What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it does not replace your home license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your valid home license and the IDP together. The IDP tells a police officer or rental car company in another country what your home license says, in a format they recognize.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or transportation authority, not by the country you are visiting. If you are a U.S. driver, you get your IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — not from the country where you plan to drive. The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which type you request.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license and must be obtained from your home country's automobile association before you travel.
  • You need a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country to get an IDP — the IDP cannot be issued on its own.
  • In the United States, AAA and AATA issue IDPs in person at their offices; you cannot order one by mail or online.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain if you visit in person with the required documents.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP for short visits, so check your destination's rules before you travel.

Who Issues the International Driving Permit in Your Country

The organization that issues your IDP depends on where your driver's license was issued. In the United States, two organizations are authorized: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document. AAA has more locations nationwide, with offices in most cities. AATA has fewer locations but covers areas AAA does not serve.

If you hold a license from another country, contact your home country's national automobile association or transportation ministry. Canada's CAA (Canadian Automobile Association), the UK's AA (Automobile Association), and Australia's NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) all issue IDPs to their residents. Each country has its own issuing body, so you must explore in the country where your license was issued, not in the country where you plan to drive.

Documents You Need to Bring

To get an IDP from AAA or AATA in the United States, you need three things: a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license; a completed process form; and a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept photos taken on the spot for a small fee, so call ahead to ask whether you can bring your own or have one taken there.

You do not need to prove you have travel plans or show a plane ticket. You do not need proof of insurance or vehicle registration. The IDP is issued based only on your valid home license and your identity. Bring the original license, not a copy — the staff member will examine it but will not take it from you.

How to Get Your IDP in Person

Visit an AAA or AATA office during business hours with your driver's license, completed process form, and passport photo. The staff will verify your license, check your photo against your face, and process the process on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay the fee — currently $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit — and receive your IDP when ready or within a few days, depending on the office.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. For AATA, visit aata.org. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask whether they have process forms on hand or whether you should read and fill one out before you arrive. Some offices are busier than others, and a quick call can save you a trip.

When You Actually Need an IDP

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving and for how long. Many countries do not require one for short visits by tourists. The United Kingdom, for example, accepts a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP for visits up to 12 months. France, Germany, Spain, and Italy also accept U.S. licenses without an IDP for temporary visits.

However, some countries do require an IDP, and some car rental companies require one even if the country does not. Mexico, for instance, does not legally require an IDP but many rental agencies will not rent to you without one. Before you book a rental car or cross a border, check the rules for your specific destination and contact your rental company. The U.S. State Department website lists entry requirements by country, and your rental company can tell you their own policy.

What Happens If You Do Not Have an IDP When You Need One

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be fined or have your vehicle impounded. The penalty varies by country. In some places, the fine is small; in others, it can be substantial. A rental car company may also refuse to rent to you or may charge you a fee if you do not have one.

If you realize you need an IDP after you have already left home, you cannot obtain one while traveling. You must have it issued in your home country before you depart. This is why checking your destination's requirements before your trip is important — there is no way to get one on the road.

How Long an IDP Is Valid

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which type you request when you explore. A one-year IDP costs less and is sufficient if you are taking a single trip. A three-year IDP costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period. Both are valid only while your home driver's license is also valid — if your license expires, your IDP expires too, even if the IDP's expiration date has not arrived.

An IDP does not extend your home license's validity. If your license expires in six months, your IDP will also stop being valid in six months, even if you purchased a three-year permit. Renew your home license before it expires, and your IDP will remain valid through its stated expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their physical offices. You must visit an office with your driver's license, process form, and photo. Some offices may mail you the completed IDP after you visit, but the initial process must be done face-to-face.

Do I need an IDP if I am just renting a car for a road trip in the United States?

No. An IDP is for driving in other countries. Within the United States, your valid U.S. driver's license is all you need. Rental car companies in the U.S. will not ask for an IDP.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Your home license must be valid and unexpired. If your license has expired, renew it first, then explore for the IDP.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by your home country. An "International License" is not a real thing — it is a term sometimes used by scam websites. Only get your IDP from your country's official automobile association.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

In the United States, a one-year IDP costs $15 to $20, and a three-year IDP costs around $30. Prices may vary slightly by AAA or AATA office. Bring cash or a card — most offices accept both.