You need an International Driving Permit only if you plan to rent a car in certain countries outside the United States

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. Most countries do not require it. You can drive legally in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Western Europe with only your valid U.S. driver's license in your pocket.

The IDP becomes necessary when you rent a car in a country where the rental company or local law requires one, or when a police officer in that country asks to see one and you cannot produce it. Some countries — including Italy, Spain, Greece, and several others — technically allow your U.S. license alone but strongly recommend carrying an IDP because rental companies often refuse to rent without it, and local police may not accept a U.S. license as sufficient proof of driving authority.

You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Only two organizations in the United States issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document. The process takes about 15 minutes in person and costs between $15 and $20.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into multiple languages and is required by rental companies in some countries but not by most countries' laws.
  • You can obtain an IDP only through AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance, not through your state's DMV.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $20, requires your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo, and is issued on the spot.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried together with your original U.S. driver's license to be legal.
  • Before renting a car abroad, contact the rental company directly to ask whether they require an IDP, because requirements vary by company and country.

Which countries actually require or recommend an International Driving Permit

No country legally requires you to carry an IDP straightforward to drive. However, rental car companies in certain countries will not rent to you without one, and some countries' police may be less likely to accept a U.S. license as proof of driving authority if you are stopped.

Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Germany, and Austria are the countries where rental companies most commonly demand an IDP. In these places, your U.S. license alone is technically legal, but the rental company's policy supersedes the law — they will not hand over the keys without seeing an IDP. If you plan to rent in any of these countries, obtain an IDP before you leave the United States.

In Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Scandinavia, your U.S. driver's license is sufficient for both driving and renting a car. No IDP is required or typically requested. If you are unsure about a specific country or rental company, contact the rental company before your trip and ask directly whether they require an IDP. Their answer is more reliable than any general rule.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA

To obtain an IDP, you must visit an AAA office or an AATA office in person. You cannot order one online or by mail. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches), and cash or a card to pay the fee. The entire process takes about 15 minutes, and you receive the permit when ready.

AAA has thousands of offices nationwide. If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP at any AAA office — membership is not required. AATA has fewer locations but covers most major cities. Search "AAA near me" or "AATA near me" to find the closest office and confirm their hours before you go.

The cost is $15 to $20 depending on the organization and your location. Some AAA offices charge slightly different amounts. Call ahead if you want to confirm the exact fee.

How long an International Driving Permit is valid and what happens when it expires

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires on the same date one year later, regardless of when your U.S. driver's license expires. If your U.S. license is still valid but your IDP has expired, you must obtain a new IDP if you plan to rent a car in a country that requires one.

An expired IDP is not valid for driving or renting. If you arrive in a country and discover your IDP has expired, rental companies will refuse to rent to you. If you are stopped by police, an expired IDP will not satisfy their request to see proof of driving authority. Plan ahead and renew your IDP before your trip if it is within three months of expiration.

You do not need to renew your IDP if you are not planning to drive or rent a car abroad. It is only necessary for international driving.

What to do if you lose your International Driving Permit while traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact your car rental company when ready. Some rental companies will allow you to continue driving on your U.S. license alone if you report the loss and show them your passport and the original license. Others will not. The policy depends on the company and the country.

You cannot obtain a replacement IDP while outside the United States. You can only get one from AAA or AATA in person in the U.S. If you lose your IDP during your trip and the rental company will not accept your U.S. license alone, you may need to end your rental early or arrange alternative transportation.

To avoid this situation, take a photograph of your IDP with your phone before you leave, or make a photocopy and store it separately from the original. If the original is lost, you will have proof of the document number and issue date, which some rental companies accept as temporary proof while you arrange a replacement.

International Driving Permit versus other documents for driving abroad

An IDP is not the same as an international license or a visa. It is purely a translation document. Some countries issue their own "international licenses" to their citizens, but the United States does not. The IDP is the only document the U.S. government recognizes for this purpose.

A visa is a separate document that allows you to enter a country legally. You may need a visa to visit certain countries, but a visa does not give you permission to drive. Conversely, an IDP does not give you permission to enter a country — it only translates your driving authority once you are there. Check your destination country's visa requirements separately from your IDP needs.

Some countries require an International Certificate of Competency (ICC) or an International Driving Document (IDD) instead of or in addition to an IDP. These are rare and usually only required for professional drivers or commercial vehicles. For a tourist renting a car, the IDP is the standard document.

What happens if you drive without an International Driving Permit in a country that requires one

If you rent a car without an IDP in a country where the rental company requires one, the rental company will not complete the transaction. You will not receive the car keys. This is the most common consequence and happens before you ever drive.

If you somehow obtain a car without an IDP in a country where local law or police practice expects one, and you are stopped by police, you may face a fine. The amount varies by country. In Italy and Spain, fines for driving without an IDP can range from €50 to €500 depending on the region and the officer's discretion. In Greece, fines are typically €100 to €300. These are not may provide outcomes — some officers may accept your U.S. license, and some may not — but the risk exists.

Your car rental insurance may not cover accidents or damage if you are driving without required documentation. If you are in an accident and the police discover you were driving without an IDP in a country that requires one, your rental company may deny your insurance claim and hold you liable for all damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient for driving and renting a car in both Canada and Mexico. An IDP is not required or typically requested in either country.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. You must obtain an IDP in person at an AAA or AATA office. You cannot order one online, and neither organization issues them by mail. The process takes about 15 minutes once you arrive at the office.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired but I have a valid passport?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired driver's license. The IDP is a translation of your U.S. license, so your license must be valid at the time you explore. Renew your U.S. license first, then obtain the IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only. The United States does not issue international licenses. Some other countries do, but they are not valid in the U.S. and are not the same as an IDP.

How do I know if a specific country requires an International Driving Permit?

Contact your car rental company directly and ask. Rental company policies vary, and they are the ones who will decide whether to rent to you. Government requirements also vary by country. The rental company's answer is the most reliable source for your specific trip.