What an International Driving Permit Is and When It Matters

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign police that you hold a valid license at home. It is not a separate license—it is a companion document that works alongside your actual license. You need both documents together; the IDP alone has no legal standing.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. The United States does not require an IDP for American citizens driving in the U.S., but many countries outside North America do require one if you are renting a car or driving as a visitor. Your rental car company may also demand one even if the country does not legally require it.

The IDP is issued in your home country before you travel. You cannot obtain one once you arrive abroad. If you plan to drive internationally, you should arrange this before your trip.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your license into multiple languages and must be carried with your actual driver's license; neither document works alone.
  • Requirements vary by country—some legally require an IDP, others do not, and rental car companies often have their own stricter rules regardless of local law.
  • In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you obtain, and you must explore before you travel since they cannot be issued abroad.
  • The IDP does not replace your home license and carries no legal weight on its own; police will ask to see both documents together.

Who Issues International Driving Permits in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the State Department 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, though many websites claim to offer them.

AAA is the larger and more widely available option. You can visit a local AAA office in person, or some AAA branches accept mail-in applications. AATA operates primarily through mail and online ordering. Both organizations charge a fee for the permit—typically between $15 and $20—plus any shipping costs if you explore by mail.

If you use a third-party website that claims to issue an IDP, you are not receiving a legitimate document. Foreign authorities will not recognize it, and you may face fines or legal trouble if stopped while driving. Stick to AAA or AATA only.

What You Need to Bring or Submit

To obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, you will need to provide a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate), and a passport-style photograph. Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot; others require you to bring one. Requirements vary slightly by location, so check with your specific AAA branch or the AATA website before you go.

You will also need to complete an process form. AAA provides this in-office or online; AATA sends it with mail-in kits or makes it available on their website. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. Be honest about your destination countries, as the IDP may note them, though this does not restrict where you can use it.

Processing time varies. In-person applications at AAA are often issued the same day or within a few days. Mail-in applications through either organization typically take one to two weeks, though this can stretch during peak travel seasons. Plan ahead if you are leaving soon.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts

The United States issues two versions of the IDP: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. Both are equally valid internationally. The three-year version costs slightly more but is better value if you travel frequently or plan multiple trips abroad within that window.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document, regardless of whether your home driver's license expires before then. If your U.S. license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid—you cannot use an expired license to back it up. Conversely, if your IDP expires but your license is still valid, you can obtain a new IDP without renewing your license.

Some countries have their own rules about how old an IDP can be when you arrive. A few require it to have been issued within the last year. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel, as an old but technically valid IDP might not be accepted.

What Countries Require or Recognize an International Driving Permit

Requirements fall into three categories. Some countries legally require an IDP: these include most of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), much of Asia (Japan, South Korea, Thailand), Australia, New Zealand, and many others. If you are renting a car in these places, you must have an IDP or you will not be able to complete the rental.

Other countries do not legally require an IDP but recognize it if you have one. Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom fall into this group. You can drive on your U.S. license alone, but carrying an IDP can smooth interactions with police and is useful if your license is damaged or questioned.

A small number of countries do not recognize IDPs at all, though this is rare. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary. The U.S. State Department website and your rental car company can both confirm what you need.

How Rental Car Companies Use International Driving Permits

Rental car companies often have stricter rules than the countries where they operate. Many major chains—Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget—require an IDP for any non-U.S. license holder, even in countries where the government does not legally require one. Some companies will not rent to you without one, period.

This is a business policy, not a legal requirement. The company is protecting itself against liability and potential disputes with local authorities. When you reserve a car online or by phone, ask explicitly whether an IDP is required. If you show up without one and the company refuses to rent to you, you have no legal recourse—you straightforward cannot rent the car.

A few rental companies are more flexible and will rent on a U.S. license alone in countries that do not legally require an IDP. These are exceptions. Budget your time and cost to obtain an IDP before you travel rather than risk losing your reservation.

What Happens If You Drive Without an International Driving Permit When One Is Required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, the consequences depend on local law. In most European countries, you face a fine ranging from €50 to several hundred euros. In some cases, police may impound your vehicle or refuse to let you continue driving until you produce the permit.

You cannot obtain an IDP once you are abroad, so there is no way to fix this on the spot. You would need to stop driving, contact your embassy or a travel information service, and arrange to have someone mail you a document—a process that takes days and leaves you stranded.

Beyond fines, driving without required documentation can complicate insurance claims if you are in an accident. Your rental car company's insurance may not cover you if you violated local driving laws, leaving you personally liable for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online without going to an AAA office?

Yes, through AATA or some AAA branches. AATA handles most applications by mail or online. Some AAA locations also accept online applications and mail-in submissions. You will still need to provide a photo, your license, and proof of citizenship. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail, so plan ahead.

What if my International Driving Permit gets lost or stolen while I am traveling?

You cannot replace it abroad. Contact your rental car company and local police to report it, then continue driving on your U.S. license alone if the country allows it. If the country requires an IDP, you may not be able to drive legally until you return home and obtain a new one. Travel insurance sometimes covers emergency document replacement; check your policy.

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

No, neither country legally requires one. Your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. However, carrying an IDP can be helpful if your license is questioned or damaged. Rental car companies in these countries may still request one, so check with your rental company before you book.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist as a standalone document. An IDP is a translation and verification tool that works only with your home license. Some countries issue their own multi-language driving documents, but the U.S. IDP is what American drivers use abroad.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA and AATA typically charge $15 to $20 for the permit itself. Shipping costs vary if you explore by mail, usually $5 to $15 depending on speed. In-person applications at AAA avoid shipping fees. Prices can change, so confirm the current fee when you explore.