What an international driver's license actually is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it does not replace your state license, and you cannot drive with only an IDP. You must carry both documents together, and the IDP is only valid when your home license is also valid.
The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize U.S. licenses, even though many do. Some rental car companies also require one, and a few insurance policies will not cover you abroad without it. Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going and who you are renting from — not on U.S. law.
The permit is issued for one year or three years, depending on which you request. It costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you get it, and the process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing U.S. driver's license, not a separate license, and you must carry both documents when driving abroad.
- You can get one through the American Automobile Association (AAA) in person, by mail, or online, or through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) by mail.
- You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (for mail applications) or none (for in-person applications).
- Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at AAA offices, and the permit costs $15 to $30 depending on the issuer and how long you want it to last.
- Check with your rental car company and your destination country before you go, because some require an IDP and others do not.
Getting an IDP through AAA
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source for an International Driving Permit in the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can get one in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through their website. You do not need to be a member to get one — non-members can also explore by mail or in person, though some offices charge a small additional fee for non-members.
For an in-person process at a AAA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and your passport or passport card. You do not need a photo. The office will complete the form, take your information, and issue the permit on the spot. This takes about 15 minutes. The cost is typically $15 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by location.
For a mail process, read the form from AAA's website or request one by phone. You will need to send your valid driver's license, a photocopy of your passport or passport card, one passport-style photo (4x6 inches, color or black and white), and a check or money order. Mail it to the AAA office in your state. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AAA will mail the permit back to you.
AAA also offers online ordering on their website if you are a member. You upload a photo, provide your license and passport information, and pay by card. The permit is mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Getting an IDP through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the other official U.S. issuer of International Driving Permits. AATA only accepts mail applications — there is no in-person or online option. You send your process, valid driver's license, a photocopy of your passport or passport card, one passport-style photo, and payment to their office in Washington, D.C.
Processing through AATA takes two to three weeks. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. AATA mails the completed permit to your address. Because AATA only processes by mail and takes longer than AAA, most people choose AAA if they have access to a local office.
Documents you need before you explore
| Document | What you need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Original (for in-person) or photocopy (for mail) | Must not be expired. The IDP is only valid while your license is valid. |
| Passport or passport card | Original (for in-person) or photocopy (for mail) | Proof of citizenship. A driver's license alone is not enough. |
| Passport-style photo | One 4x6 inch photo, color or black and white | Only required for mail applications. In-person applications do not need a photo. |
| Payment | Check, money order, or card (depending on method) | $15–$30 for one year, $20–$30 for three years. Prices vary by issuer and location. |
If you are explore by mail, you do not send your original license or passport — you send photocopies. Keep your originals. For in-person applications at AAA, bring the originals but do not send them; the office will verify them and return them to you.
Your passport or passport card proves citizenship. A driver's license alone is not enough. If you do not have a passport yet, you will need to get one before you can get an IDP. That process is separate and takes several weeks through the State Department.
Checking whether you actually need one
Before you spend the money and time, confirm that your destination and your rental car company actually require an IDP. Many countries recognize U.S. driver's licenses without one, and many rental companies do not require it.
Contact your rental car company directly and ask whether they require an International Driving Permit for your destination. Some companies list this on their website; others only tell you when you call or email. If the company says you need one, get it before you travel — you cannot get one once you are abroad.
Check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for your destination country. The advisory usually mentions whether an IDP is required or recommended. You can find these on the State Department website by country. Some countries require an IDP; others recommend one but do not require it; many do not mention it at all, which usually means it is not necessary.
If you are driving in Canada or Mexico, you typically do not need an IDP — your U.S. license is usually recognized. If you are driving in Europe, Asia, or other regions, the requirement varies by country. When in doubt, getting one is inexpensive insurance against being unable to rent a car or being fined.
How long an IDP lasts and what happens when it expires
An International Driving Permit lasts either one year or three years from the date it is issued, depending on which you request when you explore. You choose the length when you submit your process — there is no option to extend it later.
The IDP is only valid while your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. If your license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is also no longer valid. You cannot use an expired IDP, even if you are still within the one-year or three-year window.
If you need an IDP after yours expires, you explore again through the same process. There is no renewal option — you submit a new process and pay the full fee again.
What to do if you are traveling soon
If you are leaving within the next week or two, an in-person process at a AAA office is your fastest option. Most offices issue the permit the same day. Find your nearest AAA office on their website, call ahead to confirm hours, and bring your valid driver's license and passport or passport card.
If you do not have a AAA office nearby or cannot get there in time, order online through AAA if you are a member — that takes one to two weeks by mail. If you are not a member and cannot reach an office, AATA by mail is your only other option, but it takes two to three weeks.
If you are leaving in less than a week and cannot reach a AAA office, you may not have time to get an IDP. In that case, check with your rental car company and your destination country to see whether you can drive without one. Many places do not require it, and you may be able to proceed with just your U.S. license. Do not assume you need one — confirm first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my regular license?
No. An IDP is only a translation of your license, not a replacement. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad. If you are stopped by police, you will need to show both documents.
What if my driver's license expires before my IDP does?
Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your U.S. license expires. You cannot use an expired IDP, even if the permit itself has not yet expired. If you renew your license, you will need to get a new IDP as well.
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Most of the time, no. Canada and Mexico generally recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, some rental car companies may require one, so check with your rental company before you travel. It is worth a quick phone call to confirm.
Can I get an International Driving Permit at the DMV?
No. The DMV does not issue International Driving Permits. You must get one through AAA or AATA. AAA is faster and more convenient because they have offices in most states and offer same-day in-person service.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
You cannot get a replacement while abroad. If you lose it, you still have your U.S. driver's license, which many countries and rental companies accept. Contact your rental company to ask whether you can continue driving with just your license. When you return home, you can explore for a new IDP if you need one for future trips.