What an International Driver's Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. 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. The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize U.S. licenses, and border officials may not read English.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, from the federal government, or from any other source. If a website claims to issue an IDP for a fee, it is not legitimate.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It is not renewable — when it expires, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive abroad again. The permit is only useful outside the United States; you do not need it for driving within the U.S., even if you are a foreign visitor.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP; the IDP is a translation document, not a replacement.
  • Only AAA and AATA issue legitimate IDPs, and both charge the same fee, which varies slightly by location but is typically $20.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail through either organization, and the in-person route takes minutes while mail takes one to two weeks.
  • An IDP is valid for one year only and cannot be renewed; you must order a new one each time you travel internationally and want to drive.
  • Some countries do not require an IDP even though they do not recognize U.S. licenses, so check your destination's specific rules before you pay for one.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, the fastest route is to visit an AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The staff will complete the form on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit when ready. The entire process takes about ten minutes. The fee is typically $20, though some regional AAA offices charge slightly different amounts.

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your process to AAA. You will need to read the IDP process form from the AAA website, fill it out by hand, include a photocopy of your driver's license, include one passport-style photo, and include a check or money order for the fee. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AAA will mail the IDP back to you.

AAA membership is not required to get an IDP through AAA, though members may receive a small discount at some locations. Non-members pay the same base fee and follow the same process.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. You will need to read the process form from the AATA website, fill it out, include a photocopy of your driver's license, include one passport-style photo, and include a check or money order for the fee (typically $20). Mail the packet to the address on the form.

AATA processing takes one to two weeks. Because AATA has no physical offices, this route is slower than visiting an AAA office in person, but it is useful if you live far from any AAA location or prefer to handle everything by mail. The fee and requirements are identical to AAA's.

What Documents You Need and How to Prepare Them

Before you contact either organization, gather these items: a valid U.S. driver's license (it must not be expired), one passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months), and the process form (available on the AAA or AATA website). If you are explore by mail, you will also need a check or money order for the fee.

The passport photo is the most common stumbling block. You cannot use a photo from your phone or a regular snapshot. Many CVS, Walgreens, and post offices offer passport photo services for $10 to $15. If you already have a passport, you can use a spare copy of that photo. Some AAA offices will take the photo for you on the spot if you do not have one, though not all locations offer this service — call ahead to confirm.

Do not send original documents by mail. Make a photocopy of your driver's license and send that, not the original. Keep your original license with you.

Timeline and When to Order

If you need an IDP for a trip, order it at least three weeks before you leave. In-person at AAA takes minutes, but you still need time to get a passport photo if you do not have one. Mail through either organization takes one to two weeks, plus a few days for mail delivery on both ends.

If your trip is sooner than three weeks away, visit an AAA office in person. This is the only way to get an IDP quickly. If no AAA office is near you and your trip is very soon, you may not have time to get an IDP before you leave — in that case, check whether your destination actually requires one (see the next section).

Order a new IDP before your old one expires if you plan to drive internationally again. An expired IDP is not valid, and some rental car companies will not rent to you if your IDP has expired, even if your driver's license is current.

Checking Whether Your Destination Actually Requires an IDP

Not every country requires an IDP, even though many do not recognize U.S. licenses. Some countries accept a U.S. license with an English translation, some accept a U.S. license alone, and some require an IDP. The rules vary by country and sometimes by region within a country.

Before you pay for an IDP, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask whether an IDP is required for driving. You can also check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page for that country, which often lists driving requirements. Some car rental companies will also tell you what documents they require when you book.

If your destination does not require an IDP, you can save the $20 and straightforward carry your U.S. driver's license and passport. If the country requires an IDP but you do not have time to get one before your trip, you may need to use a taxi, rideshare, or hired driver instead of renting a car.

Using Your IDP Abroad and What to Carry

Always carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. Do not carry only the IDP. If a police officer or border official stops you, present both documents. The IDP translates your license information, but the license itself is the official document that proves you are licensed to drive.

Keep both documents in a safe place while traveling — do not leave them in a rental car or hotel room. If your IDP is lost or stolen, you cannot get a replacement while abroad; you would need to return to the U.S. and obtain a new one. If your U.S. license is lost or stolen, contact your state's DMV to request an emergency replacement or a duplicate, which can sometimes be done while traveling if you have access to a computer and can pay by credit card.

The IDP has no legal standing in the United States. You do not need it for driving within the U.S., and it does not replace your state license for any purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired when you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it through your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. You cannot use an expired license to get an IDP, even if you are renewing it.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car but not driving myself?

No. An IDP is only for people who will be driving. If someone else will drive the rental car, that person needs an IDP if required by the country, but you do not.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

You cannot get a replacement IDP while abroad. If you lose it, you can still drive with your U.S. license alone in some countries, but in others you may not be able to rent a car or drive legally. Contact your car rental company when ready to ask what to do. When you return to the U.S., you can obtain a new IDP from AAA or AATA.

Can I use an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses, so an IDP is not required for driving in either country. You only need your valid U.S. license. However, you will need your passport or passport card to cross the border, and some car rental companies may ask to see additional documents.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries to their citizens for driving abroad. You cannot get an international license from the U.S. — only an IDP. If you are a citizen of another country, you may be able to get an international license from that country's government.