What an international driver's license actually is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid 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, and your U.S. license remains the one that proves you are licensed to drive.
The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize U.S. licenses, even though many do. Some car rental companies also require one, and a few countries will not accept your U.S. license as proof of identity without it. Whether you need one depends on where you are going and what you plan to do there — renting a car, driving your own vehicle, or just carrying it as backup identification.
The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you get, and it expires whether you use it or not. You cannot renew it — you must get a new one each time.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license, not a replacement, and you must carry both documents when driving abroad.
- You can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — these are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department.
- The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office, or you can mail in your process and receive it by mail within one to two weeks.
- You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form — no written test or driving test is required.
- An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on the organization and validity period, and it is not tied to your state license renewal.
Where to get an International Driving Permit
Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and no other organization is legitimate.
AAA has physical offices in most states and is the faster option if you have a membership or live near a location. You can walk in, complete the process on the spot, and leave with your IDP the same day. AATA operates primarily by mail and online, which works if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to go in person.
Both organizations charge similar fees and issue the same document. The choice comes down to convenience — whether you can reach an AAA office quickly, or whether you prefer the mail-in process.
Getting an IDP in person at AAA
Visit an AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and a completed AAA International Driving Permit process form. You can read the form from the AAA website or ask for one when you arrive. The staff will verify your license, check your photo, and process your process on the spot.
The entire visit takes about 15 minutes. You will pay the fee at that time — currently $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by location. You will receive your IDP when ready and can leave with both documents in hand.
If you are an AAA member, membership is not required to get an IDP, but some offices may offer a small discount. Call ahead to confirm your local office has the forms and photos in stock, especially if you are traveling soon.
Getting an IDP by mail through AATA
Visit the AATA website and read the International Driving Permit process form. Fill it out completely, including your name, address, driver's license number, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license. Attach a passport-style photo (2x2 inches) and a photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license — both the front and back.
Mail the completed process, photo, and license copy to the AATA address listed on their website, along with a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash. The current fee is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AATA will process your process and mail your IDP back to you within one to two weeks.
Keep a copy of your process and the receipt from your check or money order until you receive the IDP. If more than two weeks pass without arrival, contact AATA to confirm they received your process.
What documents you need
You need three things to get an IDP: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form. Your license must be current and not suspended or revoked — an expired license will not work. The photo must be 2x2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Most drugstore photo counters can take a passport-style photo for $5 to $15.
The process form asks for basic information: your full name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years). You sign the form in front of a witness at an AAA office, or you sign it and mail it with your other documents to AATA. No notarization is required.
You do not need a medical exam, a written test, a driving test, or proof of insurance. The IDP is purely a translation document, so the issuing organization only verifies that your U.S. license is valid.
How long the IDP is valid and when to renew
An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs $15 and the three-year permit costs $20. Choose based on how often you travel internationally — if you go once every few years, the three-year permit is better value; if you go every year, either works.
The IDP expires on a fixed date regardless of whether you use it. You cannot extend it or renew it — once it expires, you must get a new one. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. Check the date before you travel to make sure it has not expired.
Your IDP is separate from your U.S. driver's license renewal. If your license expires but your IDP is still valid, you can still use the IDP abroad with your new license. If your IDP expires but your license is still valid, you need a new IDP to drive in countries that require one.
What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling
If you lose your IDP abroad, you still have your U.S. driver's license, which is valid in most countries. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to report the loss and ask whether you need a replacement before continuing to drive. Many countries will accept your U.S. license alone, especially if you have a passport to show as additional identification.
You cannot get a replacement IDP issued overseas — you must get a new one when you return to the United States through AAA or AATA. If you are stranded and cannot drive without an IDP, your embassy can advise you on local options or help you contact a car rental company that may accept your U.S. license.
To avoid this problem, make a photocopy of your IDP before you leave and keep it separate from the original. Some travelers also photograph both their license and IDP on their phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?
Most European car rental companies accept a U.S. driver's license alone, but some require an IDP as well. Check with your rental company before you book — they will tell you whether they need one. If they do, you must have it before you pick up the car, because you cannot get one overseas.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?
No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then get the IDP.
What if I have a commercial driver's license or a motorcycle endorsement?
An IDP translates whatever class of license you hold. If you have a commercial license or a motorcycle endorsement, the IDP will show that. However, some countries do not recognize U.S. commercial licenses or motorcycle endorsements, so check the driving laws of your destination before you travel.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
A one-year IDP costs $15 and a three-year IDP costs $20. These are the standard fees from both AAA and AATA. Some AAA offices may charge slightly more or less depending on location, so call ahead to confirm the exact price.
Can I get an International Driving Permit online?
You cannot complete the entire process online, but AATA allows you to mail in your process, which is similar. AAA requires you to visit an office in person or mail your process to them. Neither organization accepts online payment and delivery — you must either visit in person or mail in your documents.