What an international driver license is and whether you need one
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver license into multiple languages. It is not a license itself — it is a companion document that works alongside your valid home license. Many car rental companies in the United States will rent to you with just your home country license, but some require an IDP, and a few countries outside the U.S. will not rent to you without one.
Whether you actually need an IDP depends on where you are renting. If you are renting in the United States, most major chains (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National) will rent to you with your home license alone, though they may charge a fee for an international driver. If you are renting outside the U.S., check the rental company's website or call them directly — requirements vary widely by country and by company.
The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. If you hold a license from another country, you will need to contact that country's equivalent organization.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your home license, not a replacement, and you must carry both documents together.
- Most U.S. car rental companies will rent to you with your home country license alone, but some require an IDP or charge extra for international drivers.
- If you are renting outside the United States, contact the rental company before you travel to confirm whether an IDP is required.
- An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs roughly $15 to $20 in the United States, though prices vary by country.
How to get an International Driving Permit before you travel
If you hold a U.S. driver license and need an IDP, visit your local AAA office or order one online through AAA.com. You will need your valid U.S. driver license, a passport-style photo, and payment. The permit is issued on the spot at most AAA offices, or by mail if you order online. The whole process takes a few minutes in person or about one to two weeks by mail.
If you hold a license from outside the United States, contact your home country's automobile association or transportation ministry. For example, the Canadian Automobile Association issues IDPs for Canadian drivers, and the UK's AA (Automobile Association) issues them for British drivers. Each country has its own issuing body and fee structure, so search for "[your country] International Driving Permit" to find the right organization.
An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your home license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — the two documents must both be current. Check the expiration date on both before you rent.
What documents to bring when you rent a car
Bring your home country driver license and your IDP together — they are a pair, and rental companies will ask for both. You will also need a valid passport or national ID, a credit card in your name (for the deposit), and proof of insurance if you are bringing your own coverage from home.
Some rental companies also ask for an International Driving Permit even if they do not strictly require one, because it speeds up the paperwork. If you have one, bring it. If the rental company does not ask for it, you do not need to mention it, but having it on hand prevents delays if there is any question about your license.
Check your home country's rental agreement or your credit card's rental coverage before you arrive. Some credit cards cover collision and theft abroad, and some home insurance policies do too. Bringing proof of that coverage can lower the cost of the rental company's damage waiver.
Age requirements and additional fees for international drivers
Most U.S. car rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old to rent a car, and at least 25 to rent without paying a young driver surcharge. These age rules explore to all drivers, including those with an IDP. If you are under 25, expect to pay an extra $15 to $30 per day at many companies.
Some rental companies charge an additional fee specifically for international drivers — usually $10 to $20 per rental, not per day. This fee covers the extra time spent verifying your foreign license. Call the rental company before you book to ask whether this fee applies, because it does not always show up in the online quote.
A few rental companies will not rent to you at all if your home license is not in English or if you do not have an IDP. These companies are less common, but they exist. If you are booking online and the system rejects your home country, call the rental location directly — sometimes the website's restrictions are stricter than the actual policy.
Renting a car outside the United States with an international license
Rules for renting outside the U.S. vary by country and are often stricter than U.S. rules. Many European countries require an IDP by law, even if the rental company would rent without one. Some countries also require you to carry an International Certificate of Motor Insurance (a "green card"), which your home insurance company can issue.
Before you book a rental outside the U.S., contact the rental company directly and tell them your home country and the country where you will be renting. Ask whether you need an IDP, whether you need proof of insurance, and whether there are any restrictions on your home license. Some countries will not rent to drivers whose licenses are less than one or two years old, or whose licenses are not in Latin characters.
If you are renting in a country where you do not speak the language, ask the rental company whether they have English-language paperwork or whether you should bring a translation of your home license. Some countries require an official translation, not just the IDP.
What happens if you rent without the required documents
If you arrive at a rental counter without an IDP when one is required, the rental company will refuse to rent to you. There is no way around this on the spot — you cannot get an IDP at an airport or rental office. If you are in a country outside the U.S., you may not be able to get one quickly, because IDPs are issued only by your home country's automobile association.
If you are in the United States and need an IDP urgently, some AAA offices can issue one the same day if you visit in person with your license and a photo. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm they have the permit in stock and can issue it when ready.
If you rent without an IDP when it was required, your rental agreement may be void, and the rental company may refuse to honor your insurance coverage. This could leave you liable for any damage or accidents. Do not risk it — confirm the requirement before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my home country license alone, or do I always need an International Driving Permit?
In the United States, most major rental companies will rent to you with your home license alone, though some charge an extra fee. Outside the U.S., it depends on the country and the rental company — many European countries require an IDP by law. Contact the rental company before you book to confirm what they need.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
If you get it in person at an AAA office (for U.S. drivers), it takes a few minutes. If you order by mail, it takes one to two weeks. For non-U.S. drivers, contact your home country's automobile association — times vary. Plan ahead and do not wait until the week before your trip.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your home country license. It is not a license itself and cannot be used alone. You must carry both your home license and your IDP together at all times when driving.
What if my home license is not in English?
An International Driving Permit translates your license into multiple languages, including English. Most U.S. rental companies will accept it. Outside the U.S., some countries also require an official translation from a certified translator, in addition to the IDP. Check with the rental company before you travel.
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I have a U.S. license?
Not for renting in the United States — your U.S. license is enough. If you are renting outside the U.S., many countries require an IDP by law, even though your U.S. license is valid. Check the rental company's requirements for the specific country where you will be driving.