An international driver's license is a translation of your domestic license that some countries require to rent a car or prove your identity abroad

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license that replaces your regular driver's license. It is a document that translates your existing license into ten languages and confirms to foreign authorities that you hold a valid license at home. Some countries will not rent you a car without one. Others do not require it but accept it as proof of identity when your passport alone might raise questions. Whether you need one depends on where you are going and what you plan to do there.

The United States does not issue IDPs directly. Instead, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from a government office, and you cannot get one online — you must explore in person or by mail with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport photo.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license that some countries require to rent a car or use as a secondary form of identification.
  • Only the AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person or by mail with your current driver's license and a passport photo.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which organization issues it.
  • Many European countries and rental companies in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East require an IDP alongside your U.S. license, while Canada and Mexico generally do not.
  • An IDP does not replace your domestic license and is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license.

Which countries actually require an International Driving Permit

Requirements vary by country and by rental company. Some nations have a legal requirement written into their traffic laws. Others do not require it by law but rental agencies will refuse to rent to you without one. The safest approach is to contact the rental company or your destination's tourism board before you book travel.

Countries that commonly require an IDP include most of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, and others), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and many countries in South America and Africa. The United Kingdom, Canada, and Mexico generally do not require one, though some rental companies in those countries may still ask for it. If you are renting a car, the rental agreement will specify what documents you need — check before you arrive.

Even if your destination does not legally require an IDP, carrying one can be useful. It serves as a secondary form of identification if you lose your passport, and it removes any ambiguity about whether your U.S. license is valid in that country. Police in some countries may be more willing to accept it than a license they cannot read.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA

The AAA issues IDPs at most of its local offices. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport photo (2x2 inches), and the process form, which you can read from the AAA website or fill out in person. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. Processing takes about 15 minutes if you explore in person at a local office. If you mail your process, allow two to three weeks.

The AATA also issues IDPs by mail. You send them your completed process form, a copy of your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and a check or money order. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $25 for a three-year permit. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. The AATA does not have physical offices, so mail is your only option with them.

Both organizations require that your U.S. driver's license be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired, you must renew it first. The IDP itself is valid only when carried together with your original U.S. license — it cannot be used alone.

What information the permit contains and how long it lasts

The International Driving Permit contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the date it was issued, and the date it expires. It also lists the vehicle categories you are licensed to drive in the United States (such as cars, motorcycles, or commercial vehicles). The document is printed in English on one side and in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian on the other.

An IDP issued by AAA or AATA is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which term you purchase. It expires on the date printed on the permit, not on the date your U.S. driver's license expires. If you renew your U.S. license, you do not automatically get a new IDP — you must purchase a new one if you need it.

When you do not need an International Driving Permit

If you are not renting a car, you may not need an IDP at all. Many travelers carry one as backup identification, but it is not required for entry into any country. Your passport is your primary travel document, and your U.S. driver's license is sufficient for identification in most situations.

If you are traveling to Canada or Mexico and renting a car, check with your rental company first. Most major rental agencies in those countries accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP. If you are driving your own car across the border, you do not need an IDP — your U.S. license is valid in both countries.

If you are traveling by public transportation, taxi, or ride-sharing services, you will not need to present a driving permit. An IDP is only relevant when you are renting a vehicle or when a foreign authority asks for proof of your driving status.

What happens if you drive without an IDP in a country that requires one

If you rent a car in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, the rental company will not give you the keys. They check your documents before handing over the vehicle. If you somehow obtain a car without presenting an IDP and are stopped by police, you could face a fine, vehicle impoundment, or both, depending on local traffic laws.

The penalty varies by country. In some European nations, driving without the required documents can result in fines of €100 to €500 or more. In others, the police may straightforward issue a warning and ask you to produce the documents within a set time. The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you travel if there is any chance you will need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. driver's license?

Many European rental companies will not rent to you without an International Driving Permit, even though some countries do not legally require one. Check with your rental company before booking. If you are driving a car you own or renting from a private individual, your U.S. license may be sufficient, but an IDP removes any doubt.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you can receive your permit in about 15 minutes. If you mail your process to AAA or AATA, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that supplements your U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and cannot be used alone. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada?

Most major rental companies in Canada accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some smaller rental agencies may request one. Contact your rental company before your trip to confirm their requirements.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If your permit expires during your trip, you should not drive a rental car. Plan your travel dates so that your IDP remains valid throughout your time abroad, or purchase a new one before you leave.