What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

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. When you travel abroad, you carry both documents together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials what your home license says, without them needing a translator.

Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and some countries will not recognize your license at a traffic stop unless you have it. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you get it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid driver's license from your state before you can get an IDP — the permit is an add-on, not a replacement.
  • In the United States, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs.
  • You can get an IDP in person at most AAA offices or by mail through AATA, and the process takes minutes in person or one to two weeks by mail.
  • Bring your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form — requirements are the same whether you go in person or by mail.
  • An IDP is not required by law in most countries, but rental car companies often will not rent without one, so check your destination and rental company before you travel.

Getting an IDP Through AAA in Person

If you are a AAA member, the fastest way to get an IDP is to walk into a local AAA office with your documents. You will fill out form DS-11 (the official IDP process), show your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo, pay the fee, and walk out with the permit in the same visit. Most offices have photos on site if you do not have one already, though there is usually an extra charge for that service.

Not all AAA offices issue IDPs — call ahead or check the AAA website to confirm your local branch does. If you are not a AAA member, you can still get an IDP at an AAA office, but you may pay a slightly higher fee. Bring your state ID or passport as proof of identity, your valid driver's license, and a pen to fill out the form.

Getting an IDP by Mail Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issues IDPs by mail and does not require AAA membership. You read the process form from the AATA website, print it, fill it out by hand, and mail it with your documents and payment to their office. The whole process takes one to two weeks from the time they receive your envelope.

You will need to include a passport-style photo, a photocopy of your valid driver's license, and a completed process form. Mail everything to the address listed on the AATA website along with a check or money order for the fee. AATA will mail your IDP back to you once they process the process. If you need it faster, some AAA offices can still issue one in person even if you are not a member, which is usually quicker than waiting for mail.

What Documents and Photos You Need

You must have a valid driver's license from your state or country before you explore — this is non-negotiable. The IDP cannot be issued without it. You will also need a passport-style photo, which is a color photo of your face against a white background, usually 2 by 2 inches. Most drugstores and photo studios can take one for $10 to $15 if you do not have one already.

You will fill out the official IDP process form, which is available at AAA offices or on the AATA website. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. If you are explore by mail, you will also need to include a photocopy of your driver's license — do not send the original. Some offices accept digital copies, so check before you mail anything.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

When you order your IDP, you choose whether you want it valid for one year or three years. The one-year permit costs less but expires faster; the three-year permit costs more but lasts longer. Both are equally valid — the choice depends on how often you travel internationally and when your next trip is planned.

An IDP expires on the date printed on the front. Unlike a driver's license, you cannot renew an expired IDP — you have to explore for a new one. If your IDP is expiring soon and you have a trip planned, order a new one before the old one runs out, because you cannot use an expired permit even if your driver's license is still valid.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP While Traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter stating that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, which some rental car companies and police will accept in place of the permit. Keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate bag from the original, so you have proof of the permit number if you need to report it lost.

When you return home, you can explore for a replacement IDP through AAA or AATA using the same process as a first-time process. There is no separate replacement fee — you pay the standard IDP fee again. Some travelers also photograph their IDP and email it to themselves as a backup before they leave.

Countries That Require or Strongly Recommend an IDP

Most countries do not legally require an IDP, but many will not recognize your U.S. license alone at a traffic stop. Countries that commonly ask for an IDP include Mexico, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and Japan. Rental car companies in these countries almost always require one, even if the law does not.

Before you book a rental car or travel to a specific country, check the rental company's website and the U.S. State Department travel advisory for that country. Both will tell you whether an IDP is needed. Some countries accept only an IDP plus your original license; others accept your license alone. Knowing the rule for your destination before you leave saves you from being turned away at a rental counter or stopped by police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. An IDP is a translation of your current license, not a separate document that works on its own. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and valid again.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not legally require an IDP, but Mexico does recommend one and many Mexican rental car companies will not rent without it. Check with your rental company before you travel. If you are driving your own car into Mexico, bring your IDP along with your U.S. license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

How much does an IDP cost?

An IDP costs between $15 and $30 depending on whether you choose one year or three years and whether you get it in person or by mail. AAA members may pay slightly less than non-members. Some AAA offices charge extra if you need a passport photo taken on site.

Can I use an IDP without my actual driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your actual driver's license. Police, rental companies, and border officials will ask to see both documents. If you lose your license, the IDP alone is not enough to drive or rent a car.

What if I have a commercial driver's license — can I get an IDP for that?

Yes, you can get an IDP for a commercial license using the same process. Bring your valid commercial driver's license, a passport photo, and the process form to AAA or mail it to AATA. The fee is the same as for a regular license IDP.