recognize IDPs do so under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic or the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals, though not all nations are signatories, and some do not recognize IDPs at all.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and must be carried together with your original driver's license at all times.
  • The IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority — in the United States, by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — and is valid for one or three years depending on your age and the issuing country.
  • Not all countries recognize or require an IDP; some accept only your home license, while others require neither and issue temporary driving permits to visitors instead.
  • An IDP does not grant you the right to drive in another country if you are not legally permitted to drive in your home country, and it does not override local traffic laws or age restrictions.

Who Issues an International Driving Permit and Where to Get One

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot obtain one from a government office or online; you must visit an AAA office in person or mail your process to AATA with your original driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-sized photo, and the fee.

AAA charges a flat fee for the permit and issues it on the spot if you explore in person at a branch office. AATA processes mail applications and typically takes one to two weeks. Both organizations issue the IDP in English, and it is recognized by most countries that are signatories to the 1968 Convention. If you live outside the United States, your home country's equivalent motor vehicle authority — such as the DVLA in the United Kingdom or the equivalent in Canada, Australia, or another nation — issues the IDP under the same international agreements.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts

An IDP issued by AAA or AATA is valid for one year from the date of issue if you are under 18 years old, or three years if you are 18 or older. The validity period is printed on the front of the booklet. Once it expires, it has no legal standing and cannot be renewed; you must obtain a new one by reapplying through the same process.

The expiration date does not depend on when your home driver's license expires. If your home license expires before your IDP, the IDP becomes invalid because it has no license to translate. If your IDP expires before your home license, you can renew the IDP without renewing your home license. The two documents operate on separate timelines.

Which Countries Recognize an International Driving Permit

Most European countries, many countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America recognize an IDP issued under the 1968 Convention. However, recognition is not universal. Some countries — including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — do not recognize IDPs and instead accept only your home country's driver's license, often with a certified English translation if the original is not in English.

Some countries recognize an IDP but do not require it; they accept your home license alone. Others require an IDP in addition to your home license. A few countries issue their own temporary driving permits to visitors and do not recognize foreign documents at all. Before traveling, contact the embassy or motor vehicle authority of the country you plan to visit to confirm what documents they require. An IDP is not a substitute for research.

What an International Driving Permit Does Not Do

An IDP does not grant you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally permitted to drive. If you are under the minimum driving age in your destination country, an IDP will not override that restriction. If your home license is suspended or revoked, an IDP has no validity. If you are not insured to drive in a foreign country, an IDP does not provide insurance.

An IDP does not exempt you from local traffic laws, speed limits, or vehicle registration requirements. It does not allow you to drive a vehicle class that you are not licensed for in your home country. A police officer in a foreign country can still stop you, check both your home license and your IDP, and issue a citation if you violate local law. The IDP is a translation tool, not a legal override.

International Driving Permit Versus a Temporary Foreign License

Some countries do not recognize IDPs and instead issue temporary driving permits directly to visitors. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen driving in China, you may be required to obtain a temporary Chinese driving permit in addition to your home license; an IDP alone will not be accepted. Similarly, some countries require you to exchange your home license for a temporary local license valid for the duration of your stay.

The rules vary significantly by destination. Some countries accept an IDP and your home license together. Others accept only your home license with a certified translation. Still others require you to obtain a temporary permit from their own motor vehicle authority before you drive. The only reliable way to know is to contact the country's embassy or motor vehicle authority before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just an International Driving Permit and no home license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your home license and has no legal standing without it. You must carry both documents together. If you lose your home license, the IDP becomes invalid for driving purposes.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Australia?

No. Canada and Australia do not recognize IDPs. They accept your home country's driver's license, often with a certified English translation if the original is not in English. Check with the specific province or state you plan to visit for their exact requirements.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA charges a flat fee that varies slightly by location but is typically under $20. AATA charges a similar amount. Fees may differ if you obtain an IDP from your home country's motor vehicle authority outside the United States. Check with the issuing organization for current pricing.

What happens if a police officer stops me and I only have an International Driving Permit?

You will be in violation because you are required to carry your original home license as well. The officer may issue a citation, confiscate the IDP, or both, depending on local law. Always carry both documents together.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a passport?

No. An IDP is a driving document only and does not serve as identification for travel, border crossing, or any other purpose. You must carry your passport separately when traveling internationally.