An International Driving Permit lets you drive in other countries when your home license alone won't work

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into multiple languages and confirms you hold a valid license in your home country. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that works alongside your actual license. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to carry both your home license and the IDP together; neither one is valid without the other.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize foreign licenses, even valid ones, if they are printed only in English or another language the local police or rental company cannot read. An IDP solves this by providing the same information — your name, photo, license number, driving history status — in French, Spanish, German, and other languages that border agents and rental agencies understand.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country. Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Western Europe accept a valid U.S. driver's license on its own. But if you are planning to drive in Mexico, Central America, South America, Eastern Europe, Asia, or Africa, an IDP is either required or strongly recommended by car rental companies and local authorities.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation document that works only alongside your actual driver's license — you must carry both together.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person; it is valid for three years from the date of issue.
  • You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or state ID, and one passport-style photo to get an IDP.
  • An IDP does not replace your home license and does not give you permission to drive in countries where you are not legally allowed to drive.

Where to get an IDP in the United States

The U.S. State Department authorizes only two organizations to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue a U.S. IDP, even if they claim to be official or government-affiliated.

AAA is the faster and more convenient option for most people. You can visit any AAA office in person, bring your documents, and walk out with an IDP in about 15 minutes. AAA has thousands of local offices across the United States. You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Find your nearest AAA office on their website and call ahead to confirm they have the service available and to ask about current wait times.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller organization that also issues IDPs. AATA operates through a smaller network of locations and also accepts mail-in requests. If you cannot reach an AAA office or prefer to explore by mail, AATA is your alternative. Both organizations charge the same fee and issue the same document.

Documents and fees you will need

Bring three things to your AAA office or include them with your AATA mail-in request: your valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport or state ID 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 plain background.

The cost is $15 to $20 depending on which organization you use and whether you are an AAA member. AAA members typically pay $15; non-members pay $20. AATA charges a similar amount. Some AAA offices accept cash, credit cards, and checks; confirm payment methods when you call ahead. If you are explore by mail through AATA, include a check or money order.

The IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically — you will need to obtain a new one if you travel internationally again after it expires. Your home driver's license does not need to be renewed for the IDP to remain valid; the IDP's expiration date is separate from your license's expiration date.

What happens when you explore in person

When you arrive at an AAA office, tell the staff member you need an International Driving Permit. They will ask you to fill out a short form with your name, address, license number, and travel destination. This takes about five minutes. The form is not complicated and does not ask for anything beyond what is on your license and passport.

The staff member will check that your driver's license is valid and not suspended or revoked. They will verify your photo ID matches your name. They will scan or photograph your passport-style photo and print it onto the IDP document. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your IDP on the spot, printed on a small booklet-style document that fits in your wallet.

Keep your IDP with your driver's license at all times while driving abroad. Border agents, police, and car rental companies will ask to see both documents together. An IDP without your license, or a license without your IDP, is not sufficient in countries that require the IDP.

explore by mail if you cannot visit an office

If no AAA office is near you or you cannot visit in person, the American Automobile Touring Alliance accepts mail-in requests. You will mail your driver's license, a copy of your passport or state ID, your passport-style photo, and a completed process form along with a check or money order for the fee.

Mail-in processing takes longer than in-person service — typically two to three weeks from the date AATA receives your materials. Include a return address and consider using tracked mail service so you can confirm delivery. AATA will mail your IDP back to you once it is ready.

The risk of mailing your original driver's license is that it could be lost in transit. Some people choose to mail a certified copy of their license instead, though you should confirm with AATA that a copy is acceptable before you send it. Call AATA directly to ask about their current policy on copies versus originals.

Countries that require or recommend an IDP

Mexico, Central America, and South America generally require an IDP or strongly recommend it. Many car rental companies in these regions will not rent to you without one, even if local law does not strictly require it. If you are planning a road trip through Mexico or driving in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Colombia, obtain an IDP before you leave the United States.

Eastern European countries, including Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, often require an IDP. Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet countries typically require one. If you are driving in Asia — including Thailand, Vietnam, or the Philippines — an IDP is either required or strongly recommended by rental agencies.

The safest approach is to check the specific country's driving requirements on the U.S. State Department website or with your car rental company before you book. Requirements change, and some countries have reciprocal agreements with the United States that allow a U.S. license alone, while others do not. A quick phone call to your rental company can confirm whether an IDP is needed for your specific destination.

What an IDP does not do

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive. If you are under the minimum driving age in a destination country, or if your license is suspended or revoked, an IDP will not override those restrictions. It is purely a translation document — it confirms that you hold a valid license in your home country, but it does not change the laws of the country you are visiting.

An IDP does not replace your home driver's license. You must carry both documents together. Showing only an IDP to a police officer or rental agent is not sufficient. The IDP is a companion document, not a standalone license.

An IDP also does not cover you if you are involved in an accident or traffic violation. Your home insurance and the rental car's insurance are what protect you in those situations. An IDP is straightforward proof that you are a licensed driver in your home country.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and most other Western European countries accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in Europe recommend carrying an IDP anyway, so check with your rental company before you travel. An IDP does not hurt and can be useful if you cross into Eastern Europe.

Can I get an IDP online or from a website?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue U.S. IDPs. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not legitimate. If you see a website offering to send you an IDP for a fee, that is a scam. Visit an AAA office in person or mail your request to AATA.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are planning a long trip or multiple trips over several years, obtain a new IDP before the old one expires. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one. Plan ahead and check your IDP's expiration date before you leave the country.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Most car rental companies in Mexico, Central America, and South America require an IDP. Many companies in Europe recommend it even though it is not legally required. Call your rental company before you book and ask whether an IDP is needed for your destination.

Can I use an old IDP from a previous trip?

Only if it has not expired. Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel. If it is expired, you will need to obtain a new one. An expired IDP is not valid in any country.