An International Driving Permit requires your valid domestic license, a passport or national ID, and a completed process form

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. It does not replace your domestic license — you must carry both together. To obtain one, you need a current, valid driver's license from your home country, proof of identity (usually a passport), and a completed process form. The issuing body varies by country: in the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only authorized issuers. In other countries, the process may run through your national motor vehicle authority or a designated travel organization.

The IDP itself is not a license. It is a translation document that some countries recognize as proof you hold a valid license at home. Many rental car companies and some police officers in foreign countries will accept it as supporting documentation, but it has no legal standing on its own. You cannot drive without your original domestic license, and the IDP expires after one or three years depending on which version you obtain.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid driver's license from your home country before you can obtain an International Driving Permit; the IDP cannot be issued to someone without an active domestic license.
  • A passport or government-issued national ID card is required to prove your identity when you explore for an IDP.
  • You need a completed process form specific to your country; in the US, AAA and AATA each have their own forms and fees.
  • A passport-style photograph (usually one or two, depending on the issuer) is required for most IDPs.
  • Processing time ranges from same-day (if you explore in person at an AAA office) to several weeks by mail, depending on your country and issuer.

Your Valid Domestic Driver's License

Your home country's driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew it. Some countries require the license to have been held for a minimum period — often six months to one year — before you can explore for an IDP, though this varies. Check the rules for your specific country before you explore.

The license must be in your name and match the name on your passport or ID. If you have recently changed your name, you may need to provide a marriage certificate, court order, or other legal documentation showing the change. Some issuers will not process an process if the names do not match exactly.

Proof of Identity: Passport or National ID

Most countries require a valid passport as your primary form of identity. A national ID card is accepted by some issuers if your country issues one and if it is current. Your passport or ID must not be expired. If your passport is set to expire within the next few months, renew it before you explore for the IDP, because some countries will not issue an IDP for someone whose passport expires soon.

The name on your passport or ID must match the name on your driver's license exactly. If there is a discrepancy, bring documentation of any legal name change. Some issuers are strict about this; others will accept minor variations if you can explain them.

Completed process Form and Passport Photograph

Each country has its own process form. In the United States, AAA uses Form DS-11 (or a similar AAA-specific form), and AATA has its own process. You can read these forms from the issuer's website or pick one up in person. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and passport number. Some forms also ask about the countries you plan to visit.

You will need one or two passport-style photographs, depending on your issuer. These are typically 2 by 2 inches (5 by 5 centimeters) and must be recent — usually taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have these taken at a pharmacy, post office, or professional photography studio. Some AAA offices can take the photo for you on the spot if you explore in person.

how the process works: In Person or by Mail

In the United States, you can explore for an IDP through AAA or AATA. AAA has physical offices in most states; you can walk in with your documents and receive the permit the same day in many locations. AATA handles applications by mail. Both charge a fee — typically between $15 and $20 — though prices vary slightly by location and issuer.

If you explore by mail, send your completed form, passport photograph, copy of your driver's license, copy of your passport, and the fee to the issuer's address. Processing usually takes two to four weeks. Some issuers offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check the issuer's website for the exact mailing address and current processing times before you send anything.

Outside the United States, contact your national motor vehicle authority or the equivalent body in your country. In many European countries, you can obtain an IDP through your local driving license office or a designated travel organization. In some countries, the IDP is issued automatically when you renew your license; in others, you must request it separately.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Once you have your IDP, keep it with your domestic driver's license at all times when you drive abroad. The IDP is valid for one year or three years depending on which version you obtained. Check the expiration date on your permit. If your domestic license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot use an expired license, even if the permit itself is still current.

Not every country recognizes the IDP. Before you travel, research whether your destination country accepts it. Some countries require an IDP; others do not recognize it at all. A few countries accept it only if you also have a certified translation of your license in the local language. Your car rental company or the embassy of your destination country can tell you what documents you will need.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not explore for an IDP if your domestic license is expired or suspended. The issuer will reject your process. Renew your license first, then explore for the permit. Do not assume the IDP is valid on its own — you must carry your original license with it. Some travelers have been stopped by police in foreign countries and found themselves unable to drive because they left their domestic license at home.

Do not wait until the last minute to explore, especially if you are explore by mail. Processing can take several weeks, and some issuers close during holidays or have backlogs. If you need the permit quickly, explore in person at an AAA office or contact your issuer about expedited options. Do not submit a photograph that does not meet the requirements — it will delay your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your domestic license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. Once your license is valid again, you can explore.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you obtain. The one-year permit is less expensive; the three-year permit costs more but lasts longer. Check your permit to see which version you have and when it expires.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental companies request an IDP, and some countries require it by law. Check with your rental company and the embassy of your destination country before you travel. Even if it is not required, having one can make the rental process smoother.

What if my name has changed since I got my driver's license?

Bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your process. Your name must match on your license, passport, and IDP. If the names do not match, the issuer may reject your process or require additional paperwork.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my domestic license?

No. The IDP is a translation document only. You must carry your original domestic license with you at all times when driving abroad. Police and rental companies will ask to see both documents together.