What you need to drive in another country depends on where you're going and how long you're staying

Your U.S. driver's license is not automatically valid everywhere outside the United States. Some countries accept it as-is for short visits; others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your license; still others issue their own temporary driving permits or require you to obtain a local license. The rules vary by country, by state (since your U.S. license is state-issued), and sometimes by the type of vehicle you plan to drive. Before you book a rental car or cross a border, you need to know what that specific country requires.

The most common document for U.S. travelers is the International Driving Permit, which translates your U.S. license into multiple languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. However, it is not a replacement for your U.S. license — you must carry both together. Some countries do not recognize it at all, and a few require you to convert your U.S. license to a local one before you can legally drive.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license.
  • Not all countries recognize the International Driving Permit, so you must check the specific country's requirements before traveling.
  • Some countries allow U.S. licenses for short-term visits but require a local license or permit if you stay longer than a few months.
  • Rental car companies often have their own rules about which documents they will accept, separate from what the country legally requires.
  • Driving without the correct documents in a foreign country can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal trouble that affects your ability to leave.

How to get an International Driving Permit before you leave

The International Driving Permit is issued only by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot obtain one from a government office, embassy, or online service outside these two organizations.

To get an IDP from AAA, you must be a current AAA member, visit an AAA office in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card, and pay a fee (typically around $20, though this varies by location). The permit is issued on the spot and is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you are not an AAA member, you can join at the same time you explore for the permit.

AATA issues the IDP without requiring membership. You can explore in person at an AATA office or by mail. The mail process requires you to send your process, a completed form, a photocopy of your driver's license, a passport photo, and payment. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. The IDP is again valid for one year.

Neither organization will issue an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing at the time you explore.

Countries that accept a U.S. license alone, and those that do not

Many popular tourist destinations in Europe — including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom — legally accept a valid U.S. driver's license for short-term visits, usually up to three to six months. However, carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your license is still recommended, because police may be unfamiliar with U.S. licenses and the IDP provides a translation of your information.

Canada and Mexico also accept a valid U.S. license for short-term driving, though some rental car companies impose their own stricter rules. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan accept U.S. licenses for tourists, but some require the IDP as well.

Several countries do not recognize the U.S. license or IDP at all and require you to obtain a local permit or convert your license. These include Russia, China, India, and several Middle Eastern nations. If you plan to drive in any of these countries, you must research the specific process well before your trip — some require you to pass a written test or medical exam, and processing can take weeks or months.

A few countries, including South Africa and some Caribbean nations, have their own temporary visitor permits that you can obtain at the border or through a rental car company. Check with your destination country's tourism board or embassy website for the current rules.

What rental car companies require, separate from what the country requires

Rental car companies set their own document requirements, and these are often stricter than what the country legally requires. Most major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget) require that you present your original U.S. driver's license, a valid passport, and an International Driving Permit, even in countries where the IDP is not legally required. Some companies will not rent to you without all three documents.

Many rental companies also impose an age requirement — typically a minimum of 21 or 25 years old — and charge a young driver fee if you are under 25. A few companies will not rent to drivers over a certain age, though this is less common.

Before you book a rental car, contact the specific rental location where you will pick up the vehicle and ask what documents they require. Do not assume that what one company or location accepts is standard across all locations. A rental office in one country may have different rules than the same company's office in another country.

Driving on a U.S. license after moving abroad or staying long-term

If you move to another country or plan to stay longer than a few months, your U.S. license and International Driving Permit will eventually expire or become invalid. Most countries require you to convert to a local license within a set period — often three to six months after establishing residency.

The process for obtaining a local license varies widely. Some countries recognize your U.S. license and allow you to exchange it for a local one without taking a test. Others require you to pass a written exam, a practical driving test, or both. Some require a medical exam or vision test. A few require you to complete a driver education course.

You will need to contact the transportation or motor vehicle authority in the country where you are living to learn the specific steps. In many cases, you can begin the process through an embassy or consulate before you move, though the final license is issued only after you arrive and establish residency.

What happens if you drive without the correct documents

Driving without the required documents in a foreign country is treated as a traffic violation or, in some cases, a criminal offense. Penalties vary by country but commonly include fines ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, vehicle impoundment, and in some cases jail time. Police may also refuse to let you continue driving and may require you to arrange for a licensed driver to take over the vehicle.

If you are stopped and cannot produce the correct documents, the police report may follow you. Some countries share driving records with others, and a violation abroad can affect your ability to rent a car in future countries or even your ability to leave the country until the fine is paid.

If you are involved in an accident without the correct documents, your rental car insurance may not cover the damage, and you could be held personally liable for all costs. You may also face legal liability for any injuries or property damage caused by the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I'm only visiting for a week?

It depends on the country. For most Western European countries and Canada, a valid U.S. license alone is sufficient for short visits. However, carrying an International Driving Permit is still recommended because it provides a translation of your license information and can prevent confusion with local police. If you are renting a car, check with the rental company first — many require the IDP regardless of what the country requires.

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. license and no International Driving Permit?

In most European countries, yes, for short-term tourism. However, some rental car companies will not rent to you without an IDP, and police may question you if they are unfamiliar with U.S. licenses. The safest approach is to obtain the IDP before you leave, since it costs less than $25 and takes only a few minutes at an AAA office.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an International Driving Permit with an expired U.S. license. You must renew your U.S. license first through your state's motor vehicle department, then explore for the IDP. An expired U.S. license is also not valid for driving in any country, even if you have an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. The IDP must be obtained in person from an AAA office or by mail through AATA. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not legitimate — the only valid IDPs come from AAA or AATA. Purchasing from any other source will not be recognized by police or rental car companies.

What if the country I'm visiting doesn't recognize the International Driving Permit?

You will need to obtain a local permit or license through that country's motor vehicle authority. This process varies by country and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States before you travel to learn what documents you need and how long the process takes.