What an International Driver's License 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 on it alone. You must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP together. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company that your U.S. license is valid, because they can read what it says.
The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations the U.S. State Department has authorized to issue them. You get one from whichever organization is convenient for you — they issue the same document. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose, and costs between $15 and $20.
Many countries do not require an IDP if your U.S. license is in English and not expired. However, some countries do require one, and rental car companies often ask for one even when the country does not. If you are renting a car or driving in a country where English is not widely spoken, getting an IDP removes a potential problem before you travel.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and you must carry your U.S. license with it at all times.
- AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and they issue identical documents.
- You can get an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail through AAA, or online through AATA, with processing times ranging from same-day to two weeks.
- An IDP costs $15 to $20 and lasts either one or three years, and you choose the length when you order.
- Check with your rental car company and destination country before you travel, because requirements vary and some places do not require an IDP at all.
Getting an IDP Through AAA
If you are an AAA member, the fastest way to get an IDP is to visit an AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed process form. AAA can issue the permit on the spot in most locations. If you are not near an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person, you can mail in your process with the same documents, and AAA will send the IDP back to you within two weeks.
You do not have to be an AAA member to get an IDP from AAA. Non-members can order by mail or visit an office, though some offices may charge a small additional fee for non-members. Call your local AAA office or check the AAA website to confirm whether they issue IDPs to non-members and what the process is in your area.
When you order, you will choose whether you want the IDP valid for one year or three years. The one-year permit costs less but expires sooner. The three-year permit costs more upfront but is cheaper per year if you travel regularly. If you are unsure how long you will need it, the one-year option is a safe choice.
Getting an IDP Through AATA Online
The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs online through their website, and the process takes about five to ten business days. You upload a digital photo, provide your driver's license number and expiration date, and pay by credit card. AATA emails you a confirmation, and the physical permit arrives in the mail.
The online route is convenient if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer to avoid a trip. The cost is the same as AAA, and the document is identical. Like AAA, you choose one-year or three-year validity when you order. AATA's website clearly states which countries require an IDP, which can help you decide whether to order before you book your trip.
What You Need to Bring or Provide
For an in-person process at AAA, you need three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches, color or black and white), and a completed process form. AAA provides the form at the office, or you can read it from their website and fill it out ahead of time. The photo must show your face clearly and be taken within the last six months.
For a mail process through AAA, the requirements are the same: your license, a photo, and the signed process. Mail everything to the address AAA provides on the form. Do not mail your original license — AAA only needs to see the information on it, so a photocopy is acceptable.
For AATA's online process, you do not need a physical photo. Instead, you upload a digital image of your face. Your driver's license number and expiration date are entered directly into the form. You will need a credit card to pay.
How Long It Takes and When You Need It
If you go to an AAA office in person, you can walk out with your IDP the same day in most cases. If you mail your process to AAA, allow two weeks for processing and mail delivery. AATA's online process takes five to ten business days from the time you submit until the permit arrives in your mailbox.
Plan ahead if you are traveling soon. If your trip is within a week, visit an AAA office in person. If your trip is two to four weeks away, mail your process or use AATA's online service. If you are not sure whether you need an IDP, contact your rental car company or check the embassy website for your destination country — they can tell you whether one is required.
Your IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you chose. It expires on the date printed on the front. You do not renew an IDP — you order a new one when the old one expires. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad, so keep it with your license at all times.
Where Your IDP Is and Is Not Accepted
An IDP is recognized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which means it is accepted in most countries that are signatories to that treaty. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and many others. However, some countries do not recognize it, and some countries that recognize it do not require it if your U.S. license is in English and valid.
Rental car companies are more likely to ask for an IDP than government authorities are. Many major rental agencies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required, because it simplifies their paperwork and reduces disputes. If you are renting a car, contact the rental company before you travel and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination.
A few countries — including China, Russia, and some Middle Eastern nations — do not recognize the IDP at all. If you plan to drive in these places, you will need an official translation of your U.S. license from that country's government, which is a different process. Check the embassy website for your destination before you book your trip.
Cost and Validity Comparison
| Provider | In-Person | By Mail | Online | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | Same day | 2 weeks | Not available | Varies |
| AATA | Not available | Not available | 5–10 business days | 5–10 business days |
Both AAA and AATA charge the same price: approximately $15 for a one-year permit and $20 for a three-year permit. Prices may vary slightly by location or membership status. The document itself is identical regardless of which organization issues it, so choose based on convenience — whichever method gets you the permit fastest before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just my International Driving Permit and no U.S. license?
No. The IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license. If a police officer stops you and you have only the IDP, you will be considered unlicensed. Always carry both documents together when driving abroad.
Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip to Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP if your U.S. license is valid and in English. However, some rental car companies ask for one anyway. Call your rental company before you pick up the car and ask whether they require it. If they do not, you can skip it for a short trip.
What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
You cannot renew or replace an IDP while abroad. If your permit expires during your trip, you will have only your U.S. license. In most countries, this is still legal if your U.S. license is valid. However, you may have difficulty renting another car or explaining your license to police. Order a new IDP before your trip if it will expire soon.
Is an IDP the same as an international license?
No. An international license does not exist. Some countries issue their own driving permits that are recognized internationally, but the U.S. does not. The IDP is the closest equivalent — it is a translation document that helps foreign authorities understand your U.S. license, but it is not a license itself.
Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or expired?
No. Your U.S. license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's DMV before you order an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally in the U.S. or abroad, and an IDP will not change that.