What an International Driver's License Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is valid, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not from your state's DMV. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, costs between $15 and $20, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must appear in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA, not your state DMV, and must be carried together with your U.S. driver's license.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card to obtain one in person.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes at an AAA office or AATA location and costs $15 to $20.
  • The permit is valid for one year or three years, depending on which option you choose at the time of issue.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

AAA is the most common source for an International Driving Permit. You must be a current AAA member to get one there. If you are not a member, you can join at the same visit, though membership costs vary by state and region. Once you are a member, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport or passport card, and a completed AAA process form (available at any AAA office or online before you go).

Walk into any AAA office during business hours — no appointment is needed. Hand over your documents and the completed form. The staff will take a photo (or use one from your license if it is recent enough) and issue your permit on the spot. You pay the IDP fee at that time. The entire transaction takes 10 to 20 minutes. You leave with your IDP in hand, valid when ready.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. AAA offices are in most cities and many suburbs. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues International Driving Permits without requiring membership. You do not need to join anything. Visit an AATA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and your passport or passport card, and complete their process form on site.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA, so you may need to travel farther. To find an AATA office near you, visit aata.org and search their office directory. Like AAA, AATA issues the permit when ready after you explore. The fee is the same range ($15 to $20) and the permit is valid for one or three years.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license. It must not be expired. Bring your U.S. passport or passport card — a state ID card, birth certificate, or other document will not work. Both documents must be originals, not copies.

Bring the process form if you completed it ahead of time, or plan to fill it out at the office (it takes a few minutes). Bring payment in cash or card — both AAA and AATA accept major credit cards and cash. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them while driving, because the office may take a new photo for the permit.

You do not need to bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, or any other driving-related documents. The IDP is purely a translation of your existing license.

Choosing Between One Year and Three Years

When you explore, you will choose whether your IDP is valid for one year or three years. A one-year permit costs less (usually around $15) and a three-year permit costs more (usually around $20). The choice depends on how often you travel internationally and how far ahead you plan.

If you travel outside the U.S. once every few years, a one-year permit is usually enough — you can get a new one before your next trip. If you travel internationally several times a year or want to have one on hand without thinking about it, a three-year permit makes sense. The three-year option is also useful if you are planning a long trip and want the permit to last the entire time you are abroad.

The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. You can renew it at any AAA or AATA office using the same process.

What Happens When You Travel

Pack your IDP in the same place as your passport — a travel wallet, money belt, or hotel safe. Carry it with your U.S. driver's license whenever you drive in another country. Many rental car companies will ask to see both documents before they hand over the keys. Some countries' police may ask for both if you are stopped.

The IDP does not replace your U.S. license and does not give you permission to drive in another country if you would not otherwise have it. Each country has its own rules about who can drive there. Some countries require you to have an International Driving Permit; others do not care. Some require additional documents like an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration. Before you travel, check the specific country's driving requirements — your rental car company or the country's tourism website will have this information.

If your U.S. license expires while you are traveling, your IDP becomes invalid too, because it is only a translation of your current license. Renew your U.S. license before you leave if it will expire during your trip.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged IDP

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad. You will need to get a new one when you return to the U.S. by visiting an AAA or AATA office again with your driver's license and passport. The process is the same as the first time, and you pay the full fee again.

If you lose it before you travel, get a replacement at any AAA or AATA office before your trip. If you damage it (water damage, torn pages, faded text), you can also get a replacement at the same cost. Keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as a backup reference, though this photo is not a legal substitute for the physical document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

Many European rental companies request one, and some countries legally require it. Check with your specific rental company and the country you are visiting before you book. It is safer to have one than to arrive and discover you cannot rent a car without it.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. If it is suspended, you cannot get an IDP. If it is expired, renew it at your state DMV first, then get the IDP.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit by mail?

You cannot get one by mail. Both AAA and AATA require you to appear in person with your original documents. The in-person process takes 10 to 20 minutes at the office.

What if I do not have a passport card — will a regular passport work?

Yes. A full U.S. passport book works just as well as a passport card. Both are accepted by AAA and AATA. You cannot use a state ID, birth certificate, or other document instead.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Canada and Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP, though having one does not hurt. Check your rental car company's requirements — some ask for an IDP anyway, even though it is not legally required in those countries.