What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in most countries outside the United States. Some nations will rent you a car without one, but many will not, and some will fine you if you are stopped by police and cannot produce one. A few countries (Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean islands) accept a U.S. license alone, but carrying an IDP costs little and removes doubt.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which you request. It expires whether you use it or not, so order one only when you have a trip planned. You cannot renew an IDP — you must order a new one each time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain your IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — no other U.S. organization issues them.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and payment (usually $20 for one year or $30 for three years).
  • You can order an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA, and processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • Bring both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license when you drive abroad — the IDP alone is not valid without the license it translates.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the easiest route for most people. If you are a AAA member, you can walk into any AAA office with your documents and leave with an IDP the same day. If you are not a member, you can still order through AAA, but you will pay a small non-member fee on top of the IDP cost.

To order in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process for International Driving Permit (form available at the office or online), one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. AAA accepts cash, check, and card. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background — the same standard as a passport photo.

To order by mail, read the process from AAA.com, fill it out, attach your photo, make a copy of your driver's license, and send everything with payment to your nearest AAA office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the IDP mailed back to you. Processing takes one to two weeks.

To order online through AAA.com, you will need to create an account, upload a photo, and pay by card. AAA will mail the IDP to you, and you can track the shipment. This route works if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second official issuer of IDPs in the United States. AATA does not have physical offices — you order entirely by mail or online. The process is similar to AAA's mail route but may take slightly longer because everything is handled centrally.

To order through AATA, visit aata.org, read the process, and mail it with your photo, a copy of your driver's license, and payment to their address. You can also order online through their website and upload your documents digitally. Processing typically takes two to three weeks. AATA charges the same base fee as AAA ($20 for one year, $30 for three years) but does not charge a non-member surcharge.

Choose AATA if you live far from an AAA office or prefer handling everything by mail. The trade-off is that you cannot get the IDP the same day — you will wait for mail delivery both ways.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you contact AAA or AATA. Missing any one will delay your order.

  • Valid U.S. driver's license. Your license must not be expired. If it expired, renew it through your state's DMV before ordering the IDP.
  • Completed process form. AAA and AATA both provide this form free. It asks for your name, address, license number, and signature. You can print it or fill it out by hand.
  • One passport-sized photo. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Do not wear sunglasses or a hat. You can get passport photos at CVS, Walgreens, or a local photo studio for $10 to $20.
  • Payment. One year costs $20, three years costs $30. AAA members pay the same price. Non-members ordering through AAA pay an additional $15 to $20 non-member fee. AATA charges no non-member fee.
  • Copy of your driver's license. If ordering by mail, include a photocopy of the front and back of your license. If ordering in person at AAA, bring the original and they will copy it for you.

Timeline and What to Expect

The speed of your IDP depends on how you order. In-person at AAA is fastest: you can receive it the same day if you arrive during business hours with all documents. By mail through AAA, expect one to two weeks. By mail through AATA, expect two to three weeks. Online through AAA, expect three to five business days for processing plus mail delivery time.

Plan ahead. If you are leaving for your trip in two weeks, order in person at AAA rather than by mail. If you are leaving in a month, mail is fine. If you are leaving in a week, you may not have time — call AAA to ask if they can expedite, though this usually costs extra.

Once your IDP arrives, check that your name, license number, and signature are correct. If anything is wrong, contact the issuer when ready. You cannot use an IDP with errors, and correcting it requires ordering a new one.

Using Your IDP Abroad

When you drive in another country, carry both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license at all times. The IDP is not valid on its own — it is only a translation of your license. Police in other countries will ask for both documents.

Rental car companies will ask to see your IDP when you pick up the car. Some will not rent to you without one, even if your U.S. license is valid. Having the IDP in hand prevents this problem.

The IDP does not change the rules of the road in the country you are visiting. You must still follow local traffic laws, speed limits, and parking rules. The IDP straightforward proves that your U.S. license is real and translates your information into languages the local authorities understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IDP to drive in the United States?

No. The IDP is for driving outside the United States only. In the U.S., your valid state driver's license is all you need. The IDP has no legal standing here.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If your trip is longer than your IDP's validity (one or three years), order a new one before you leave. You cannot renew an IDP — you must order a fresh one each time.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country and rental company. Some will rent without an IDP; others will not. To avoid problems at the rental counter, get an IDP before you travel. It costs $20 and takes one day in person at AAA, so the small cost and effort are worth the certainty.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a new IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming your identity and license status, which some rental companies and police will accept as a temporary substitute. You will need to order a new IDP when you return home.

Can I order an IDP for someone else?

No. The person who will use the IDP must sign the process and provide their own photo. You can help them gather documents or submit the process on their behalf, but they must be the one to sign it.