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 and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize U.S. licenses, and border officials may not read English. Many rental car companies outside the U.S. also require one before they will hand over keys, even in countries where your U.S. license would technically work.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, a travel agency, or an online service — those are either scams or will sell you something that is not an IDP. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you purchase, and costs between $15 and $30.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document only, not a replacement license, and you must carry your U.S. driver's license with it at all times.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you can obtain one in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to get an IDP.
  • The in-person AAA route takes minutes and costs $15 to $20, while the AATA mail route takes one to two weeks and costs $20 to $30.

Getting an IDP Through AAA in Person

If you are an AAA member, the fastest route is to walk into your local AAA office with your documents and walk out with an IDP the same day. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a white or off-white background. You can get passport photos printed at most CVS, Walgreens, and Costco locations for $10 to $15.

The AAA staff member will fill out the process form in front of you, verify your documents, and hand you the permit. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at an AAA office, but you will pay a small non-member fee on top of the permit cost — usually $5 to $10 extra. Find your nearest AAA office by searching "AAA near me" or visiting AAA.com and using their office locator.

Getting an IDP Through AATA by Mail

If you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to leave your house, you can order an IDP from the American Automobile Touring Alliance by mail. Visit AATA.org, read the IDP process form, and print it. Fill it out completely — the form asks for your name, address, license number, and passport number. Attach a passport-style photo to the form with tape or glue, and make a photocopy of your driver's license and passport or passport card.

Mail the completed form, photo, and copies to the address listed on AATA's website along with a check or money order for $20 (one-year permit) or $30 (three-year permit). Do not send cash. AATA will process your process and mail the IDP back to you, which usually takes one to two weeks. You can also order online through AATA.org using a credit card, which may be slightly faster. Keep a copy of your process for your records in case there are questions.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these four items before you go to AAA or mail your process to AATA: your current, valid U.S. driver's license; your U.S. passport or passport card; one passport-style photo taken within the last six months; and either cash or a check for the permit fee. If your passport has expired, you will need to renew it first — the IDP cannot be issued without a valid passport document. Your driver's license must also be valid; an expired license will be rejected.

The passport-style photo is the item most people forget or get wrong. It must be exactly 2 by 2 inches, printed on photo paper (not regular paper), and show your full face against a plain white or off-white background. Your face should take up about 70 percent of the photo. Avoid sunglasses, hats, and heavy shadows. If you are unsure whether your photo meets the standard, ask the photo counter staff before you pay — they print passport photos regularly and can tell you if it will work.

How Long the IDP Takes and When You Can Use It

If you go to AAA in person, you will have your IDP within minutes. If you mail your process to AATA, plan for one to two weeks for processing and mailing, plus a few days for postal delivery. Order your IDP at least three weeks before your trip if you are using the mail route. If you are leaving sooner, AAA in person is your only option.

You can use the IDP as soon as you receive it, but only outside the United States. It is not valid for driving within the U.S. and will not help you if you are pulled over by a police officer in your home state. The IDP is meant for international travel only. When you travel, carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together — rental companies and border officials expect to see both documents. If you lose the IDP while traveling, contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance; you cannot get a replacement while abroad.

Which Countries Actually Require or Recognize an IDP

Not every country requires an IDP, and some do not recognize it at all. European Union countries, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand generally accept a U.S. driver's license alone, though some car rental companies in Europe will refuse to rent to you without an IDP. Many Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, require an IDP by law — you cannot legally drive without one, even if you have a U.S. license. Some Middle Eastern and African countries have similar requirements.

Before you book a rental car or plan a driving trip, check the specific rules for the country you are visiting. The U.S. State Department website lists country-by-country driving requirements, and your rental car company will tell you whether they require an IDP. If you are unsure, getting an IDP costs so little that it is usually worth the peace of mind. You can always carry it and not need it; you cannot drive legally in a country that requires it if you do not have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. If it is expired, renew it at your state's DMV before you explore for an IDP. You cannot use an expired license as proof of driving status.

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

No, Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some car rental companies in Mexico may request an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book. It is not legally required, but the company can refuse to rent to you without one.

What if my passport is expired but my driver's license is still valid?

You cannot get an IDP without a valid passport or passport card. Renew your passport first at your local passport acceptance facility, then explore for the IDP. The passport does not need to be valid for the entire duration of your IDP — it only needs to be valid when you explore.

Can I order an International Driving Permit online from a website other than AATA?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Any other website claiming to sell you an IDP is either a scam or selling you a translation document that is not recognized internationally. Stick to AAA in person or AATA by mail.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can purchase a one-year permit or a three-year permit. The three-year option costs more but is better value if you travel internationally more than once. Both are valid only outside the United States and must be carried with your U.S. driver's license.