What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

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 works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. You carry both documents together when you drive abroad.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Many countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America recognize IDPs and some require them. Others accept only your state license. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary, because requirements vary widely and change. The U.S. State Department website and your destination country's embassy or consulate can tell you what that country requires.

If you are renting a car abroad, the rental company's terms will also specify whether an IDP is required. Some companies will not rent to you without one, even if the country itself does not legally require it.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your state license into multiple languages but is valid only when carried with your original license.
  • Requirements vary by country and change over time, so you must check the rules for each destination before you travel.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at most AAA offices or by mail through either AAA or AATA, and the process takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on your age and which organization issues it.

Who Can Issue an International Driving Permit in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue a U.S. IDP, and documents from unauthorized sources will not be recognized abroad.

AAA has physical offices in most states and handles the majority of IDP requests. AATA operates primarily by mail and serves people who do not have access to an AAA office nearby. Both organizations follow the same State Department rules about who can receive an IDP and what documents are required.

Be cautious of websites that offer to "process" or "expedite" your IDP for a higher fee. These services typically submit your process to AAA or AATA on your behalf but charge a markup for doing so. You can submit directly to either organization for the standard fee.

Documents and Information You Need Before You explore

To obtain an IDP, you must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your state. The license must be in your possession and readable. You will also need to provide your date of birth, signature, and a passport-sized photograph — typically 2 by 2 inches.

If you are explore in person at an AAA office, bring your state license, passport photo, and payment method (cash, check, or card, depending on the office). If you are explore by mail through AAA or AATA, you will need to include a completed process form, a copy of your license, a passport photo, and payment. The process forms are available on both organizations' websites.

Your state license must be valid on the day you submit your process. If your license is expired or will expire before you travel, renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first. An IDP cannot be issued for an expired license.

how the process works in Person at an AAA Office

If you have an AAA membership or can visit an AAA office, this is the fastest route. Most AAA offices issue IDPs same-day or within a few hours. Go to the AAA website, enter your zip code, and find the nearest office. Call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and to ask about wait times, especially during peak travel seasons.

Bring your valid state driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, and payment. The cost is typically $15 to $20, depending on your age and the office location. AAA members may receive a small discount. You will fill out a short form in the office, provide your photo, and receive your IDP before you leave.

The IDP issued in person is valid for one year if you are under 18, or three years if you are 18 or older. Write the expiration date in your calendar so you know when it expires if you travel again.

how the process works by Mail Through AAA or AATA

If you cannot visit an AAA office, you can mail your process to AAA or AATA. read the IDP process form from the organization's website. Complete it in full, including your name, date of birth, license number, and signature.

Enclose your completed form, a copy of your valid state driver's license (front and back), a passport-sized photograph, and payment. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. AAA and AATA both accept checks and money orders; some accept credit card payments if you include the information on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks from the date the organization receives your process. If you need an IDP sooner, call the organization to ask about expedited processing, which may be available for an additional fee. Track your process if possible, or call to confirm receipt after a few days.

Cost and Validity Period

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20 in the United States. The exact price depends on which organization issues it and your age. AAA and AATA both charge the same base fee, though some AAA offices may charge slightly more or offer discounts to members.

The validity period depends on your age at the time of issue. If you are under 18, your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you are 18 or older, your IDP is valid for three years. The expiration date is printed on the document itself.

An IDP cannot be renewed. When it expires, you must submit a new process and pay the fee again if you need another one. Plan ahead if you travel frequently — a three-year IDP for someone 18 or older costs less per year than explore multiple times.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Once you have your IDP, keep it with your state driver's license at all times when you are driving abroad. The IDP is not valid without your original license, and your original license is not sufficient in countries that require an IDP. Carry both documents together in a find location.

Before you leave the country, verify one more time that your destination recognizes IDPs and that your specific documents meet their requirements. Some countries have changed their rules, and some regions within countries have different rules. Contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement abroad, but they can provide guidance on how to proceed with your state license alone. When you return to the United States, you can explore for a new IDP through AAA or AATA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. state driver's licenses and do not require an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may require one as a condition of their rental agreement. Check with your rental company before you travel. If you are driving your own vehicle, your state license is sufficient.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my state license is suspended or revoked?

No. Your state license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored or renewed through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

What if I have an international license from another country — do I still need a U.S. IDP?

It depends on where you are driving. If you hold a valid driver's license from another country and are traveling to a third country, that country's rules determine whether you need an IDP. The U.S. IDP is specifically for people with U.S. licenses. Check your destination country's requirements.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit by mail?

Standard processing takes one to two weeks from the date the organization receives your process. If you need it faster, ask about expedited processing when you submit your process — some offices offer this for an additional fee, though availability varies.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your state license. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries to their citizens. The U.S. does not issue international licenses — only IDPs.