How to Get an International Driver's License

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 — it does not replace your state license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP together. The permit tells a police officer or rental car company in another country that your U.S. license is valid, because they can read what it says.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, and you cannot get one online — you must explore in person at an AAA office or through AATA by mail.

Most countries do not require an IDP, but some do. Rental car companies often ask for one even when the country does not legally require it. If you plan to drive abroad, check the specific country's requirements before you travel — the U.S. State Department website lists what each country needs.

Key Takeaways

An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual license.
Only AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance can issue IDPs; your state DMV cannot.
You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment of $20 (AAA) or $16 (AATA) to get an IDP.
AAA issues permits in person at their offices the same day; AATA issues them by mail and takes one to two weeks.
An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not renew — you must explore for a new one each time you travel.

Getting an IDP through AAA

If you are a AAA member, you can walk into any AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and $20 cash or card. The office will issue your permit on the spot — you leave with it the same day. If you are not a member, AAA will still issue you an IDP for the same price and timeline, though some offices may ask you to join first (membership costs vary by state and region).

To find the nearest AAA office, go to AAA.com and use their office locator. Call ahead to confirm they have the photo equipment and blank permits in stock, because smaller offices sometimes run out. Bring your passport or state ID along with your driver's license — the office will check both to verify your identity.

The permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It does not extend or renew. If you travel again after a year, you must explore for a new one.

Getting an IDP through the American Automobile Touring Alliance

AATA issues IDPs by mail and does not require AAA membership. You can order online at AATA.org or by phone at 1-800-622-7070. You will need to mail in a completed process form, a passport-style photo, a photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license, and a check or money order for $16.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the AATA website. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AATA will mail the permit to you. This route is slower than AAA but costs less and works if you do not have an AAA office nearby or do not want to visit in person.

Like the AAA permit, an AATA IDP is valid for one year and does not renew. You cannot rush the process — there is no expedited mail option through AATA.

What documents you need to bring or send

For both AAA and AATA, you must have a valid U.S. driver's license. The license cannot be expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP.

You also need a passport-style photo that is 2 inches by 2 inches. This is the same size as a passport photo. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get passport photos taken at most CVS, Walgreens, or UPS stores for $10 to $15, or at your local post office.

For AATA applications by mail, you must also send a photocopy of your driver's license — not the original. Do not send your original license to AATA; they only need a copy to verify the information.

Timing and validity

If you go through AAA in person, you receive your IDP the same day. If you use AATA by mail, expect one to two weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. Plan ahead — do not wait until a week before your trip.

An IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. It does not matter if your U.S. driver's license is valid for longer. When the year is up, the permit expires and you cannot use it, even if your U.S. license is still good. If you travel again after the year ends, you must explore for a new IDP.

The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. Write it down or take a photo of it so you remember when to explore for a replacement if you plan another trip.

When you actually need an IDP

Most countries accept a valid U.S. driver's license on its own. However, some countries legally require an IDP, and rental car companies in many countries will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not require it by law.

Before you book a rental car or travel, check two things: first, look up the country's driving requirements on the U.S. State Department website (state.gov). Second, contact your rental car company directly and ask whether they require an IDP. Some companies require it; others do not. It is faster to ask them than to arrive and find out you cannot rent.

If you are driving your own car that you are shipping abroad, the rules vary by country. If you are only visiting and not driving, you do not need an IDP at all.

Cost and payment

AAA charges $20 for an IDP. AATA charges $16. Both prices are for the permit itself and do not include the cost of a passport-style photo, which you must obtain separately (usually $10 to $15).

AAA accepts cash and card in person. AATA accepts check or money order by mail. Neither organization accepts credit card payments through AATA's mail process, so plan for that if you are mailing your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must carry both documents together. The IDP is only a translation — it is not a license on its own. A police officer or rental company will want to see your actual U.S. driver's license alongside the permit.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I am traveling?

You cannot drive legally. The IDP is only valid if your U.S. license is also valid. If your license expires during your trip, you must stop driving. Renew your license before you travel if the expiration date falls during your trip.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended license to get an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive anywhere — not in the U.S. and not abroad — until the suspension is lifted.

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

It depends on the rental company and the country. Call the rental company before you book and ask directly. Some companies waive the IDP requirement for short rentals; others do not. It is faster to confirm by phone than to show up and be turned away.

Can I get an IDP expedited if I am leaving soon?

AAA can issue one the same day if you visit in person. AATA cannot expedite — mail processing takes one to two weeks. If you are leaving within a few days, go to an AAA office instead of using AATA.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.