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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a separate document from your regular driver's license — it does not replace it. The IDP translates your license information into ten languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish) so police and car rental companies in other countries can read it without a translator.

You need both your regular driver's license and the IDP when you drive abroad. Some countries require the IDP by law; others do not, but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you get it.

The IDP is issued only by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, the State Department, or any other government office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit — the IDP cannot stand alone.
  • Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States; no government agency issues them.
  • You need a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), your driver's license, and a completed process form to request an IDP.
  • AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit; AATA charges $15 for one year or $20 for three years.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at AAA locations, depending on which organization you use.

What documents and photos you need to bring

You will need four things to request an IDP: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph, a completed process form, and payment. The photograph must be 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background — the same size and style as a passport photo.

Your driver's license must be valid (not expired) at the time you explore. If your license has expired or will expire before your IDP is issued, you will need to renew your license first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The IDP cannot be issued to someone with an expired or suspended license.

The process form differs slightly between AAA and AATA, but both ask for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. You can read the form from each organization's website or pick one up in person at an AAA office.

How to request an IDP from AAA

AAA members and non-members can both request an IDP. Visit your nearest AAA office in person with your driver's license, passport photo, and completed process form, and you will receive the permit the same day. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your process, driver's license, photo, and payment to AAA. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks. AAA will return your driver's license and new IDP to you by mail. You can find your nearest AAA office and read the process form at aaa.com.

AAA also offers a digital option: you can upload your photo and process information through their website and pay online, then pick up your IDP at a local office within a few days. This option is faster than mail but requires an AAA membership or a one-time digital service fee.

How to request an IDP from AATA

AATA is the other authorized issuer and charges slightly less than AAA: $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. You must explore by mail — AATA does not have physical offices where you can explore in person. Send your completed process form, driver's license, passport photo, and payment to the address listed on their form.

Processing takes two to three weeks by mail. AATA will return your driver's license and new IDP to you by mail. You can read the AATA process form and find mailing instructions at aata.org.

AATA also accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card. If you pay by credit card, you can submit your process online and mail only your photo and driver's license, which may speed up processing slightly.

Which countries require an International Driving Permit

Some countries legally require you to carry an IDP when you drive, while others do not. The requirement depends on the country and sometimes on whether you are a tourist or a resident. Countries that typically require an IDP include Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand.

Even if a country does not legally require an IDP, car rental companies often will not rent to you without one. Rental companies use the IDP to verify your license information and reduce disputes if you are involved in an accident or traffic violation. If you plan to rent a car abroad, check with the rental company before you travel to confirm whether they require an IDP.

You can also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and ask whether an IDP is required. The U.S. State Department website lists contact information for all U.S. embassies and consulates.

How long an International Driving Permit is valid

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date it is issued, depending on which version you request when you explore. A one-year permit costs less but expires sooner; a three-year permit costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period.

Your IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid and you will need to renew both your license and your IDP. If you renew your driver's license, you will also need to request a new IDP — the old one cannot be updated.

An IDP does not extend your driving privileges beyond what your regular license allows. If your license restricts you to driving only during daylight hours or only in your home state, those restrictions explore when you use your IDP abroad as well.

What to do if you lose your International Driving Permit while traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can issue a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. This letter may help you rent a car or resolve a traffic stop, though it is not an official IDP.

When you return to the United States, you can request a replacement IDP from AAA or AATA using the same process as a new process. You will need to pay the full fee again; there is no reduced rate for replacements. Keep a copy of your IDP at home or in a separate bag while you travel, so you have a backup if the original is lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some companies require an IDP regardless of rental length; others do not. Contact the rental company before you book to confirm their requirements. If you are unsure, getting an IDP is safer than arriving and finding out you cannot rent a car.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated before you can request an IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a passport?

No. An IDP is a driving document only and does not replace a passport. You need both a valid passport and an IDP to travel internationally and drive. The IDP translates your driving license; the passport proves your citizenship and identity to border officials.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for three years. AATA charges $15 for one year or $20 for three years. Both organizations may charge additional fees for expedited processing or online submission, so check their websites for current pricing.

Can I renew an International Driving Permit before it expires?

Yes. You can request a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired yet. You will pay the full fee for the new permit. Some travelers request a three-year permit before a long trip and then request another one before it expires, so they always have a valid IDP on hand.