What an international driving permit is and who needs one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, and a police officer or rental company can refuse it if you do not have your actual license with you. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize U.S. licenses on their own, even though your license is legal at home.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive, or ride a motorcycle in most countries outside the U.S. Some countries require it by law; others do not legally require it but rental companies will not rent to you without one. A few countries (Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean islands) accept a U.S. license alone. Before you book a rental car or plan a trip, contact the rental company or check the embassy website for the country you are visiting — they will tell you whether an IDP is required or just recommended.

The IDP is issued in the U.S. only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization is authorized to issue one. You cannot get an IDP from a government office, and you cannot get one online from a third-party website — those are scams.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States.
  • You must carry your actual U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad — the IDP is not valid without it.
  • Requirements vary by country; some require an IDP by law, some do not require it but rental companies demand one, and a few accept a U.S. license alone.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail, but you cannot get one online or from any organization other than AAA or AATA.

How to get an IDP from AAA

The easiest route is to visit an AAA office in person if you are a member. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued ID, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The staff will complete the process on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit when ready. 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 the price is slightly higher.

If no AAA office is near you, you can explore by mail. read the process from AAA's website or request one by phone. Fill it out, include a passport photo, a photocopy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you are leaving soon.

AATA also issues IDPs through the mail only — they do not have walk-in offices. The process is the same: read the process, include your photo and license copy, and mail it with payment. AATA's fees and processing time are similar to AAA's.

What to bring and how long it takes

For an in-person process at AAA, bring your valid driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), and a passport-sized photo. If you do not have a passport photo, AAA can take one for you on the spot, though this may add a small fee. You will fill out a one-page process form, and the permit is issued when ready — you walk out with it the same day.

For a mail process through AAA or AATA, you need the same documents: a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back), a government-issued photo ID photocopy, and a new passport photo. Include a completed process form and a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the address on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your envelope, so add time for mail delivery both ways. If you are leaving in less than three weeks, explore in person at an AAA office is faster.

How long an IDP is valid and what happens when it expires

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs $15; the three-year permit costs $20. Both are valid only while your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot use an expired license to drive anywhere, and the IDP cannot work without it.

When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one. If you are traveling again and your IDP has expired, you will need to get a new one through AAA or AATA using the same process. There is no grace period; an expired IDP is not accepted by rental companies or police.

Countries that require an IDP and those that do not

Most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America require an IDP or will not rent a car to you without one. This includes the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Some countries technically do not require an IDP by law but rental companies will not rent to you without one — the practical result is the same.

A few destinations accept a U.S. driver's license alone: Canada, Mexico, most Caribbean islands, and some Central American countries. However, rental companies in these places may still ask for an IDP, so it is worth checking with your rental company before you travel. The safest approach is to get an IDP before any international trip — it costs $15 to $20 and eliminates the risk of being unable to rent a car or drive.

To find out what is required for your specific destination, contact the country's embassy or consulate in the U.S., or call your rental company directly. They can tell you whether an IDP is required, recommended, or unnecessary for your trip.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is assuming an IDP is a standalone license. It is not. You must carry your actual U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad. If a police officer stops you and you show only an IDP, you can be fined or even arrested for driving without a license, even though you have a valid U.S. license at home. Always carry both documents together.

Another mistake is buying an IDP from a third-party website that claims to issue one online. These are scams. The only legitimate sources are AAA and AATA. If a website promises to deliver an IDP by email or to your hotel, it is not real. You will lose money and have no document to show when you rent a car.

A third mistake is not checking the expiration date of your U.S. driver's license before you travel. If your license expires during your trip, your IDP is also invalid, even if the IDP itself has not expired. Renew your license before you leave if it is expiring soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Canada and Mexico accept a U.S. license alone. Most other countries either require an IDP by law or rental companies will not rent to you without one. Contact your rental company or the country's embassy before you travel to know for certain.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You can still drive with your U.S. driver's license alone in most places, though rental companies may not accept it. Contact AAA or AATA to request a replacement, but this takes time. The best protection is to keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate bag and leave a copy at home.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting and not renting a car?

No. An IDP is required only if you plan to drive or rent a vehicle. If you are using public transportation or hiring a driver, you do not need one. However, some countries may ask for it as a form of ID, so carrying one does not hurt.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current to get an IDP. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and valid again.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

An IDP costs $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit through AAA or AATA. Prices are the same whether you explore in person or by mail. Non-AAA members may pay slightly more at an AAA office, but the difference is small.