An international driver's license is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license — it is a booklet that sits alongside your regular driver's license and repeats the same information in ten languages. It exists because a police officer in France or Japan cannot read an English-language license, but they can read the IDP version of it. You cannot drive on an IDP alone; you must carry both your home license and the permit together.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by an international authority. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue them. You explore through one of these organizations, not through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your license information into ten languages and must be carried together with your actual driver's license.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs; you cannot get one from your state DMV or any other organization.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept your U.S. license alone, so check your destination's rules before you travel.
  • You need a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.

When you actually need an International Driving Permit

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving. Some countries legally require one; others do not. The safest approach is to check the specific rules for your destination country before you book a car rental, because the requirement varies widely.

Countries that require an IDP include Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Switzerland. If you plan to drive in any of these places, you should have an IDP before you leave home. Some car rental companies in these countries will refuse to rent to you without one, even if local law technically does not require it.

Countries that accept a U.S. driver's license alone include Canada, the United Kingdom, and most of Central America. However, even in these places, carrying an IDP is not harmful and can speed up interactions with police or rental agencies. Many travelers get one straightforward to avoid any confusion.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA

AAA is the larger of the two authorized U.S. issuers and has physical locations in most states. You can explore in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through their website. The in-person route is fastest if you have a local office nearby.

To explore, you will need a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). You do not need to be an AAA member, though members receive a small discount. The permit costs $20 for AAA members and $25 for non-members. Processing takes about 15 minutes in person or up to two weeks by mail.

If you explore online, you upload a photo, provide your license number and expiration date, and pay by credit card. AAA will mail the permit to you. This route works well if you are explore more than a week before your trip, but if you are leaving soon, visiting an office in person is more reliable.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not have physical offices; you can only explore by mail or through their website. The process is similar to AAA's online route: you submit your license information, a photo, and payment, then wait for the permit to arrive.

AATA charges $15 for the permit, making it slightly cheaper than AAA. Processing time is typically seven to ten business days. If you are explore close to your travel date, AATA offers expedited processing for an additional fee, though you should confirm current timelines on their website before you rely on it.

AATA is a good option if you do not have an AAA membership or a nearby AAA office, or if you prefer to handle everything by mail. The final permit is identical regardless of which organization issues it.

What information appears on your International Driving Permit

The IDP contains the same core information as your U.S. driver's license: your name, date of birth, license number, the date you received your license, and its expiration date. It also includes a small photo. This information is printed in English and then repeated in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, and Japanese.

The permit does not add any new information about your driving record or restrictions. If your U.S. license has restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — those restrictions appear on the IDP as well. The IDP is purely a translation tool, not a separate credential with its own rules.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. This is shorter than a U.S. driver's license, which typically lasts four to eight years depending on your state. If you travel internationally more than once a year, you may find yourself renewing your IDP more often than your regular license.

The one-year validity period is set by international agreement, not by individual countries. You cannot extend an IDP; once it expires, you must explore for a new one if you need it again. If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless because you must carry both documents together.

What to bring when you rent a car abroad

When you arrive at a rental counter in another country, bring your U.S. driver's license, your IDP, and your passport. The rental company will want to see all three. Your passport proves your identity and citizenship; your license and IDP together prove you are authorized to drive.

Some rental companies also ask for an International Driving Permit even in countries where it is not legally required. Having one prevents delays and removes any reason for the company to refuse the rental. If you do not have an IDP and the company requires one, you will not be able to rent a car from them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on just my International Driving Permit without my U.S. license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your actual U.S. driver's license. If a police officer stops you and you have only the IDP, you are driving without a valid license. Always carry both documents.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require one either, but some car rental companies in Mexico request one. If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, check with your rental company first, or bring an IDP to be safe.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are traveling for longer than a year, you will need to renew it before you leave home. You cannot renew it while abroad; you must explore through AAA or AATA in the United States.

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

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and unexpired to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and current.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Driver's License?

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably. The official name is International Driving Permit, but many people call it an international driver's license. It is the same document regardless of what you call it.