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 IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company what your U.S. license says, in a format they can read.

You can only get an IDP if you already hold a valid driver's license from your state. The permit is issued for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It costs between $15 and $30, depending on where you explore, and the process takes anywhere from same-day (if you explore in person) to two weeks (if you mail in your process).

Not every country requires an IDP, and some do not recognize them at all. Before you travel, check the specific rules for the country where you will be driving — your rental car company or the country's embassy website can tell you whether an IDP is necessary or useful there.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license and must be carried alongside your actual license when driving abroad.
  • You can only obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department.
  • The one-year permit costs $15 to $20 and the three-year permit costs $20 to $30, with in-person applications usually processed the same day.
  • Some countries do not recognize or require an IDP, so confirm the rules for your destination before paying for one.
  • You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (4 by 6 inches) to explore.

Where to explore: AAA and AATA are your only options

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the State Department to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, from a mail service, or from any other source.

If you are a AAA member, AAA is usually the faster and more convenient route. You can walk into most AAA offices and get your permit the same day. If you are not a AAA member, you can still explore through AAA by mail, or you can explore through AATA, which does not require membership. AATA processes applications by mail only — there are no walk-in offices.

To find the AAA office nearest you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. To explore through AATA, visit aataidp.com. Both organizations' websites show their current fees, which can vary slightly by location.

Documents you need to bring or submit

Whether you explore in person at AAA or by mail through either organization, you will need the same three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and one passport-style photograph that is 4 by 6 inches.

The photograph must meet U.S. passport photo standards — a color or black-and-white image of your face against a white background, taken within the last six months. You cannot use a photo from your driver's license. If you do not have a passport photo, you can have one taken at most AAA offices, at post offices, or at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, usually for $10 to $15.

If you are explore by mail, make copies of your driver's license and passport (front and back of each). Do not send originals — the organizations need only copies. Include the completed process form, which you can read from the AAA or AATA website, along with your photo and payment.

How long the process takes and what it costs

If you explore in person at a AAA office, you will usually receive your permit the same day or within a few hours. If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, expect two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time in both directions — plan for up to four weeks total.

The one-year International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20. The three-year permit costs between $20 and $30. Prices vary slightly by location and organization. AAA may charge a small additional fee if you are not a member. Both organizations accept cash, check, and credit cards. If you explore by mail, you can pay by check or credit card; if you explore in person, you can usually pay however the office accepts.

If you need your permit urgently and cannot wait for mail processing, your only option is to visit a AAA office in person. AATA does not offer expedited processing.

Choosing between the one-year and three-year permit

The choice between a one-year and three-year permit depends on how often you plan to drive outside the United States. If you are taking a single trip abroad, the one-year permit is cheaper and sufficient. If you travel internationally multiple times over the next few years, the three-year permit saves you money and the hassle of explore again.

Keep in mind that your IDP is only valid as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your three-year permit does, the permit becomes useless — you cannot renew just the IDP. You would have to get a new one after you renew your license. For this reason, some people prefer the one-year permit if their license is expiring soon.

What to do if you lose your permit or need a replacement

If your International Driving Permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can explore for a replacement through the same organization that issued it. The replacement costs the same as a new permit and takes the same amount of time. You will need to provide the same documents again — your valid driver's license, passport, and a new passport-style photo.

If you cannot remember whether you got your original permit from AAA or AATA, contact both organizations with your name and license number. They can tell you which one issued it and whether a replacement is available.

Countries that do and do not recognize International Driving Permits

Most countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa recognize International Driving Permits, but the rules vary. Some countries require an IDP in addition to your U.S. license. Others accept either an IDP or a notarized English translation of your U.S. license. A few do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to obtain a local driving permit or an official translation from a specific source.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country where you will be driving. Your rental car company can tell you what documents they require. You can also contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States, or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country, which often includes driving requirements.

Some countries that do not recognize IDPs include Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Middle East. If you are driving in one of these places, ask your rental company what documents they need — they may accept a notarized translation of your license, or they may require you to get an official permit from that country's government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Some countries accept a U.S. license alone, while others require an IDP or a notarized translation. Your rental car company will tell you what they require before you pick up the car. If you arrive without the right documents, you may not be able to rent a vehicle or drive legally. It is safer to get an IDP before you travel if there is any doubt.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

An IDP lasts either one or three years, depending on which version you purchase. However, it is only valid as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your permit does, the permit is no longer usable and you cannot drive with it.

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

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended U.S. driver's license to get an IDP. If your license is expired, you must renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first. If it is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted.

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

Not always. Some rental companies accept a U.S. license alone, while others require an IDP or a notarized translation. Call or email the rental company before you book to ask what documents they need. Requirements vary by company and by country, so do not assume your license is enough.

What if I explore for an IDP but my trip is coming up soon?

If you need an IDP quickly, visit a AAA office in person — most can issue it the same day. If you are not near a AAA office or do not have time to visit one, contact your rental car company to ask if they accept a notarized translation of your U.S. license instead. Some companies will accept this as an alternative to an IDP.