An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your driver's license into multiple languages

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that shows your driving information — name, photo, driving record, license class — in ten languages. It is not a separate license. It works alongside your regular driver's license from your state, and many countries require you to carry both documents together when you drive.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, costs between $20 and $30, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries legally require it; others do not. Some car rental companies abroad will not rent to you without one. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements — your embassy website or the rental company can tell you whether an IDP is necessary for your trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP — the permit cannot replace it.
  • AAA and AATA are the only organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person at a local office.
  • You will need your driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches).
  • An IDP costs $20 to $30 and is issued on the spot; you do not have to wait for mail delivery.
  • Check your destination country's rules before you travel, because some countries do not recognize IDPs and some do not require them.

Documents you need to bring to AAA or AATA

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license. This is the foundation of the IDP — without an active license, you cannot get a permit.

Bring a passport or passport card. The IDP office will check it to verify your identity. A state ID card does not work for this step.

Bring one passport-style photo, 2 inches by 2 inches. You can have this taken at AAA itself if you do not have one already, though there is usually a small fee. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background, and you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat.

Bring payment. AAA and AATA accept cash, check, and credit or debit card. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.

How to find an AAA or AATA office near you

AAA has local offices in most states. Go to aaa.com, click "Find Local AAA," enter your zip code, and select the office closest to you. Call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and to ask about wait times — some offices get busy during travel season.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers all 50 states. Visit aata.org, use their office locator, and call to confirm the office is open and has availability. AATA offices are often in smaller cities where AAA may not have a branch.

Both organizations issue the same IDP document. The choice between them is straightforward which office is more convenient for you to visit.

What happens when you arrive at the office

Hand over your driver's license, passport or passport card, and photo. The staff member will fill out a form with your information — name, address, license number, and the classes of vehicles you are licensed to drive.

You will sign the form and the IDP booklet itself. The staff member will check that your signature matches your license and passport.

You will receive your IDP when ready. It is a small booklet, about the size of a passport. Keep it with your driver's license whenever you drive abroad. The permit is not mailed to you; you walk out with it in hand.

How long an IDP lasts and when to get a new one

A one-year IDP expires one year from the date of issue. A three-year IDP expires three years from the date of issue. Choose based on how often you travel internationally. If you take one trip every few years, the one-year permit is cheaper. If you travel abroad multiple times per year, the three-year permit saves money over time.

Your IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You do not need to replace the IDP when your license renews — you can continue using the same IDP as long as it has not expired and your license has not expired.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, return to AAA or AATA with your driver's license and passport to request a replacement. You will pay the full fee again.

Countries that require or recognize an IDP

Some countries legally require an IDP. These include Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Spain. If you drive in any of these places without an IDP and your U.S. license, you may face a fine or be unable to rent a car.

Many other countries do not require an IDP but will accept one if you have it. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all and rely only on your U.S. license and an official translation.

Before you book a rental car or travel to a new country, check the specific rules. Contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States, or ask the rental car company directly. This takes five minutes and prevents problems at the border or when you try to rent a vehicle.

What an IDP does not do

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you would not otherwise be allowed to drive. It does not change your age, your license class, or your driving record. If you are too young to rent a car in a country, an IDP will not lower the age requirement. If your license is suspended or revoked, an IDP will not restore your driving privileges.

An IDP is a translation tool, not a legal document that overrides local law. It exists to help police officers and rental companies understand your U.S. license when they cannot read English well. That is its only function.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some rental companies in Europe require an IDP regardless of trip length. Others do not. Contact the rental company before you book to ask whether an IDP is required. If it is, you can get one the same day you travel if you visit AAA or AATA in the morning.

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their offices. You must appear with your documents and have your photo taken or verified. There is no mail-in or online option.

What if my U.S. driver's license is from a different state than where I live now?

You can still get an IDP. Bring your current valid U.S. driver's license, your passport or passport card, and your photo. The state that issued your license does not matter — AAA and AATA will issue an IDP based on any valid U.S. license.

Is an IDP the same as an International Driver's License?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "International Driver's License" refer to the same document. Some people use the terms interchangeably, though "International Driving Permit" is the official name used by AAA and AATA.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement letter or document to carry with your driver's license until you return home. Once you are back in the United States, visit AAA or AATA to get a new IDP booklet.