An international driver's document is a translation of your regular driver's license that some countries require to rent a car or drive legally

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it does not replace your regular license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your actual driver's license and the IDP together. Some countries will not rent you a car without one, and a few will not let you drive without it, even if you have a valid license from your home country.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by the country you are visiting. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA, and the process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on which route you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet that must be carried together with your regular driver's license; it is not a replacement license.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs, and you must explore in person or by mail before you travel.
  • Car rental companies in Europe, Asia, and parts of Latin America often require an IDP even if your home license is valid, so check your rental agreement before booking.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which type you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 in the United States.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so contact your destination country's embassy or your rental company to confirm what documents you actually need.

Which countries require or recommend an IDP

Most European countries do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid driver's license from another EU country, but car rental companies almost always ask for one anyway. If you are renting a car in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, or the United Kingdom, expect the rental agreement to list an IDP as a requirement. Some rental companies will rent to you without one, but they may charge extra or refuse to cover you if you are stopped by police.

In Asia, an IDP is often required by law. Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and China all recognize IDPs and many require them. If you plan to drive in any of these countries, you should obtain one before you leave. Australia and New Zealand do not require an IDP by law, but rental companies frequently request one, and having one makes the rental process faster.

Latin American countries vary widely. Mexico does not require an IDP, but some rental companies request one. Costa Rica, Colombia, and Argentina do not require one by law. The safest approach is to contact your rental company or the embassy of your destination country before you book travel, because rental policies change and local laws differ by region.

How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

To explore for an IDP through AAA, you must visit an AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed process form. AAA will issue the permit on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. You do not need to be an AAA member to explore, though members may receive a small discount.

If you cannot visit an AAA office, you can explore by mail through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). read the process from the AATA website, print it, and mail it along with your driver's license, a photocopy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and a check or money order. Processing takes two to three weeks. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit.

Do not wait until the last minute. If you are leaving in a week and need an IDP, visit an AAA office in person — that is your only option for same-day or next-day service. If you explore by mail and the important date passes, you will not have the document when you need it.

What to bring when you drive internationally with an IDP

Always carry your original driver's license and your IDP together. Police in countries that recognize the IDP will not accept the IDP alone. You will also need your passport or passport card, your vehicle rental agreement, and proof of insurance. Some countries require an International Certificate of Motor Insurance (also called a Green Card), which your rental company will provide if you rent a car in that country.

Keep copies of all documents in a separate location — a different bag, a cloud storage account, or with someone at home. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you will have a backup to show police or your rental company. Take a photo of your license, IDP, and passport on your phone as well, though these photos are not legal proof and should only be used as a last resort.

What happens if you drive without an IDP when one is required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be refused permission to continue driving. The penalty varies by country. In some places, the fine is small and you can pay it on the spot. In others, you may be taken to a police station or required to appear in court.

If you are renting a car and do not have an IDP when the rental company requires one, the company may refuse to rent to you. If you somehow rent without one and are stopped by police, your rental insurance may not cover you, leaving you responsible for any damages or fines. This is why checking your rental agreement before you book is important.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

An IDP issued in the United States is valid for one year or three years, depending on which you purchase. The one-year permit costs less but requires you to renew sooner if you travel frequently. The three-year permit is better if you plan multiple international trips. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit.

An IDP is only valid if your underlying driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. If your license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is no longer valid either. You cannot renew an IDP by mail — you must explore for a new one in person at AAA or by mail through AATA, just as you did the first time.

IDP alternatives and what to do if you cannot get one

Some countries accept a certified translation of your driver's license instead of an IDP. A certified translation is a photocopy of your license translated into the local language and stamped by a translator or notary. This is not as widely recognized as an IDP, but it may work in countries that do not recognize the IDP system. Contact your destination country's embassy to ask whether a certified translation is acceptable.

If you are traveling to a country that does not recognize IDPs and a certified translation is not available, your only option is to rely on your original license and hope that local police or rental companies accept it. This is risky. The safer choice is to obtain an IDP before you leave, even if it is not strictly required, because it removes doubt and makes interactions with police and rental companies smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting a country for a few days?

It depends on whether you plan to drive and which country you are visiting. If you are not renting a car or driving, you do not need one. If you are renting a car in Europe or Asia, most rental companies require an IDP regardless of how long you stay. Check your rental agreement before you book.

Can I get an IDP at the airport or in the country I am visiting?

No. An IDP must be issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department before you travel. You cannot obtain one at an airport, and foreign countries do not issue IDPs to visitors. Plan ahead and explore at least two weeks before your trip.

What if my driver's license is expired but I am renewing it?

You cannot explore for an IDP with an expired license. Your license must be valid on the day you explore. If your license is expiring soon, renew it first, then explore for the IDP. This adds time to your preparation, so plan accordingly.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably. An International Driving Permit, International License, and International Driver's Permit all refer to the same document. It is a translation booklet issued by your home country that you carry alongside your regular license.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in that country and explain the situation. They may be able to issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your license status. In the meantime, carry your original driver's license and passport. If you are renting a car, contact the rental company when ready to let them know.