What documents and steps you need for an international driving permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive in foreign countries. You do not need one to drive in most places — your regular U.S. driver's license works in Canada, Mexico, and many European countries — but some nations require it, and rental companies sometimes demand it even when the country does not.

To get an IDP, you need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government ID, a recent passport-style photo, and cash or a check. You explore in person at your local AAA office or through certain state motor vehicle departments. The whole process takes about 15 minutes, and the permit costs between $15 and $20. An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.

The IDP is not a replacement for your driver's license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. If you lose your license, the IDP becomes useless. Many countries will not accept an IDP without the original license it was issued alongside.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a current U.S. driver's license, a passport or state ID, a passport-style photo, and payment to get an IDP.
  • AAA is the main issuer in the United States, though some state motor vehicle departments also issue them directly.
  • An IDP costs $15 to $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person; online orders are not available.
  • You must carry your original driver's license and your IDP together — the permit alone is not valid for driving.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years; check your destination country's requirements before you travel, because not all countries recognize them.

Documents you must bring to the AAA office or motor vehicle department

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license. It must not be expired, and it must be a standard driver's license — learner's permits and commercial licenses have different rules. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP.

Bring a government-issued photo ID in addition to your driver's license. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID card all work. Some AAA offices will accept a military ID. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm what they accept in your area.

Bring one passport-style photo. It must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get passport photos at AAA offices, drugstore photo departments, or online services — the cost is usually $10 to $15 for a set of four. If you bring a photo taken more than six months ago, the office may refuse it.

Bring payment. AAA charges $15 for a one-year IDP or $20 for a three-year IDP. Some offices accept cash, check, or credit card; a few accept only cash. Call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

How to find and visit an AAA office near you

AAA issues most IDPs in the United States. You can find your nearest office by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator tool, or by calling AAA's main number. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs — some smaller branches do not — so confirm by phone or online before you drive there.

Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times vary. Some offices are busy during lunch hours or on weekends. If you want to avoid a wait, call ahead and ask when they are least busy, or ask whether you can make an appointment.

Bring all four documents listed above. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will fill out a short form (AAA form IADP), sign it, provide your photo, and pay. You will receive your IDP when ready — you do not have to wait for it to be mailed.

Getting an IDP through your state motor vehicle department

Some states issue IDPs directly through their motor vehicle department or driver's license office, without going through AAA. This option is available in a limited number of states, and the process and cost vary. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to see whether they issue IDPs and what their requirements are.

If your state does issue them, you will typically need the same documents: a valid driver's license, government ID, passport photo, and payment. The cost is usually similar to AAA's price, though some states charge less. You may be able to explore by mail in some cases, though most states require you to appear in person.

The advantage of going through your state is that you may save time if you are already renewing your license or handling other motor vehicle business. The disadvantage is that fewer locations offer the service, so you may have to travel farther than you would to reach an AAA office.

Validity, expiration, and what happens when your IDP expires

An IDP is valid for one year or three years, depending on which version you request when you explore. A one-year permit costs $15; a three-year permit costs $20. Choose based on how often you travel internationally. If you travel once every few years, the three-year permit is better value. If you travel frequently or your plans are uncertain, the one-year permit lets you avoid paying for unused time.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the front. Unlike a driver's license, you cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid, so plan ahead if you are taking a long trip.

Your IDP is also invalid if your driver's license expires or is suspended. If your license is revoked or suspended for any reason, stop using your IDP when ready. If your license expires, your IDP becomes useless even if the permit itself has not expired yet.

Countries that require or recognize an IDP

Not every country recognizes an IDP, and some countries require one while others only recommend it. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for your destination through the U.S. State Department's travel advisory pages or by contacting the country's embassy or consulate.

Many European countries recognize an IDP but do not require it if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some rental car companies in Europe demand an IDP even when the country does not legally require one. Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian countries do require an IDP. Some countries require an IDP only if your license is not in English or if you are staying longer than a certain period.

Rental car companies have their own policies separate from national law. Even if a country does not require an IDP, the rental company you book with may refuse to rent to you without one. Check your rental agreement or call the company before you travel to confirm their requirements.

What to do if you lose your IDP or driver's license while traveling

If you lose your IDP but still have your driver's license, you can usually continue driving, though you lose the translation benefit. However, some countries or rental companies may not accept a license without its corresponding IDP. Contact your rental company when ready if this happens.

If you lose your driver's license while abroad, your IDP is no longer valid. You will need to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country for help. They can issue a temporary driving permit that may allow you to drive or rent a car until you return to the United States. The process and requirements vary by country, so call the embassy as soon as possible.

To avoid this situation, keep your IDP and driver's license in separate places while traveling. Some travelers keep one in their wallet and one in their hotel safe, or one in a carry-on bag and one in checked luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in Mexico may ask for one, so check your rental agreement. If you are driving your own car, your U.S. license is sufficient, though you should also carry your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

Can I order an IDP online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA office or your state motor vehicle department. There is no online or mail-in process. You will receive your IDP when ready after you explore, so you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail.

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

You can use your out-of-state license to get an IDP at any AAA office in any state. You do not need to update your license first. Bring your current out-of-state license, a government ID, a passport photo, and payment.

Is an IDP the same as an International Driving License?

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by AAA and your state motor vehicle department. An "International Driving License" is not a real document — it is a scam. Do not pay for an International Driving License from any website or service. Only get an IDP from AAA or your state motor vehicle department.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I am leaving soon?

You receive your IDP when ready when you explore in person. If you need one before a trip, visit an AAA office or motor vehicle department as soon as you can. There is no expedited process, but since you get it on the spot, you do not have to wait for mail delivery.