An international driver's license is a translation of your regular license, not a separate permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your current driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a new license or a permit that lets you drive in countries where you cannot normally drive. Many countries recognize it as proof that you hold a valid license at home, which can help if you are stopped by police or need to rent a car.
You get an IDP in your home country before you travel. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one once you arrive in another country, and you cannot get one online — you must explore in person at an AAA office or an AATA office.
Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going and what you plan to do. Some countries require it; others do not. Some car rental companies ask for one even when the country does not require it. Before you book a trip, check the specific rules for your destination.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet, not a new license, and you must get it from AAA or AATA before you leave the United States.
- You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and payment — usually around $20 to $30 depending on the issuer.
- The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it expires when your U.S. license expires, whichever comes first.
- Not every country requires an IDP, so check your destination's rules before you explore — some countries accept only your U.S. license.
- You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office; the process takes about 15 minutes and you can usually walk out with the permit the same day.
Documents and information you will bring to the office
Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license. It must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP.
Bring a passport or passport card. The office will check it to verify your identity. A state ID card is not enough — it must be a passport or passport card.
Bring one passport-style photo. It must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get passport photos taken at most AAA offices, post offices, and drugstore photo departments. If you get one taken at an AAA office, you can use it for both the IDP and any passport process you might need.
Bring a completed process form. AAA and AATA both have forms on their websites that you can print and fill out before you go, or you can fill one out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit.
Cost and how long it takes
AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit if you are a member. Non-members pay $30 for one year or $45 for three years. AATA charges $15 for one year or $30 for three years. Prices may vary slightly by location, so call ahead to confirm.
The office will process your process while you wait. The entire visit usually takes 15 minutes. You will walk out with the permit in hand the same day — there is no waiting period or mail delivery.
The permit is valid until the expiration date printed on it or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your U.S. license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid, so you cannot renew just the IDP — you must renew your U.S. license first.
Where to explore: AAA versus AATA
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has offices in most states and is the larger of the two issuers. You do not have to be a member to get an IDP, but members pay less. You can find your nearest AAA office on their website and call to confirm they issue IDPs — not all offices do.
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is smaller and has fewer locations, but charges less than AAA for non-members. You can find AATA offices through their website. Both organizations issue the same permit; the difference is only in price and location.
If you live in a state with no AAA or AATA office nearby, you can sometimes mail in your process, but you will need to provide a certified copy of your driver's license instead of the original. Call the office first to ask whether they accept mail-in applications and what certified copies they will accept.
What the permit looks like and how to use it
The IDP is a small booklet, about the size of a passport, with your photo, name, license number, and translations of your license information in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese. It is not a replacement for your U.S. license — you must carry both documents when you drive.
When you rent a car abroad, show both your U.S. license and the IDP. Some rental companies will not rent to you without both. If you are stopped by police, show both documents. The IDP helps the officer understand that your U.S. license is valid, especially in countries where English is not widely spoken.
The IDP has no legal authority on its own. It is only useful as a companion to your U.S. license. If your U.S. license is suspended or revoked, the IDP becomes worthless.
Countries that require or recommend an IDP
Some countries legally require an IDP if you want to drive. These include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, and several others. Some countries do not require it but recommend it — your U.S. license alone may be accepted, but having the IDP makes interactions with police or rental companies smoother.
The rules change, and they vary by region within some countries. Before you book your trip, check the embassy or tourism website for your specific destination. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company what documents they require — some ask for an IDP even when the country does not legally require one.
If you are only visiting a country for a few days and not driving, you do not need an IDP. If you are driving, get one before you leave the United States. You cannot get one once you arrive.
What happens if you drive without an IDP in a country that requires one
If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can be fined. The fine amount varies by country — some charge $50 to $100, others charge more. In some cases, police may impound your car or refuse to let you continue driving.
Your U.S. car insurance may not cover an accident if you were driving illegally (without the required IDP). This means you could be liable for all damages out of your own pocket. Rental car companies may also refuse to cover damage if you were driving without the required documents.
Getting an IDP takes 15 minutes and costs $20 to $30. The risk of not having one is not worth the small amount of time and money it takes to get it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an international driver's license online?
No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. Websites that claim to issue international licenses online are scams. The only legitimate way to get one is to visit an office with your documents and pay in person.
Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting for a week and not driving?
No. An IDP is only for people who plan to drive. If you are using taxis, public transportation, or a hired driver, you do not need one. If you change your mind and decide to rent a car, you cannot get an IDP once you arrive — you would have needed to get it before you left.
What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?
You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your U.S. license first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP. The IDP will be valid only until your renewed U.S. license expires.
Is an international driver's license the same as an international driving permit?
Yes, these terms mean the same thing. The official name is International Driving Permit (IDP), but people often call it an international driver's license. It is the same document either way.
Can I use my IDP to drive in the United States?
No. An IDP is only for driving outside the United States. In the U.S., you must have a valid U.S. driver's license. The IDP is a translation document for use in other countries.