An international driving permit is a separate document from your US driver license, not a replacement for it

Your US driver license is valid for driving in most countries, but some nations require you to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it. The IDP is a translation of your license information into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. You cannot drive legally with only an IDP — you must have both your US license and the permit together.

The IDP does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in places where your US license would not. It straightforward makes your existing license readable to foreign police and rental car companies. If your US license is suspended or expired, an IDP will not help you drive anywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not by your state's DMV.
  • You must carry both your valid US driver license and the IDP together when driving abroad — neither document works alone.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA, and the process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your method.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

The American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs at its local offices across the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can walk into any AAA branch with your valid US driver license, passport, and a completed process form, and receive your IDP the same day. Non-members can also obtain one at AAA offices, though some branches charge a small additional fee.

If you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) accepts mail-in requests. You send them your completed process, a photocopy of your US driver license, a passport photo, and payment by check or money order. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks, though expedited options may be available for an extra fee.

Do not attempt to obtain an IDP through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles — they do not issue them. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States.

What documents and information you need to bring

To obtain an IDP in person at AAA, bring your valid US driver license, a valid passport, and a completed IDP process form. The form is available at any AAA office or online through their website. You will also need to provide your current address and contact information.

If you are explore by mail through AATA, you will need to submit a photocopy of your US driver license (front and back), a recent passport-style photo, a completed process form, and payment. AATA accepts checks and money orders but not credit cards by mail, so plan accordingly. Your passport itself is not required for the mail-in process, only a photocopy of your license.

Your US driver license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at your state's DMV before obtaining an IDP.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and what it costs

AAA and AATA offer two versions of the IDP: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year version costs approximately $15 to $20, and the three-year version costs approximately $20 to $30. Exact prices vary slightly by AAA location and may change, so confirm the current fee when you contact your local office or AATA.

The IDP is valid only while your US driver license remains valid. If your US license expires before your IDP does, the permit becomes useless — you must renew your US license first. Similarly, if your US license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is no longer valid for driving.

The IDP does not renew automatically. When it expires, you must obtain a new one through AAA or AATA using the same process.

Countries that require or strongly recommend an International Driving Permit

Many European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, do not legally require an IDP but strongly recommend carrying one because rental car companies often demand it. Some countries in South America, Asia, and the Middle East do require an IDP by law. Before traveling, check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit through the US State Department's travel advisory pages or by contacting the embassy of each destination.

Even in countries where an IDP is not required, carrying one can prevent problems at a traffic stop or when renting a vehicle. Police in some countries may not be familiar with US license formats, and an IDP removes that confusion. Rental car companies frequently refuse to rent to drivers without an IDP, regardless of local law.

If you are unsure whether you need an IDP for your trip, it is safer to obtain one. The cost is low, and it solves potential problems before they arise.

What happens if you drive internationally without an IDP when one is required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may face a fine, be denied the right to drive, or have your vehicle impounded. The severity depends on local laws and the officer's discretion. Some countries treat it as a minor traffic violation; others treat it more seriously.

Rental car companies will not rent to you without an IDP in countries where they are standard, so you may be unable to rent a vehicle at all. This can strand you without transportation in a foreign country.

Your US auto insurance may not cover accidents or violations that occur while you are driving without required documents, even if your license itself is valid. This could leave you personally liable for damages.

How an International Driving Permit differs from other travel documents

An IDP is not a visa, passport, or travel permit. It does not grant you entry into any country — you still need a valid passport and any required visas. An IDP only translates your driving credentials and is used only when you are behind the wheel.

An IDP is also different from a temporary or provisional license. It does not change your driving status or allow you to drive in situations where your US license would not. A 16-year-old with a provisional license in their home state cannot use an IDP to bypass those restrictions in another country.

Some countries issue their own temporary driving permits to visitors, separate from an IDP. These are obtained through local authorities in that country and are not the same as an International Driving Permit issued by AAA or AATA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Canada or Mexico with just my US driver license, or do I need an IDP?

Canada and Mexico do not require an International Driving Permit. Your valid US driver license is sufficient for driving in both countries. However, you should carry your passport or passport card as proof of citizenship when crossing the border.

What if my US driver license is expired but I have an IDP?

An expired US license makes your IDP invalid. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if your IDP is still current. Renew your US license at your state's DMV before traveling.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

That depends on the country and the rental company. Many European rental companies require an IDP regardless of trip length. Check with your rental company and the country's requirements before your trip. If the rental company requires one, you will not be able to rent without it.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online without visiting AAA or mailing anything?

No. AAA requires an in-person visit or a mailed process. There is no fully online process. Some third-party websites claim to issue IDPs online, but these are not legitimate — only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them in the United States.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I need one before my trip?

In-person at AAA takes minutes to an hour. By mail through AATA, expect one to two weeks for standard processing. If your trip is sooner than that, visit a local AAA office in person. Plan ahead — waiting until the day before your flight will not work.