What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your domestic license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental agencies, and insurance companies in foreign countries that your home license is valid, because they may not be able to read it otherwise.

The IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority and is recognized in about 150 countries that have signed the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. It is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. If you plan to drive abroad, you will need your IDP before you leave — you cannot obtain one once you are in another country.

Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not but strongly recommend it. A few countries accept only an IDP and will not recognize a foreign license at all, even with translation. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit, because rules vary widely.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be obtained in your home country before you travel, not a replacement for your domestic license.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your valid home country driver's license at all times while driving abroad.
  • The IDP is valid for either one or three years, and you choose the length when you request it.
  • Requirements and acceptance vary by country, so you should confirm what each destination requires before you leave.

Where to Request an IDP in the United States

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 do not request one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Both AAA and AATA issue the same document — the difference is where you go to obtain it.

AAA has physical offices in most states and accepts requests in person or by mail. AATA operates primarily by mail and online. If you are a AAA member, you can walk into a local AAA office with your documents and receive your IDP the same day in most cases. If you are not a member, you can still request one through AAA by mail, but you will pay a non-member fee on top of the IDP cost.

AATA processes requests by mail only. You send them your completed form, a photocopy of your valid driver's license, a passport-style photograph, and payment. Processing takes about two weeks. AATA does not charge membership fees, so the total cost is lower if you are not a AAA member and do not want to join.

Documents and Information You Will Need

To request an IDP from either AAA or AATA, you will need a valid U.S. driver's license that has not expired. The license must be from a U.S. state or territory — a commercial driver's license (CDL) is acceptable, but an international license obtained in another country is not. Your license must be in your possession when you request the IDP.

You will also need one passport-style photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches. This is the same size used for passport photos. You will need to complete an process form, which both AAA and AATA provide. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years).

Bring or send a photocopy of your driver's license — not the original. If you are requesting by mail through AATA, you will also need to include payment by check or money order. AAA accepts payment in person, by phone, or by mail depending on which method you use to request the IDP.

Step-by-Step Process at AAA

If you choose AAA, locate your nearest office using the AAA website or by calling their member services line. Call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and to ask about wait times, especially during travel season. Bring your valid driver's license, one passport-style photograph, and the completed IDP process form (which you can read from the AAA website or fill out in the office).

At the office, give your documents to the staff member. They will verify your license, check your photograph, and process your payment. If you are a AAA member, the cost is typically $20 for a one-year IDP or $30 for a three-year IDP, though prices vary slightly by state. Non-members pay an additional fee. In most cases, you will receive your IDP when ready or within a few hours.

The IDP will be a small booklet, about the size of a passport. Check it before you leave the office to make sure your name, license number, and photograph are correct. If there is an error, ask the staff to correct it on the spot.

Step-by-Step Process by Mail Through AATA

To request an IDP by mail through AATA, visit their website and read the process form. Complete the form with your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the validity period you want. Attach a passport-style photograph to the form as instructed — do not use tape or glue; use a staple or paperclip.

Make a photocopy of your valid driver's license and include it with your process. Write a check or money order for the IDP fee (typically $20 for one year or $30 for three years) and include it in the envelope. Mail everything to the AATA address listed on their website.

AATA will process your request and mail your IDP to you within about two weeks. If you need it faster, some AAA offices can issue an IDP the same day, so that may be a better option if you are leaving soon. Once you receive your IDP, check it for accuracy before you travel.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired or Suspended

You cannot obtain an IDP if your driver's license is expired. Your license must be valid at the time you request the IDP. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can request an IDP.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP. The IDP is only issued to people who hold a valid, unrestricted driver's license. If your license is suspended, you will need to complete the suspension period and have your license reinstated before you can request an IDP.

If you are unsure whether your license is valid, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or check your license status online through your state's DMV website. Most states allow you to check your driving record and license status without cost.

Timing and Planning Before You Travel

Request your IDP at least two to four weeks before you plan to travel. If you go through AAA in person, you can obtain it the same day, but if you use mail service through AATA or AAA, processing takes about two weeks. If you are leaving within a week, visit an AAA office in person — that is your fastest option.

Do not wait until the week before your trip. During peak travel season (summer and holidays), AAA offices can have longer wait times, and mail service may take longer than usual. If you know you will be driving abroad, request your IDP as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Remember that your IDP is valid for either one or three years from the date it is issued. If you travel frequently to other countries, a three-year IDP may be more cost-effective than requesting a new one each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an IDP issued in another country if I move to the United States?

No. If you move to the United States, you will need to obtain a U.S. driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you have a valid U.S. license, you can then request a U.S. IDP from AAA or AATA. An IDP issued in another country is not valid for use with a U.S. license.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA when ready and report the loss. You can request a replacement IDP by mail, but it will take time to arrive. In the meantime, carry your original U.S. driver's license and a copy of your passport. Some countries will accept your U.S. license alone if you can show your passport, but this varies. Contact your country's embassy or consulate before you travel to know what to do if your IDP is lost.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries require an IDP by law, even for one day. Others do not require it but rental companies may refuse to rent to you without one. Check the rental company's requirements and the country's driving rules before you book. It is safer to have an IDP than to risk being unable to rent a car or drive legally.

Can I request an IDP online and have it shipped to me?

AAA does not offer online requests with shipping; you must visit an office in person or mail your documents. AATA accepts mail requests and ships the IDP to you. If you need your IDP quickly, AAA in-person service is faster. If you prefer to handle everything by mail, AATA is your option.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your home country's license. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries and is not recognized in the United States or most other countries. If you hold an international license from another country, you will still need a U.S. driver's license and a U.S. IDP to drive legally in the United States and abroad.