What an international driver's license is and whether you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that shows your home country's driving authority has verified your identity and driving record. Some countries require it; others accept your U.S. license alone. A few require both.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going and how long you are staying. Many popular destinations — Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand — accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. Others, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Japan, officially require an IDP alongside your U.S. license, though enforcement varies. A few countries will not recognize either document if you plan to stay longer than a tourist visit.

The IDP itself does not grant you driving rights. It only proves that your home state issued you a valid license. A police officer in another country can still refuse to let you drive if your U.S. license is expired, suspended, or if local law forbids tourists from driving at all.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and costs between $15 and $20.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to get an IDP — the permit cannot replace a license that is suspended or expired.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it expires whether you use it or not.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail through AATA, or through some AAA offices online, and the process takes minutes to a few days depending on the method.
  • Check your destination country's specific requirements before you travel, because some nations have additional rules about age, vehicle type, or insurance that an IDP does not address.

Who issues the International Driving Permit in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue an IDP: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are recognized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which means their permits are accepted in countries that recognize the international standard.

AAA is the larger and more widely known option. Most people obtain their IDP through a local AAA office, though AAA also processes applications by mail and through some state AAA websites online. AATA is smaller and primarily serves people who do not have AAA membership. AATA processes applications by mail only and does not have physical offices.

Both organizations issue the same document with the same legal standing. The choice between them usually comes down to convenience — whether you have an AAA office nearby or prefer to handle everything by mail.

What you need to bring or provide to get an IDP

You will need a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. The IDP cannot be issued if your license is expired, suspended, revoked, or restricted. You will also need to provide a recent passport-style photograph — typically 2 by 2 inches — though some AAA offices can take the photo for you on the spot.

If you are explore in person at an AAA office, bring your driver's license and the photograph. If you are explore by mail through AATA or by mail through AAA, you will also need to include a completed process form (available on the AAA or AATA website) and payment. Some AAA offices accept online applications through their state website, in which case you upload a photo and pay by credit card.

You do not need to prove citizenship, though the IDP is only issued to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a valid U.S. driver's license. The issuing organization verifies your identity through your license and photograph.

How long the process takes and how much it costs

The cost is typically $15 to $20, depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. AAA and AATA charge the same fee for each version. Some AAA offices may charge a small additional fee if they take your photograph.

Processing time depends on the method. If you explore in person at an AAA office, you can usually receive your IDP the same day or within a few hours. If you explore by mail through AATA, allow one to two weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. If you explore online through an AAA state website, processing typically takes three to five business days, and the permit is mailed to you.

The IDP itself is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. It expires on a set date regardless of whether you use it. Your U.S. driver's license must remain valid for the entire time you are driving abroad — an expired license makes the IDP useless.

how the process works in person at an AAA office

Visit your nearest AAA office with your valid driver's license and a passport-style photograph. If you do not have a photo, most offices can take one for you. Tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit and specify whether you want the one-year or three-year version.

The staff member will complete a short process form with you, verify your license, and process your payment. In most cases, you will receive your IDP when ready or within a few hours. Some offices may mail it to you if they do not have stock on hand, but this is uncommon.

To find an AAA office near you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP, though AAA members may receive a small discount at some locations.

how the process works by mail through AATA

Visit the AATA website and read the International Driving Permit process form. Complete the form with your name, address, driver's license number, and date of birth. Attach a recent passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches) and a copy of the front and back of your valid U.S. driver's license.

Include payment by check or money order — AATA does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail the completed process, photograph, license copies, and payment to the address listed on the AATA website. Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date AATA receives your process, plus mail delivery time.

AATA will mail your IDP to the address you provided on the process. Keep your receipt or tracking information so you can follow up if the permit does not arrive within three weeks of mailing.

What to do before you travel: checking your destination's requirements

Before you purchase an IDP, check the specific requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department website has a country-by-country guide that lists driving rules, including whether an IDP is required. Your car rental company can also tell you what documents they require.

Some countries require an IDP but also require an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration (also called a carnet de passages) if you are bringing your own vehicle. Others require proof of liability insurance that meets their minimum coverage limits, which your U.S. auto insurance may not provide. A few countries restrict who can drive based on age or require a separate domestic license in addition to your U.S. license.

An IDP addresses only the translation and verification of your driving authority. It does not cover insurance, vehicle registration, or local driving laws. Checking ahead prevents surprises at a rental counter or a police stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. An IDP cannot extend or replace an expired license.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license to drive in another country?

No. An IDP is only a translation and verification document. It proves your home state issued you a valid license, but it does not grant you the right to drive in another country. Each country has its own driving laws and age requirements. You must follow those laws whether or not you have an IDP.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can purchase a one-year or three-year version. Both cost between $15 and $20. The permit expires on a set date regardless of whether you use it. Your U.S. driver's license must also remain valid for the entire time you are driving abroad.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or the United Kingdom?

Most car rental companies in Canada and the United Kingdom accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental companies or insurance policies may require one, so check with your rental company before you travel. Having an IDP does not hurt and may prevent a problem at the rental counter.

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. license, or do I need an IDP?

It depends on the country. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and some others accept a U.S. license alone. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many other European countries officially require an IDP alongside your U.S. license. Check the specific country's requirements through the U.S. State Department website or your rental company before you travel.