An International Driving Permit is a separate document from your home license, not a replacement for it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your valid driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your home license — you must carry both together. The IDP is recognized in roughly 150 countries and is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by an international body.

The permit exists because some countries' police and rental car companies want proof that your license is legitimate and that you understand their traffic laws. A few countries require it by law; most accept it as optional but useful. Without one, you may face delays at a rental counter or difficulty explaining your license to a police officer in a country where English is not widely spoken.

The process takes between one and four weeks depending on where you live and which issuing body you use. You cannot obtain an IDP before you have a valid driver's license, and the permit is only valid while your home license remains valid.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a ten-language translation of your existing license and must be carried alongside your home license at all times.
  • The IDP is issued by your country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by a central international authority.
  • You must hold a valid driver's license before you can obtain an IDP, and the permit expires when your home license does.
  • Processing typically takes one to four weeks, and the cost ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your location and issuing organization.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; most treat it as optional but recommend it for rental cars and police interactions.

Where to obtain an IDP based on your country

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the sole authorized issuer of International Driving Permits. You do not go through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. AAA issues the permit at its local offices, and you must be a member to request one — membership costs roughly $50 to $150 per year depending on the level of coverage you choose.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles IDP issuance in most provinces. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and RAC are the primary issuers. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) issue permits depending on your state. Each country has one or two designated bodies; there is no universal issuer.

If you are a citizen of a country without an established automobile association, some countries' embassies or consulates can direct you to an authorized issuer. The International Road Federation maintains a list of issuing authorities by country on its website, though you should verify current contact information with your local automobile club before traveling.

Documents and information you will need to bring

You will need your valid driver's license (not expired), a passport or national ID card, and proof of your current address. Most issuers accept a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last three months. Bring the originals, not photocopies, though some organizations will photocopy them for you on-site.

You will also need a passport-sized photograph — usually 2 by 2 inches or 35 by 45 millimeters. Some issuers have photo services on-site; others require you to bring one. Check with your specific issuing organization before you arrive, because photo requirements vary slightly by region.

If you are explore in person at an AAA office in the United States, bring your membership card or proof of membership. If you are explore by mail, you will need to include a completed process form (available on the AAA website) along with copies of your license and ID, a new passport photo, and a check or money order for the fee.

The process process and timeline

In-person applications at AAA offices in the United States typically take 15 to 20 minutes. You fill out a one-page form, provide your documents and photo, pay the fee (usually $20), and receive the permit when ready or within a few days. Some offices issue the permit on the spot; others mail it to you within one week.

Mail-in applications take longer. You send your completed form, photocopies of your license and ID, a passport photo, and payment to the address listed on the AAA website. Processing takes 7 to 14 business days, and the permit is mailed to your address. Plan for at least three weeks from the time you mail your process to the time you receive the permit.

In other countries, timelines vary. The UK Automobile Association typically issues permits within 5 to 10 working days for in-person applications and 10 to 15 working days for postal applications. The Canadian Automobile Association processes applications within 5 to 7 business days. Always check with your specific issuing body for their current processing time, as backlogs can extend these windows.

Cost and what affects the price

In the United States, AAA charges $20 for a standard International Driving Permit. This is a flat fee regardless of your state or AAA membership level. You do not pay extra for rush processing or for multiple copies, though you can order additional permits for the same fee if you want backups.

In Canada, the CAA charges between $25 and $35 CAD depending on the province. In the UK, the AA and RAC charge between £5.50 and £15 depending on whether you explore in person or by post. In Australia, the NRMA and RAC charge between $20 and $30 AUD. Currency and local tax rates affect the final amount you pay.

The only variable that changes the price is your country of residence and which issuing body you use. AAA does not charge more if you are renewing an expired permit versus obtaining your first one. There are no hidden fees or additional charges for processing.

Countries that require an IDP and those that recommend it

A small number of countries legally require an International Driving Permit. These include China, Russia, Taiwan, and several Middle Eastern nations. If you plan to drive in any of these countries, you must obtain an IDP before you arrive — driving without one can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal trouble.

Most other countries do not require an IDP but strongly recommend it. This includes most of Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. Car rental companies in these regions often ask for an IDP even when the law does not require one, because it provides a clear translation of your license information and reduces disputes over license validity.

A few countries — including the United States, Canada, and Australia — do not require or recommend an IDP for domestic driving. However, if you are renting a car internationally or traveling to a country where English is not the primary language, an IDP is useful even if not legally required.

What happens if your home license expires or is suspended

Your International Driving Permit is only valid while your home driver's license is valid. If your home license expires, your IDP expires on the same date, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. You cannot renew an IDP without renewing your home license first.

If your home license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is no longer valid. You cannot use it to drive in any country. If you renew your home license after a suspension, you can obtain a new IDP through the same process as a first-time applicant.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact your country's embassy or consulate in that country. They can sometimes issue a temporary replacement or provide a letter confirming your license status. However, it is easier to obtain a replacement before you travel by requesting an extra copy when you first explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my home license and no IDP?

In most countries, yes — your home license is legally valid. However, rental car companies may refuse to rent to you without an IDP, and police in countries where English is not common may have difficulty verifying your license. An IDP removes these friction points but is not legally required in most places.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your home driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your home license expires in two years, your IDP expires in two years even though the permit itself is good for three.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental companies in Europe and Asia require an IDP as a condition of rental, regardless of trip length. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require one and you do not have it, you may not be able to complete the rental.

Can I obtain an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your home license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is expired, you must renew it through your state or country's motor vehicle department first. If it is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted before you can obtain an IDP.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate. They can issue a temporary letter confirming your license status, though this is not as useful as the actual permit. To avoid this, consider obtaining two copies of your IDP before you travel — most issuing bodies will print multiple copies for the same fee.