An International Driving Permit exists, but it's not a separate license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your existing driver's license into ten languages. It is not a new license, not a replacement for your license, and not something that lets you drive in countries where you're not licensed. You must carry both your actual driver's license and the IDP together — the IDP alone is worthless at a traffic stop or rental counter.

The IDP was created by an international treaty called the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic. It exists because a police officer in France cannot easily read an English-language California license, and a rental company in Japan cannot quickly verify what class of vehicle you're licensed to drive. The IDP solves that problem by printing the same information in multiple languages on a standardized form that officials worldwide recognize.

You get an IDP from your own country's automobile association or equivalent body — in the United States, that's the American Automobile Association (AAA). You do not get it from the country you plan to visit, and you do not get it from any government office.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried alongside your actual driver's license at all times.
  • In the United States, you obtain an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA), not from any government agency.
  • An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 through AAA.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should check the specific country's requirements before you travel.
  • Renting a car abroad often requires an IDP, but some rental companies will accept your U.S. license alone if you also have a credit card and passport.

How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

You explore for an IDP through AAA, which is the only organization in the U.S. authorized to issue them. You do not need to be an AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount. You can explore in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA's website.

To explore, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot. The fee is typically $15 to $20, depending on your state, and the IDP is usually issued on the same day if you explore in person.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you plan to drive abroad for longer than a year, or if your trip is more than a year away, you may want to wait to explore so the permit does not expire before you leave.

Which countries actually recognize an International Driving Permit

Most countries recognize an IDP, but not all. The countries that signed the 1926 Convention and its later updates — which includes most of Europe, much of Asia, Australia, and parts of South America — are supposed to accept one. However, enforcement and acceptance vary widely.

Some countries, including Canada and Mexico, do not formally recognize IDPs at all. In Canada, your U.S. license is sufficient. In Mexico, your U.S. license is also usually sufficient, though some car rental companies prefer an IDP as additional proof of your driving status. A few countries, including China and Russia, have their own separate licensing systems and do not recognize U.S. licenses or IDPs under any circumstances.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department website lists driving requirements by country, and your rental car company can tell you what documents they require.

When you actually need an International Driving Permit

You most often need an IDP when renting a car from an international rental company in a foreign country. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and similar chains frequently require an IDP as proof that your license is valid and that you understand the rules of the road in your home country. Without one, some rental companies will refuse to rent to you, even if your U.S. license is perfectly legal in that country.

You may also need an IDP if you are stopped by police while driving. A police officer in a foreign country may not be able to verify your U.S. license without the translation, and an IDP makes the verification faster and easier. In some countries, driving without an IDP when one is required can result in a fine, even if your actual license is valid.

If you are only using public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services like Uber, you do not need an IDP. You only need it if you plan to rent a car or drive a vehicle that you own.

What an International Driving Permit does not do

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not licensed. If you do not have a valid driver's license in your home country, an IDP will not help you. If your license is suspended or revoked, an IDP will not let you drive legally abroad.

An IDP does not change the driving laws of the country you visit. You must still follow that country's traffic rules, speed limits, and vehicle requirements. In some countries, you are required to carry additional documents like proof of insurance, a vehicle registration, or a headlight adjustment kit — an IDP does not replace any of these.

An IDP also does not protect you from liability if you cause an accident. You are still responsible for any damage or injury you cause while driving, and you should carry international auto insurance or may support your U.S. auto insurance covers you abroad.

International Driving Permits versus other documents you might need

An IDP is sometimes confused with other travel documents, but they serve different purposes. A visa is permission to enter a country; an IDP has nothing to do with entry. A vehicle registration or title proves you own or have permission to drive a specific car; an IDP does not. Auto insurance covers damage or liability; an IDP does not.

If you are driving your own car across an international border, you may also need a carnet de passage, which is a customs document that proves you are temporarily importing the vehicle and will take it back out. This is different from an IDP and is required by some countries but not others. Your auto insurance company or AAA can tell you whether you need one for your specific trip.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and what to do when it expires

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If your trip is longer than one year, or if you plan to drive abroad multiple times over several years, you will need to renew your IDP before it expires. You can renew it through AAA using the same process as the initial process.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid, and you should not drive. If you are stranded and need to drive to get home, contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on what to do.

Your U.S. driver's license does not expire just because your IDP expires. The IDP is only a translation document, so losing it does not affect your ability to drive in the United States or your legal status as a licensed driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. driver's license and no International Driving Permit?

Your U.S. license is legal in most European countries, and police will generally accept it. However, car rental companies often require an IDP as a condition of renting to you, so you may not be able to rent a car without one. If you plan to rent, get an IDP before you travel.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I'm only renting a car for one day?

That depends on the rental company. Some will rent to you with only your U.S. license and a credit card; others require an IDP no matter how long you rent. Call the rental company in advance and ask what documents they require, so you know whether to get an IDP.

What happens if I drive without an International Driving Permit in a country that requires one?

You may be fined by police, and your rental car company may refuse to cover any damage or liability. In some countries, driving without required documents can result in your vehicle being impounded. Check the requirements for your specific destination before you travel.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. Renew your U.S. license first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license, not a separate license. You cannot drive on an IDP alone — you must carry your actual U.S. driver's license with it at all times.