How To Apply For International Driving License

What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid 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 documents together when driving outside the United States. The permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you request. It allows you to rent cars and drive legally in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. Some countries do not recognize it, and a few require additional documents — checking your destination country's specific rules before you travel is essential, because the permit alone does not may provide you can drive everywhere.

You cannot get an IDP without a valid U.S. driver's license in your possession. The permit is an add-on document, not a replacement, and it has no value without the license it translates.

Key Takeaways

You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you cannot get one from your state's DMV or from any other organization.
The process requires your license, a passport-style photo, a completed form, and payment — the whole process takes about 15 minutes in person or a few days by mail.
Some countries do not recognize the IDP or require additional documents, so you must check your destination's rules before you travel.
An IDP is valid for one or three years and costs between $20 and $30 depending on which organization issues it and how long you want it to last.

Getting Your Permit Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, AAA is usually the fastest route. You can explore in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online depending on your state. To explore in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed AAA International Driving Permit process form. You can read the form from the AAA website or pick one up at any office.

In-person applications are processed when ready — you walk out with your permit the same day. By mail, the process takes five to ten business days. Online applications are available in some states; check the AAA website for your state to see whether this option is open to you. The fee is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.

AAA membership is not required to get an IDP through AAA, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Non-members pay the standard fee and can still explore at any AAA office or by mail.

Getting Your Permit Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. You will need to mail in your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo, a completed AATA process form, and payment. The form is available on the AATA website.

Processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the date AATA receives your process. Because your license must be mailed to AATA and then returned to you with the permit, plan ahead if you need the permit quickly or if you will need your license for other purposes while the process is in process. The fee is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.

AATA is a good option if you do not have an AAA office nearby or if you prefer to handle everything by mail. The timeline is longer than in-person AAA process, but the cost and final document are identical.

What Documents You Need and How to Prepare Them

Your valid U.S. driver's license is the foundation of your process. It must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired or will expire before your IDP is issued, renew your license first — you cannot get an IDP with an expired license, even if you have applied for renewal.

The passport-style photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get one taken at most AAA offices, at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, or at professional photo studios. The photo does not need to be in color, though color is acceptable. Bring the photo in person if you are explore at an AAA office, or mail it with your form if you are explore by mail or through AATA.

You will also need to complete the process form itself. Both AAA and AATA forms ask for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and signature. The form is straightforward and takes about five minutes to fill out. Read it carefully before signing — an unsigned form will delay your process.

Timing and What Happens After You explore

If you explore in person at an AAA office, your permit is ready the same day. You will receive a booklet-style document that is roughly the size of a passport. Check it on the spot to make sure your name, license number, and photo are correct before you leave the office.

If you explore by mail through AAA or through AATA, your permit will arrive in the mail within the timeframe each organization publishes. AAA typically takes five to ten business days; AATA typically takes two to three weeks. Your original license will be returned to you with the permit. Open the envelope carefully and check that your name, license number, and photo match your records before you travel.

Your IDP is valid starting on the date it is issued. If you requested a one-year permit, it expires one year from that date. If you requested a three-year permit, it expires three years from that date. You do not need to renew it before you travel — as long as it has not expired and your U.S. license is still valid, both documents together are all you need.

Checking Your Destination Country's Rules

Before you book your trip, verify that your destination country recognizes the International Driving Permit. Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention do, but some do not. A few countries recognize the IDP but also require an additional document, such as a certified translation of your license or an International Driving Permit issued by a different organization.

The best source for this information is the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting. Search for "[country name] driving requirements for U.S. citizens" or contact the embassy directly. Do not rely on rental car company websites alone — they sometimes list only their own requirements, not the country's legal requirements. If the country does not recognize the IDP, you may need a certified translation of your license instead, which is a different process handled through a translation service.

Some countries also have age restrictions for rental cars or require an International Driving Permit even though they recognize U.S. licenses. Checking early gives you time to get any additional documents you might need.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Permit

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement from the same organization that issued it. Contact AAA or AATA with your original process information and request a duplicate. You will need to pay the replacement fee, which is typically the same as the original fee ($20 or $30 depending on the permit's validity period). Processing time for a replacement is usually the same as for a new process — same-day for in-person AAA applications, or five to ten business days for mail.

If you lose your permit while traveling, you can continue to drive using your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may require you to report the loss to local authorities. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on what to do. When you return to the United States, you can request a replacement from AAA or AATA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am just renting a car?

It depends on the country. Most car rental companies will rent to you with a valid U.S. license alone, but some countries legally require an IDP or a certified translation of your license. Check your destination country's rules and your rental company's policy before you travel. Having the IDP eliminates confusion and is inexpensive insurance.

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

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. Your state's DMV cannot issue one, and no other organization is legally permitted to do so. If someone offers to sell you an IDP from any other source, it is not valid.

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

Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. license is valid. If your license expires while you are abroad, your IDP becomes invalid at the same moment. Renew your license before you travel if it will expire during your trip, or plan your travel dates so your license remains valid throughout.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. AAA and AATA will not issue an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license has been suspended, you must wait until the suspension period ends and your license is reinstated before you can get an IDP.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

You choose either one year or three years when you explore. A one-year permit costs $20 and expires one year from the issue date. A three-year permit costs $30 and expires three years from the issue date. You cannot extend a permit — when it expires, you must explore for a new one if you need it.

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.