An International Driving Permit is not a separate license — it's a translation document

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your existing driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license, grant you new driving rights, or work as a standalone document. You must carry both your valid home country license and the IDP together; neither is valid without the other. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize licenses printed in English or other languages, and border officials need to verify your driving status quickly.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or government motor vehicle agency, not by international bodies. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The United Kingdom issues them through the Post Office. Each country has its own issuing body, and an IDP from one country is not interchangeable with an IDP from another.

An IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request and which country issues it. It does not extend the validity of your underlying license. If your home license expires in six months, your IDP expires in six months too, regardless of how long the IDP booklet itself is valid for.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license into multiple languages and must be carried together with your original license at all times.
  • The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle agency, not by an international authority, and each country has different issuing procedures.
  • An IDP does not grant you permission to drive in countries where you are not otherwise permitted to drive, and it does not override local age, insurance, or vehicle requirements.
  • You must hold a valid, unexpired license in your home country before you can obtain an IDP, and the IDP cannot extend the life of an expired license.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should verify acceptance in your destination country before traveling.

Who issues International Driving Permits and where to get one

In the United States, the AAA and AATA are the only two bodies authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot obtain one from a DMV, a private company, or an online service. The AAA issues the majority of U.S. IDPs and accepts applications at most AAA branch offices. The AATA accepts applications by mail only and is slower but does not require AAA membership.

To obtain an IDP from the AAA, you must visit a branch office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (available at the branch or online), a passport-style photograph, and payment. The AAA charges a flat fee for the IDP booklet; prices vary slightly by location but are typically in the range of $15 to $20. Processing is usually same-day or next-day at most branches.

The AATA process is slower. You mail in your process, a copy of your driver's license, a passport-style photograph, and payment. Processing takes two to four weeks. The AATA fee is similar to the AAA fee, but you must also pay for return postage.

Outside the United States, the issuing body varies by country. In the United Kingdom, you explore through the Post Office with your photocard license, a completed form, and payment. In Canada, you obtain an IDP through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In Australia, the state motor vehicle registries issue them. Check your country's automobile association or government motor vehicle website for the exact process.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP translates the information on your license — your name, date of birth, license number, and the vehicle classes you are permitted to drive — into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not add new permissions or remove restrictions. If your home license restricts you to automatic transmission vehicles, your IDP reflects that restriction. If your license is valid only for motorcycles, your IDP is valid only for motorcycles.

An IDP does not override local driving laws, age requirements, or insurance rules in the country where you are driving. If you are 18 years old and the destination country requires drivers to be 21, your IDP does not change that requirement. If the country requires you to carry liability insurance, an IDP does not satisfy that requirement. You must still follow all local traffic laws and vehicle regulations.

An IDP does not work in countries that do not recognize it. Some nations have their own bilateral agreements with your home country or do not accept the IDP format at all. Before traveling, contact the embassy or motor vehicle authority of your destination country to confirm whether an IDP is recognized there. Many countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East do not recognize IDPs and may require you to obtain a local license or an official translation of your home license instead.

How long an IDP is valid and what happens when it expires

The AAA and AATA both issue one-year and three-year IDPs. A one-year IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. However, an IDP cannot be valid longer than your underlying driver's license. If you obtain a three-year IDP but your home license expires in eighteen months, the IDP expires when your home license expires.

When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it. You must obtain a new one by reapplying through the same issuing body. You cannot extend an expired IDP or use it after its expiration date, even if your home license is still valid.

If your home license is suspended or revoked, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if the IDP booklet itself has not yet expired. An IDP is only valid when your home license is valid.

Scams and fraudulent International Driving Permits

Online services that claim to issue "international licenses" or "international driving permits" without requiring you to hold a valid home country license are fraudulent. These services may charge $50 to $200 and deliver a document that looks official but has no legal standing. A fraudulent IDP will not be recognized by police, rental car companies, or border officials, and using one can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or criminal charges depending on the country.

The only legitimate way to obtain an IDP is through your home country's authorized issuing body. In the United States, that means the AAA or AATA only. There is no shortcut, no online alternative, and no way to obtain an IDP without a valid home license. If a website offers an IDP without asking for proof of a valid license, it is a scam.

Before you travel, verify that any IDP you obtain is issued by the official body in your country. Check the issuing organization's website directly rather than clicking a link from a search result. Scammers often create websites that look similar to official sites but have slightly different URLs.

Renting a car abroad with an International Driving Permit

Most major car rental companies accept an IDP as proof of driving status when you rent a vehicle outside your home country, provided you also carry your valid home license. However, rental policies vary by company and by country. Some rental companies require an IDP; others do not. Some countries have local laws that require renters to carry an IDP; others do not.

Before booking a rental car, contact the rental company directly and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination country. If you are renting through an online booking site, call the local rental office in your destination country to confirm their requirements. Do not assume that because you have an IDP, you can rent a car anywhere. Insurance requirements, age restrictions, and local driving laws still explore.

Some rental companies charge extra for drivers under 25 or over 70, require additional insurance, or restrict the types of vehicles you can rent based on your age or experience. An IDP does not change these policies. You must still meet the rental company's own requirements in addition to holding a valid license and IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original, valid home country license. If you do not have your home license with you, the IDP alone is not sufficient. Police and rental car companies will ask to see both documents.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada, the UK, or Australia if I am from the United States?

No. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia recognize each other's licenses without an IDP. You can drive in these countries with only your valid U.S. driver's license. However, some rental car companies may still ask for an IDP, so check with your rental company before traveling.

What if my home country license is in a non-Latin alphabet, like Arabic or Chinese?

An IDP is especially useful in this situation because it translates your license information into Latin characters and ten languages. However, you must still carry your original license with the IDP. Some countries may also accept an official government translation of your license instead of an IDP; check with your destination country's embassy.

Can I use an International Driving Permit from another country if I move to a new country?

No. An IDP is valid only when paired with the license it translates. If you move to a new country and obtain a new license there, your old IDP becomes invalid. You would need to obtain a new IDP from your new country of residence.

How do I know if my destination country recognizes International Driving Permits?

Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country and ask directly whether they recognize IDPs. You can also check the motor vehicle authority website for that country. Some countries list their requirements online; others require you to call or email. Do this before you travel so you know whether you need an IDP or a local license.