An IDP is an official translation of your driver's license that some countries recognize instead of your actual license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by your home country that translates your driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it does not replace your actual license and does not give you driving privileges you do not already have. An IDP works alongside your regular license to prove you are a licensed driver in countries where officials may not read your home country's language or recognize your license format.

The IDP is governed by two international treaties: the 1926 Convention and the 1968 Convention. Most countries that recognize IDPs follow one or both. The United States issues IDPs under the 1968 Convention, which means a U.S. IDP is recognized in roughly 150 countries. However, not every country accepts them, and some countries that do accept them may still require additional documents like a certified translation of your license or an International Driving Document (IDD) issued by your home country's government.

You must carry your actual driver's license along with your IDP at all times when driving abroad. An IDP alone is not valid — it is only a translation aid. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, you will need to show both documents.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation of your driver's license into multiple languages, not a separate license or permit.
  • You must carry your actual driver's license with your IDP; neither document is valid without the other.
  • The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and they are valid for one or three years depending on your age.
  • Not all countries recognize IDPs, and some require additional documents like certified translations or government-issued International Driving Documents.
  • An IDP does not grant you driving privileges you do not already have — it only translates proof that you hold a valid license.

Who Issues IDPs in the United States

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot obtain an IDP from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a state licensing agency, or any other organization. Both AAA and AATA issue the same document — the difference is where you explore and the fee structure.

AAA is the larger and more accessible option. Most AAA members can walk into a local AAA office with their driver's license and passport, pay a fee, and receive an IDP on the same day. Non-members can also explore at AAA offices, though some locations may charge a slightly higher fee or require membership. AATA operates primarily through mail and online channels and is less widely available in physical locations.

Both organizations issue IDPs that are valid for either one year or three years, depending on your age at the time of issue. If you are under 18, your IDP is valid for one year. If you are 18 or older, you can choose a one-year or three-year permit when you explore.

What You Need to Bring When You explore

To obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, you will need to bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport (or passport card). Some offices may also accept other forms of government-issued photo identification, but a passport is the safest choice because it is universally recognized. You do not need a separate process form in most cases — the issuing organization will complete the paperwork for you during the appointment.

If you are explore in person at an AAA office, the process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you are explore by mail through AATA, you will need to submit copies of your driver's license and passport along with a completed process form and payment. Mail processing usually takes one to two weeks.

You do not need to renew your regular driver's license to obtain an IDP, and you do not need an IDP to renew your license. The two documents are separate and operate on different timelines.

Cost and Validity Period

The fee for an IDP varies slightly between AAA and AATA and may differ by location. AAA typically charges between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit and $20 to $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary by state and membership status. AATA charges similar amounts. These are one-time fees — you do not pay annually to keep the permit active.

An IDP is valid only as long as your underlying driver's license is valid. If your license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. Conversely, if your IDP expires but your license is still valid, you can renew just the IDP without renewing your license.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive using your actual license in most countries that recognize the 1968 Convention. The IDP is a convenience document, not a requirement. However, if you plan to rent a car or cross certain borders, losing your IDP may create complications, so it is worth replacing it before you return home.

Countries That Recognize U.S. IDPs

A U.S. IDP is recognized in approximately 150 countries that are signatories to the 1968 Convention. This includes most of Europe, many countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. However, the list changes, and some countries that technically recognize IDPs may still require additional documents or may not accept them in all situations.

Some countries that do not recognize IDPs include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In these countries, you will need a certified English translation of your driver's license, an International Driving Document (IDD) issued by your home state, or both. A few countries, like Japan and South Korea, accept IDPs but also strongly recommend carrying a certified translation as backup.

Before traveling, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit. Your rental car company, the country's embassy or consulate website, or the International Automobile Federation (FIA) can provide current information about what documents are accepted.

IDP vs. International Driving Document (IDD)

An IDP and an International Driving Document (IDD) are often confused because both are used when driving abroad, but they are different documents issued by different authorities. An IDP is issued by AAA or AATA and is a translation of your license. An IDD is issued by your state's DMV or licensing agency and is an official government document that certifies you hold a valid license.

Not all states issue IDDs, and the rules vary by state. Some states call them "International Driving Permits" even though they are different from the AAA/AATA version. If you are unsure whether your state issues an IDD, contact your state's DMV directly. Some countries accept IDDs instead of or in addition to the AAA/AATA IDP, so having both documents can be helpful when traveling to countries with unclear requirements.

In general, the AAA/AATA IDP is sufficient for most travel to countries that recognize the 1968 Convention. An IDD becomes more important if you are traveling to a country that does not recognize the standard IDP or if you want a government-issued backup document.

Renewing or Replacing Your IDP

To renew your IDP, you follow the same process as obtaining a new one: visit an AAA office or submit an process to AATA with your current driver's license and passport. You do not need to wait until your IDP expires to renew it. If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it when ready by explore again.

There is no separate "renewal" process — you straightforward explore for a new IDP as if you were explore for the first time. The fee is the same whether you are renewing or replacing. If you are renewing before your current IDP expires, you can choose a different validity period (one year or three years) than you chose the first time.

Keep in mind that your IDP is only valid while your driver's license is valid. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, your IDP is no longer valid even if you have not yet renewed it. If you renew your driver's license, you do not automatically get a new IDP — you must explore for a new IDP separately if you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just an IDP and no driver's license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your driver's license and is not valid on its own. You must carry your actual driver's license at all times. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident and cannot produce your license, the IDP alone will not satisfy legal requirements.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car abroad?

Most rental car companies will accept your U.S. driver's license alone, but many recommend or require an IDP as well. Some companies in countries that do not recognize the standard IDP may require a certified translation or an International Driving Document instead. Check with your rental company before you travel.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid, but you can still drive using your actual license in most countries that recognize the 1968 Convention. However, if you are stopped by police, having an expired IDP may create confusion. It is best to renew your IDP before traveling if it is close to expiration.

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

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended or expired, you will need to resolve that with your state's DMV before you can explore for an IDP.

Is an IDP the same thing as a passport?

No. An IDP is a translation of your driver's license and proves you are licensed to drive. A passport is a travel document that proves your citizenship and identity. You need both documents when traveling internationally — the passport to enter a country and the IDP (along with your license) to drive there.