What an International Driver's License Is and Where to Get One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. You get one from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), both of which are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

The permit costs between $15 and $20 and takes about fifteen minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office. You can also order one by mail, though that takes one to two weeks. The permit itself is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose. Some countries recognize only the one-year version, so check your destination before you pay for the longer option.

You do not need an IDP to drive in most countries — many accept your U.S. license alone. An IDP becomes useful when a police officer or rental car company cannot read English, or when a country's law specifically requires one. It is also helpful if your license is worn, has faded text, or lacks a photo that matches your current appearance.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is available only through AAA or AATA, costs $15 to $20, and takes fifteen minutes to get in person at an AAA office.
  • The permit translates your existing U.S. license into ten languages but has no legal force without your actual license present.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP — check your destination country's rules before you obtain one, because some recognize only the one-year version.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to get an IDP, and the permit expires when your license does.

How to Get One at an AAA Office

Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license, a passport or other government ID, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). You do not need to be an AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Tell the staff you want an International Driving Permit and specify whether you want the one-year or three-year version.

The staff will fill out a one-page form with your information, take your photo if you do not have one, and process the permit on the spot. You will walk out with the document in hand. Bring cash or a card — most offices take both. If you do not have a passport photo, AAA offices can take one for you for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not all AAA offices are open on weekends, so check hours before you go. If you live far from an office, the mail-in route may be faster than driving.

Ordering by Mail Through AAA

Request an process form from AAA by phone at 1-800-AAA-HELP or read one from aaa.com. You will need to mail in your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, a completed process, and a check or money order for the fee. Some AAA offices accept credit cards by phone if you call ahead.

Mail everything to the AAA office in your state — the phone line will tell you the correct address. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date AAA receives your envelope. Your original license will be returned with the permit, so you will have both documents back.

Keep track of when you mail the process. If you do not receive the permit within three weeks, call AAA to confirm they received your envelope. Mail can be lost, and calling early means you have time to resubmit before your trip.

Getting an IDP Through AATA If AAA Is Not Available

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer and works much the same way as AAA. You can order from AATA online at aata.org, by mail, or by phone at 1-800-622-7070. The cost is similar — around $15 to $20 — and the document is identical.

AATA processes mail orders in five to seven business days, which is faster than AAA in most cases. You can also pay by credit card over the phone and have the form emailed to you, which speeds up the process if you are in a hurry. Like AAA, AATA requires your valid license, a passport photo, and a completed process.

Choose AATA if you prefer to handle everything by phone or online, or if the nearest AAA office is far away. Both organizations issue the same State Department-authorized permit, so either one will work in any country that recognizes an IDP.

What Countries Actually Require or Recognize an IDP

Most English-speaking countries — the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland — do not require an IDP and will accept your U.S. license alone. Many Western European countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy) also accept a U.S. license without an IDP, though having one does not hurt.

Countries that are more likely to require or strongly prefer an IDP include those in Central and South America, parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Mexico, for example, does not legally require an IDP but police may be more likely to accept one if they cannot read English. Some rental car companies in these regions will not rent to you without an IDP, even if the country itself does not require one.

Before you buy an IDP, check the official travel information for your destination country. The U.S. State Department website (state.gov) has country-specific information, and your rental car company can tell you whether they require one. If you are unsure, getting an IDP costs less than the hassle of being turned away at a rental counter.

How Long an IDP Lasts and What Happens When It Expires

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you chose when you ordered it. However, it is only valid as long as your underlying U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires, your IDP expires with it, even if the permit itself has time remaining.

When you renew your U.S. license, you will need to get a new IDP if you still need one. The old permit becomes invalid the moment your license is renewed. Keep both documents together — if you lose one, you have lost the pair's usefulness.

If you are planning a trip more than a year away, you can get the three-year IDP now and not worry about renewing it before you leave. If your trip is within the next year, the one-year permit is cheaper and will last long enough.

What to Bring and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Bring your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license — an expired license will not work. Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, passport card, or state ID). Bring a passport-sized photo that is recent and shows your face clearly. If you wear glasses regularly, wear them in the photo. If you have changed your appearance significantly since your license photo was taken, the IDP photo should match your current look, not your license photo.

Do not assume you need an IDP for your destination — many travelers buy one unnecessarily. Do not order a three-year permit if you are only traveling once in the next year; the one-year version is cheaper. Do not wait until the week before your trip to order by mail; order at least three weeks ahead, or go in person to an AAA office instead.

Do not travel with only the IDP and leave your actual license at home. The IDP is useless without your real license present. Both documents must travel together.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your license must be valid and unexpired. If your license has expired, renew it first through your state's DMV, then get the IDP. You cannot use an expired license to obtain a permit.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or the UK?

No. Canada and the UK accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. Most rental companies in these countries will rent to you with your U.S. license alone. Check with your specific rental company if you are unsure, but an IDP is not necessary for these destinations.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming you are a U.S. citizen with a valid license, which may help if you are stopped by police. For future trips, keep a photo of both your license and IDP on your phone as backup.

Can I get an IDP from my state's DMV instead of AAA?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. Your state's DMV cannot issue one, even though they issue your regular license.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The permit costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. AAA and AATA charge similar prices. If you need a passport photo taken at the office, add $10 to $15 for that service.