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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license, grant you new driving privileges, or let you drive in countries where you're not legally allowed. You must carry both your IDP and your original license together. Many countries do not require an IDP at all; some rental car companies ask for one as a business practice, not a legal requirement.

The IDP is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization in the U.S. is authorized to issue one. You cannot get an IDP from a government agency, and you cannot get one online or by mail—you must appear in person at an AAA office or AATA location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP; the IDP is a companion document, not a replacement.
  • Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person at one of their offices.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • An IDP does not change what you are legally allowed to drive or where you can drive; it only translates your existing license information.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, and some rental companies require one as their own policy even when the country does not.

What documents you need to bring to AAA or AATA

You will need to bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and proof of your current address. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address on your driver's license matches your current address, you may not need separate proof, but calling ahead to confirm what your local office requires is faster than making a second trip.

You will also need to bring a passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches. Some AAA offices have photo services on-site; others do not. If you are unsure whether your local office takes photos, call before you go. Bring cash or a card—most offices take both, but some AAA locations have different payment methods depending on the branch.

How long the IDP takes and how much it costs

AAA and AATA issue the IDP on the same day you explore, as long as you bring all required documents and a photo. You walk out with the booklet in hand. There is no waiting period and no mailing delay.

The cost is $15 for a one-year IDP or $20 for a three-year IDP. AAA members and non-members pay the same price. The three-year version is valid for three years from the date of issue, so if you travel internationally more than once, it is usually the better value. The one-year version is useful if you are taking a single trip and do not plan to drive internationally again soon.

Which countries recognize the IDP and which do not

The IDP is recognized under the 1926 and 1968 United Nations conventions on road signs and signals. Most countries that are signatories to one of these conventions will accept an IDP, including most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada. However, some countries do not recognize it at all, and a few require additional documents even if they do accept an IDP.

The United Kingdom, for example, accepts an IDP but also requires you to carry your original U.S. license. Mexico accepts an IDP but also requires a Mexican driving permit, which you can get at the border. Some countries in Central America and the Middle East do not recognize the IDP and require an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit—your rental car company or the country's embassy website will have this information.

Rental car companies and IDP requirements

Some rental car companies require an IDP as a condition of renting to you, even in countries where the IDP is not legally required. This is a business policy, not a law. Other rental companies do not require an IDP at all. The requirement varies by company, by location, and sometimes by the type of vehicle you are renting.

If you are planning to rent a car abroad, contact the rental company before you book and ask whether they require an IDP. If they do, get one before you travel. If they do not, you do not need one for that rental, though you may still want one if you plan to drive a personal vehicle or if you are visiting multiple countries with different policies.

What happens if your IDP expires or you lose it

An IDP is valid only while your underlying U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. If you renew your license, you will need a new IDP as well.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive using your original U.S. license in most countries, though you may have a harder time renting a car if the rental company's policy requires an IDP. If you lose it before you travel, you can get a replacement by visiting an AAA or AATA office again and paying the same fee. There is no expedited replacement process; you must appear in person.

IDP versus other translation options

Some countries accept an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead of an IDP. A certified translation is usually more expensive than an IDP—costs range from $50 to $200 depending on the translator and the country's requirements—and takes several days to a week to complete. An IDP is cheaper and faster, but it is not accepted everywhere.

If you are traveling to a country that does not recognize the IDP, you will need a certified translation. If you are traveling to a country that accepts the IDP, getting one is simpler and cheaper than paying for a translation. Some travelers get both: an IDP for countries that accept it, and a certified translation for countries that do not. Check your destination's requirements before you decide which route to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. If your license is expired but you have already renewed it, you can get an IDP with your new license.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but it does require a Mexican driving permit, which you can obtain at the border or in advance. Some rental car companies in Mexico ask for an IDP as their own policy, so check with your rental company before you travel.

What if I get stopped by police and I don't have my IDP with me?

In countries that recognize the IDP, not having it with you may result in a fine or other penalty, depending on local law. Your U.S. license alone may not be accepted as proof of your right to drive. Always carry both your IDP and your original license together when driving internationally.

Can I get an IDP from AAA online or by mail?

No. AAA and AATA only issue IDPs in person at their offices. You must visit a location, bring your documents and photo, and receive the IDP the same day. There is no online or mail-order option.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist in the United States. An IDP is a translation document that accompanies your U.S. license. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but these are different from the U.S. IDP and are not recognized in the United States.