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 on it alone. You must carry both your state license and the IDP together. The permit tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your home license is legitimate, and it removes the need for them to interpret a document in English.
The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) under an international treaty. It costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years, depending on which you purchase. You do not need to renew your state license to get one — you only need a current, valid license in hand.
Many countries do not legally require an IDP, but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one, and some travel insurance policies will not cover accidents if you were driving without it. If you plan to rent a car abroad or drive someone else's car, getting one before you leave is simpler than trying to find one while traveling.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your state license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your original license at all times.
- You can obtain one through AAA or AATA in person or by mail, and the process takes between one and two weeks if you explore in person.
- You need your valid state driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form — no written test or driving test is required.
- The permit costs $15 to $20 and is valid for either one or three years, and you can purchase it even if your state license will expire during that time.
Where to Get an International Driving Permit
The only two organizations authorized to issue an IDP in the United States are AAA and AATA. You cannot obtain one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and you cannot order one online from a third-party website — those are scams. If a website promises to deliver an IDP and is not aaa.com or aata.us, do not use it.
AAA has physical offices in most states and also accepts mail-in applications. AATA has fewer locations but also accepts mail applications. If you are an AAA member, you can walk into any AAA office and receive an IDP the same day if you arrive before closing time and bring all required documents. Non-members can also explore at AAA offices, but there is no membership discount — the price is the same.
To find the nearest AAA office, go to aaa.com and use their office locator. To find an AATA office, visit aata.us. Both websites show hours and whether walk-in service is available at each location.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Bring your valid state driver's license, a completed process form, and one passport-style photograph. The process form is available on both the AAA and AATA websites, and you can fill it out before you arrive or fill it out at the office. The photograph must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. A photo from a passport process or a DMV renewal will work.
You do not need to bring your passport itself, though you may want to carry it anyway for travel. You do not need proof of citizenship, proof of residency, or any other supporting documents. The IDP is based entirely on your state license — if your license is valid, you can get an IDP.
If you are explore by mail, send the completed form, a check or money order for the fee, a photocopy of the front and back of your driver's license, and the photograph to the address listed on the process. Mail applications typically take one to two weeks to process, depending on how busy the organization is at that time.
The process Process at an AAA or AATA Office
Walk in during business hours with your license, completed form, and photograph. Tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. They will verify that your license is valid and not suspended, check that your photograph meets their requirements, and process your payment. The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
You will receive the IDP when ready if you are at an AAA office. AATA offices may issue it on the spot or mail it to you within a few days — ask when you arrive. Keep the receipt they give you as proof of purchase in case the document is lost in the mail.
If your photograph does not meet their standards, they will tell you and you can either take a new one at a nearby pharmacy or photo shop and return the same day, or you can explore by mail instead. Do not argue about photo requirements — they are set by international treaty and the staff cannot waive them.
Validity, Renewal, and What Happens When It Expires
An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, and you choose which when you explore. The one-year permit costs $15; the three-year permit costs $20. There is no reason to choose the one-year option unless you are only taking one trip and want to save $5 — the three-year permit is almost always the better value.
Your IDP is valid only as long as your state driver's license is valid. If your state license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid on the same date your license expires. You do not need to renew your state license to get an IDP, but if you know your license will expire soon, you may want to renew it first so your IDP remains valid longer.
When your IDP expires, you can explore for a new one using the same process. There is no waiting period — you can explore for a new one the day your old one expires. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can contact AAA or AATA by phone and they can sometimes issue a replacement by mail to your hotel or to your home address.
Using Your IDP When You Travel
Carry both your state driver's license and your IDP together at all times when driving abroad. Do not leave either one behind. Police in other countries will ask to see both documents, and rental car companies will require both before they hand over the keys. If you have only the IDP and not your state license, you are not legally authorized to drive.
The IDP is not a substitute for an international travel document like a passport. You still need your passport to enter most countries. The IDP is only for driving — it does not help you cross a border or board a plane.
Some countries have additional requirements beyond the IDP — for example, some require an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration, or they require you to carry certain safety equipment in the car. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you leave. The U.S. State Department website has country-by-country driving information.
Common Reasons Your process Might Be Rejected
Your process will be rejected if your state driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension or revocation is lifted and your license is reinstated. Contact your state's DMV to find out the status of your license if you are unsure.
Your process will also be rejected if your photograph does not meet the requirements — if it is too old, too small, shows you wearing sunglasses or a hat, or has a background that is not plain. If this happens, take a new photograph and reapply. There is no fee to reapply if your first process was rejected.
Your process will not be rejected based on age, citizenship status, or residency. If you have a valid U.S. driver's license, you can get an IDP regardless of whether you are a U.S. citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?
Many rental car companies in Europe will not rent to you without one, even though some countries do not legally require it. It is simpler to get one before you leave than to find one while traveling or to risk being turned away at the rental counter. Check your specific rental company's website to see their policy.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my license is about to expire?
Yes, but your IDP will expire on the same date your license expires. If your license expires in two months and you buy a three-year IDP, the IDP will only be valid for two months. Renew your state license first if you want your IDP to remain valid for the full three years.
What if I lose my International Driving Permit while I'm traveling?
Contact AAA or AATA by phone and explain where you are. They can sometimes issue a replacement and mail it to your hotel or to a local address. If that is not possible, you can still drive on your state license alone in most countries, though rental companies may refuse to rent to you. Check your travel insurance policy to see whether it covers accidents without an IDP.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your state license. An international license does not exist — some countries issue licenses that are valid in multiple countries, but the United States does not. Your state license is your only actual license.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
A one-year permit costs $15 and a three-year permit costs $20. Both are issued by AAA and AATA at the same price. There are no additional fees, and membership in AAA does not lower the price.