What an International Driving Permit 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 permit tells a foreign police officer or rental car company that your U.S. license is valid, without requiring them to interpret English or verify your record with your home state.

The IDP is issued by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue identical permits that are recognized in over 150 countries. You cannot get an IDP from your state's DMV, your local police department, or any government office. You must go through one of these two private organizations.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where your U.S. license would not be valid on its own. It straightforward makes your existing license readable to foreign authorities.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and you must carry it with your U.S. driver's license at all times.
  • Only the AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States — you cannot get one from your state DMV or any government agency.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form to request an IDP.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use, and takes one to two weeks if you explore in person or by mail.
  • An IDP is valid for one year and does not extend your driving rights — it only translates your existing license for foreign authorities.

Getting an IDP Through the AAA

The AAA is the larger and more widely available option. You can explore in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through their website. If you explore in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed AAA International Driving Permit process form. The AAA staff will verify your license, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit on the spot or within a few days.

If you explore by mail, read the process form from the AAA website, include a check or money order for the fee (currently $20 for members and $30 for non-members), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks. If you explore online through the AAA website, you can upload a digital photo and pay by credit card, but you will still need to mail in your completed form and driver's license copy. The online route is faster than mail-only but still takes about a week.

AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, but members pay a lower fee. If you are not a member and plan to travel frequently, joining AAA may pay for itself through the discount on multiple permits over time.

Getting an IDP Through the AATA

The AATA is a smaller organization but offers the same permit. You can explore only by mail or through their website — there are no AATA offices where you can explore in person. To explore by mail, complete the AATA International Driving Permit process, include a passport-style photo, a copy of your driver's license, and a check for the fee (currently $15). Mail the packet to the AATA address on their website.

The AATA also offers online applications through their website. Upload your photo, provide your driver's license information, and pay by credit card. Processing time is similar to the AAA — one to two weeks by mail, slightly faster online. The AATA fee is lower than the AAA's non-member rate, making it the cheaper option if you do not have AAA membership.

Both organizations issue identical permits that are recognized worldwide. The choice between them comes down to convenience — AAA if you want to explore in person at a local office, AATA if you prefer mail or online only and want to pay less.

What Documents You Need Before You explore

Start with a valid U.S. driver's license. The license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it through your state DMV before requesting an IDP — the organizations will not issue a permit for an invalid license.

You will need a passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches. This is a standard headshot with a plain background, the kind used for passports and visas. You can have one taken at most AAA offices, many post offices, CVS, Walgreens, or a local photography studio. If you already have a passport, you can use a recent passport photo. Do not use a photo from a driver's license renewal or a casual snapshot.

You will also need the completed process form specific to the organization you choose. The AAA and AATA forms are slightly different but ask for the same basic information: your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. Both forms are available on their websites and can be printed at home or filled out by hand.

Timeline and What Happens After You explore

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you may receive your permit the same day or within a few business days. If you explore by mail through either organization, expect one to two weeks. If you explore online, processing is usually faster — five to seven business days — but you may still need to mail in a signed form or copy of your license.

Once your process is processed, the organization will mail the IDP to the address you provided. The permit arrives in a small booklet format, about the size of a passport. Check it when ready for errors in your name, license number, or signature. If something is wrong, contact the organization right away — corrections may require a new process and fee.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, not from the date you receive it. If you are traveling soon, explore at least three weeks before your departure to account for processing and mail time. If you are explore close to your trip, use the in-person AAA option for the fastest turnaround.

When You Actually Need an IDP

An IDP is most useful when renting a car abroad. Many rental car companies in Europe, Asia, and Latin America require an IDP along with your U.S. license, even if you have an International Driving Permit. Some companies will rent to you with only your U.S. license, but having the IDP removes any question and may lower your rental rate or insurance cost.

You may also need an IDP if you are stopped by police while driving in a foreign country. The permit translates your license into the local language and proves that your U.S. license is valid and current. Without it, a foreign officer may have difficulty verifying your status and could detain you or confiscate your license.

An IDP is not required for driving in Canada or Mexico if you have a valid U.S. license, though some rental companies may ask for one anyway. It is also not required for air travel, border crossing on foot, or any activity other than driving. If you are traveling abroad but not driving, you do not need an IDP.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Permit

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement from the same organization that issued it. The process is the same as the original process — you will need to submit a new process form, a new photo, and pay the full fee again. There is no reduced rate for replacements. Processing time is the same as a new permit: one to two weeks by mail, faster in person at an AAA office.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it overseas. You will need to wait until you return to the United States and then explore for a new one through the AAA or AATA. Plan ahead and request a new permit before your current one expires if you know you will be traveling again within the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in a foreign country with just my U.S. license and no IDP?

Yes, in most countries. Your U.S. license is valid for driving in over 150 countries. An IDP is not legally required — it is a translation document that makes your license easier for foreign authorities to understand. Some rental car companies require it, but many do not. Check with your rental company and destination country before you travel.

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

Your IDP is tied to your driver's license. If your license expires, your IDP is no longer valid, even if the permit itself has not reached its one-year expiration date. Renew your license before you travel, or carry proof of your renewal process if you are traveling during the renewal process.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No, your U.S. driver's license is sufficient for driving in both countries. However, some rental car companies may request an IDP anyway. It is not required by law, but having one can speed up the rental process and may reduce confusion at a border crossing.

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

No. Your license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. If your license is expired, renew it through your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

How long does an IDP stay valid if I do not use it?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, regardless of whether you use it. After one year, it expires and is no longer recognized by foreign authorities. You will need to explore for a new one if you plan to travel again.