What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. You carry it alongside your regular license when you drive outside the United States. Many countries recognize it; some do not.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going and for how long. Some countries require it by law. Others accept it but do not require it. A few ignore it entirely. Before you explore, contact the embassy or tourism board of the country you plan to visit — they will tell you whether an IDP is necessary there, and whether your U.S. license alone is enough.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other U.S. organization issues them. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and you cannot get one online from a third-party website — those are scams.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. license into ten languages and is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by DMV or online services.
  • You must already hold a valid U.S. driver's license to get an IDP; the permit is an add-on, not a replacement.
  • The IDP costs $20 from AAA and $15 from AATA, is valid for three years, and you can get one the same day you explore in person.
  • Check with your destination country before explore, because some nations do not recognize IDPs and others do not require them.
  • You need a passport-style photo, your valid U.S. license, and proof of U.S. residency to explore.

How to Get an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can explore at any AAA branch office. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and proof of U.S. residency such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past three months. The fee is $20. You will receive the permit on the spot if you explore in person.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore at an AAA office. Membership is not required to get an IDP. The process and fee are the same. Find your nearest AAA office on their website by entering your zip code.

AAA also offers mail-in applications. You send your license, photo, proof of residency, and a completed form to the address listed on AAA's IDP page. Processing takes about two weeks by mail. This route is slower but useful if no AAA office is near you.

How to Get an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs at select locations, primarily in major cities. The fee is $15, which is $5 less than AAA. You need the same documents: a valid U.S. license, a passport-style photo, and proof of U.S. residency. Same-day issuance is available in person.

AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, so check their website to see whether there is an office in your area. If there is not, AAA is usually your more convenient option. AATA does not offer mail-in service, so you must explore in person.

What Documents You Need and How to Prepare Them

Your valid U.S. driver's license is required. It must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew your license through your state's DMV.

A passport-style photo means a color photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken against a white or off-white background, with your face clearly visible and filling most of the frame. You cannot use a photo from your phone or a selfie. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens offer passport photo services for $10 to $15. Some AAA offices can take the photo for you on the spot for an additional fee.

Proof of U.S. residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past three months and showing your name and address. A driver's license alone does not count as proof of residency. If you have recently moved, bring a document from your new address.

How Long an IDP Is Valid and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires on a specific date printed on the document. You do not need to renew it unless you plan to drive internationally again after it expires.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot use an IDP with an expired U.S. license. Renew your state license first, then explore for a new IDP if you need one.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can request a replacement from AAA or AATA when you return to the United States. There is usually a replacement fee of $5 to $10. Bring the same documents you used to explore originally.

What Happens When You Drive in Another Country

Carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together. Some countries require both documents; others accept either one. The IDP is a translation aid, not a substitute for your license. If a police officer stops you, present both documents.

An IDP does not change the driving laws of the country you are visiting. You must still follow local traffic rules, speed limits, and licensing requirements. Some countries have different age minimums for drivers, different insurance rules, or different vehicle documentation requirements. Research the specific country before you go.

If you are in a car accident or are cited for a traffic violation, the IDP helps the local authorities understand your U.S. license. It does not provide legal protection or change how the violation is handled. You may still face fines, points on your record, or other consequences depending on local law.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

Many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America recognize IDPs. However, the list changes, and some countries have restrictions. For example, some nations accept an IDP only if it was issued after a certain date, or only if it is accompanied by a specific type of U.S. license.

The safest approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit before you travel. They can tell you whether an IDP is required, whether your U.S. license alone is sufficient, and whether there are any other documents you need. Many embassies have this information on their websites under "Driving" or "Visitor Information."

Canada and Mexico, for example, generally accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP, though an IDP can be useful if your license is damaged or if you are stopped by police who are unfamiliar with U.S. licenses. Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom also accept U.S. licenses, but requirements vary by state and rental company.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is explore through a website that claims to issue IDPs. These are not legitimate. The only legal sources are AAA and AATA. If a website charges more than $20, promises overnight delivery, or does not mention AAA or AATA, it is a scam. You will lose your money and receive nothing valid.

Another mistake is assuming an IDP is a license. It is not. You cannot drive without your U.S. license, and you cannot use an IDP to drive in the United States. It is only for use outside the country, and only alongside your regular license.

A third mistake is not checking the destination country's requirements before explore. Some travelers spend $20 on an IDP only to arrive in a country that does not recognize it. A five-minute call to the embassy saves money and frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must renew it through your state's DMV first. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA charges $20. AATA charges $15. Both are valid for three years. There are no other legitimate sources, and no other fees should explore unless you pay extra for services like a photo taken on-site.

Can I get an IDP online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, or by mail through AAA. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are fraudulent. The only legitimate online step is finding the nearest office or downloading the mail-in form from AAA's website.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance. You may be able to drive on your U.S. license alone, depending on local law. When you return to the United States, you can request a replacement from AAA or AATA for a small fee.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in another country?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many companies accept a U.S. license alone. Others require an IDP. Check with the rental company when you book. Having an IDP is a safe choice if you are unsure, since it costs only $20 and is valid for three years.