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 — it is a booklet that translates your existing driver's license into multiple languages. Most countries do not require one, but some do, and a few will only accept one if your domestic license is not in the Latin alphabet. Whether you need one depends entirely on where you are going and what you plan to do there.

The permit is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issue them. You cannot get one from a government DMV office. The permit costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person, or a few days by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a replacement license, and is issued by automobile associations, not government agencies.
  • Most European countries, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require an IDP if your domestic license is valid and in English or Latin characters.
  • Some countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East do require an IDP, and a few will not rent you a car without one, even if your domestic license is valid.
  • You must carry both your domestic license and the IDP together — the permit alone is not proof you can drive.
  • The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it expires even if your domestic license does not.

Which countries actually require an International Driving Permit

The countries that require an IDP are scattered and do not follow a single rule. China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand require one. Most Middle Eastern countries require one. Many African nations require one. Most of Europe does not — the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands all accept a valid domestic license in English or Latin characters.

Car rental companies are a separate question from governments. Some rental agencies in countries that do not legally require an IDP will refuse to rent to you without one anyway. This is a company policy, not a law. Before you book, check the rental company's website or call them directly and ask whether they require an IDP. If you are renting through a major international chain like Hertz or Enterprise, their website usually states the requirement clearly.

If you are driving a car you own or are borrowing one, the government's requirement is what matters. If you are renting, the rental company's requirement is what matters, and it can be stricter than the law.

How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office. You cannot order one online or by phone. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept photos taken on the spot for an additional fee.

The permit costs $15 to $20 depending on which office you visit. You can request a one-year permit or a three-year permit. The one-year permit is cheaper. The permit is issued on the spot in most cases, though some offices may ask you to return the next day.

If you do not have an AAA or AATA office near you, you can mail in an process. Contact AAA or AATA directly for a mail-in form. The process takes about two weeks, and you will need to include a check or money order. Mail-in applications cost slightly more than in-person applications.

What to do if you arrive in a country and realize you need an International Driving Permit

If you are already abroad and a rental company or police officer tells you that you need an IDP, you cannot get one while you are outside the United States. The permit must be issued by an automobile association in your home country. You cannot obtain one from a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Your options are to rent from a different company that does not require one, use a taxi or ride-sharing service instead, or cut your trip short and return home. Some travelers have had success calling their home country's automobile association and asking whether they can issue a permit to be picked up at a U.S. embassy, but this is not may provide and takes several days.

The lesson is to check the requirement before you leave. If you think you might need one, get it before you travel. It takes 15 minutes and costs $15 to $20.

Whether your domestic license alone is enough

In most developed countries, a valid domestic driver's license is sufficient. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand all accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. Your license must not be expired, and it must be the physical card — a digital copy on your phone is not accepted.

Some countries accept a domestic license but also recommend carrying an IDP as backup. Japan is an example: the law does not strictly require an IDP, but many rental companies require one, and police may be more cooperative if you have one. In these cases, getting an IDP is optional but practical.

If your license is in a non-Latin alphabet — for example, if you hold a license from Russia, China, or the Middle East — an IDP becomes much more useful even in countries that do not legally require one. It gives police and rental agents a document they can read.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew it

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request. The three-year permit costs more but is the better value if you travel frequently. The permit expires on its own schedule, separate from your domestic license. If your domestic license is valid but your IDP has expired, you will need to renew the IDP before traveling to a country that requires it.

You renew an IDP the same way you obtain one: in person at an AAA or AATA office, or by mail. There is no online renewal. If you are traveling soon and your IDP is about to expire, renew it before you leave.

What to carry and how to use your International Driving Permit

You must carry both your domestic driver's license and your International Driving Permit together. The IDP is not a standalone document. If a police officer or rental agent asks to see your license, show both. If you are stopped by police and have only the IDP and not your domestic license, you may be treated as if you have no license at all.

The IDP is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. Keep it in your wallet or travel documents, close to your domestic license. Do not laminate it or write on it. If it is damaged or lost, you will need to obtain a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, in most European countries. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and many others accept a valid U.S. license. Your license must be the physical card and must not be expired. An IDP is not required by law in these countries, though some car rental companies may request one.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP. Mexico does not legally require one either, but some car rental companies in Mexico request one. Check with your rental company before you book. If you are driving your own car, a valid U.S. license is sufficient in both countries.

What if my driver's license is expired but I have an International Driving Permit?

An expired domestic license makes the IDP invalid as well. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if your IDP is current. Renew your domestic license before you travel.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

A one-year permit costs $15 to $20, and a three-year permit costs $20 to $30, depending on which AAA or AATA office issues it. Mail-in applications cost slightly more. The price does not include the passport photo, which may cost an additional $5 to $10 if you need one taken.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a learner's permit or a suspended license?

No. You must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license to obtain an IDP. A learner's permit or a suspended license does not may have access to. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in any country.