An International Driver's License Is Not a License — It's a Translation Document

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license. It is a booklet that translates your name, address, and driving record into ten languages so a police officer in another country can read your actual license. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and the IDP together — the IDP alone is worthless and illegal to drive with.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations in the United States authorized to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, a consulate, or an embassy. The process takes about 15 minutes in person and costs between $15 and $20.

An IDP is useful only if you plan to rent a car or drive in a foreign country. If you are flying and using public transit, you do not need one. If you are driving in Canada or Mexico, you do not need one — your U.S. license is sufficient. If you are moving to another country permanently, you will need to get that country's actual driver's license, not an IDP.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried with your actual license at all times.
  • Only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs in the United States; your state DMV cannot.
  • You need an IDP only if you plan to drive a rental car in a foreign country; it is not required for Canada or Mexico.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $20, takes 15 minutes to obtain in person, and is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase.
  • An IDP does not replace your U.S. license and does not give you permission to drive in another country — you must still follow that country's driving laws.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

AAA is the larger and more accessible option. You must be a current AAA member to purchase an IDP from them. If you are not a member, you can join at the same time you explore for the permit, though membership costs extra (typically $50 to $70 per year depending on your state).

Walk into any AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo (2x2 inches). You do not need an appointment. The staff will fill out the process form while you wait, take your photo if you do not have one, and hand you the IDP when ready. You can choose a one-year or three-year permit at the time of purchase.

If you do not have an AAA office near you, some AAA members can order an IDP by mail, though processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Check the AAA website for your state to see whether mail orders are available in your area.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance does not require membership. You can walk into an AATA office or explore by mail without joining anything first. AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, so you may need to mail in your process.

To explore in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a 2x2-inch passport photo to an AATA office. The process is identical to AAA: you fill out a form, pay the fee, and receive the IDP on the spot. To explore by mail, read the process form from the AATA website, include a photocopy of your license and a passport photo, and mail it with payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days.

AATA also offers a one-year or three-year permit. The three-year option costs slightly more but is useful if you travel internationally more than once during that period.

What You Need Before You Go

Bring your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. An expired license will not work. If your license is suspended, revoked, or restricted, you cannot get an IDP.

Bring a passport-style photo that is 2x2 inches. The photo must show your face clearly, be in color or black and white, and have a plain background. If you do not have one, both AAA and AATA can take the photo for you on the spot, though some locations charge a small fee for this service.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. AAA and AATA both accept major credit cards and debit cards. Some locations accept cash, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

How Long an IDP Is Valid and When to Renew

An IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the front of the booklet. You cannot renew an IDP — you must purchase a new one when it expires.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You must get a new IDP after you renew your license because the IDP contains your license number and signature.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive with your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some rental car companies may refuse to rent to you without it. Contact AAA or AATA after you return home to report the loss and purchase a replacement.

What an IDP Does and Does Not Do

An IDP tells a foreign police officer what your U.S. license says. It does not give you permission to drive in another country, and it does not override that country's driving laws or age requirements. If a country requires drivers to be 25 years old and you are 21, your IDP will not change that rule.

An IDP does not replace your U.S. license. You must carry both documents together. Driving with only the IDP is illegal in every country that recognizes it.

An IDP does not cover traffic violations, accidents, or insurance. If you get a speeding ticket in France, the IDP straightforward helps the officer understand your U.S. license — it does not protect you from the fine. You are responsible for following local traffic laws and carrying the insurance that country requires.

Countries That Recognize an IDP

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize an IDP. This includes most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others. However, not every country recognizes it, and some countries have restrictions on how long you can drive on a foreign license.

Before you travel, check the government website of the country you are visiting or contact its embassy or consulate to confirm that an IDP is recognized and what other documents you may need. Some countries require an IDP plus an official translation of your license, or an IDP plus an International Certificate of Competency. Rental car companies often have their own requirements that are stricter than the country's law.

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP. Your U.S. driver's license is sufficient to drive in both countries, though you should carry your passport as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state DMV?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles cannot issue one, and neither can any other organization.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

No. Your U.S. driver's license is sufficient for both countries. An IDP is useful only in countries outside North America that are signatories to the International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

You can still drive with your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some rental car companies may refuse to rent to you. Contact the rental company before you book to ask whether an expired IDP will be a problem.

Can I get an IDP if my driver'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 cannot get an IDP until you renew or restore your license.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

An IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit and which organization you use. AAA may charge an additional membership fee if you are not already a member. AATA does not require membership.