An International Driving Permit translates your US license into ten languages so you can rent a car or prove you can drive in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid US driver's license into ten languages — English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. It does not replace your US license. You must carry both documents together when you drive abroad, and you must have a valid US license to get one in the first place.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The permit costs between $15 and $20, takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person, and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.

Some countries require an IDP by law before they will rent you a car. Others do not legally require it but rental companies ask for one anyway. A few countries do not recognize it at all. Before you book a rental, check the specific rules for the country you are visiting — your rental company can tell you whether an IDP is needed.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state's DMV, and you must have a valid US driver's license to obtain one.
  • You must carry your US license and your IDP together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not sufficient proof that you can drive.
  • The one-year permit costs $15 to $20 and takes about 15 minutes to get in person at an AAA office; a three-year version is also available.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP before rental companies will rent to you, while others do not require it but rental companies request it anyway.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

You can obtain an IDP at any AAA office in the United States. You do not need to be a AAA member to get one, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Visit the AAA website, enter your zip code, and find the office nearest you. Call ahead to confirm they have IDP applications in stock, since some smaller offices may not.

You can also order an IDP by mail through AAA. The process takes longer — typically one to two weeks — but you can do it without leaving home. Go to the AAA website, fill out the process, and mail it with your documents and payment. Mail-in applications require a photocopy of your driver's license and a passport-style photo.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second issuing organization. AATA does not have physical offices, so you must order through the mail. The process and cost are similar to AAA's mail-in service. Some travelers use AATA if they live far from an AAA office or prefer to order online.

What you need to bring or submit

If you are getting your IDP in person at an AAA office, bring your valid US driver's license and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). You will fill out a one-page process on the spot. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

If you are ordering by mail through AAA or AATA, you will need to submit a completed process form, a photocopy of your valid US driver's license, one passport-style photo, and payment. Some offices accept payment by check, credit card, or money order — confirm the method when you contact them.

Your US driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it through your state's DMV.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts

AAA and AATA both offer a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year version costs $15 to $20. The three-year version costs slightly more, usually around $20 to $30, though prices vary by location and issuer.

The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. Once it expires, you cannot drive legally using that IDP, even if your US license is still valid. You will need to get a new one if you plan to drive abroad again.

The three-year permit is useful if you travel internationally more than once during that period. The one-year permit is sufficient if you are taking a single trip.

Countries that require or recognize an International Driving Permit

More than 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit. However, recognition does not always mean it is required. Some countries legally require it; others accept it but do not demand it; and a small number do not recognize it at all.

Most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Mexico accept the IDP. Many rental companies in these countries will not rent to you without one, even if the country's law does not technically require it. Some countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia have their own rules — a few require an IDP, others do not recognize it.

Before you travel, contact your rental company directly and ask whether an IDP is required for your destination. Do not assume based on the country alone. The rental company's policy is what matters for your booking, not the country's law.

What an International Driving Permit does not do

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in another country if your US license would not. It is a translation document, not a separate license. If you are not allowed to drive in the United States — for example, if your license is suspended — you cannot get an IDP.

An IDP does not override local traffic laws or age requirements. If a country requires drivers to be 25 years old and you are 23, an IDP will not change that rule. You must still follow all local driving laws, speed limits, and vehicle requirements.

An IDP also does not cover you if you have an accident or traffic violation abroad. Your US auto insurance may or may not cover you internationally — check with your insurance company before you travel. An IDP is purely a translation of your license; it does not provide insurance or legal protection.

How to use your International Driving Permit when you travel

Keep your IDP and your US driver's license together at all times when you are driving abroad. If a police officer stops you, present both documents. The officer will use the IDP to read your license information in their language.

When you rent a car, give the rental company both your US license and your IDP. They will likely photocopy both. Some rental companies may ask for an IDP even if the country does not require it — this is normal and does not mean you are doing anything wrong.

Store both documents safely. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can contact AAA or AATA to request a replacement, though this may take time. It is easier to keep both documents in your wallet or hotel safe from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP, and your US license alone is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but many car rental companies in Mexico request one. Check with your rental company before you book. If you are driving your own car into Mexico, you will need Mexican auto insurance, which is separate from an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my US license is expired?

No. Your US driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired, renew it through your state's DMV first, then explore for an IDP.

What happens if I drive abroad without an International Driving Permit when one is required?

You may be fined, your rental car may be impounded, or you may be denied the ability to rent a car in the first place. Some countries treat driving without proper documentation as a serious traffic violation. Always check your destination's requirements before you travel.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit by mail?

Mail-in applications through AAA or AATA typically take one to two weeks from the time they receive your completed process. If you are traveling soon, visit an AAA office in person instead — you can get your IDP in about 15 minutes.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your US license. An International License does not exist as an official document. Some countries issue their own driving licenses to residents, but the US does not issue an "international" version of a state license.