What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. Most countries that recognize it do so because it makes your existing license readable to police and rental car companies who may not speak English.

The IDP is issued in the United States by two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document. You cannot get one from a government office or the DMV. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, and you must carry both your state license and the IDP together — one without the other is not valid.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; some do not recognize it at all. Your rental car company may also have its own requirement separate from the country's law. Check with your rental company and the embassy or tourism board of the country you are visiting before you order one.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States, not by the DMV or any government agency.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your state before you can get an IDP.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes one to two weeks by mail, or can be obtained same-day in person at some AAA locations.
  • You must carry your state license and the IDP together at all times — the permit alone is not valid.
  • Not all countries require or recognize an IDP, so confirm with your rental company and destination country before ordering.

Gather Your Documents Before You Start

You will need your valid state driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA locations accept digital photos taken on the spot, but many require you to bring a printed photo. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm what they accept.

You also need to be at least 18 years old and have held your current driver's license for at least six months. If your license expires within the next year, you should renew it before you explore for the IDP — the permit is only valid as long as your underlying license is valid.

explore in Person at AAA or AATA for Fastest Service

The fastest way to get an IDP is to walk into a local AAA office with your documents and photo. Most AAA locations issue the permit on the spot or within a few hours. You will fill out a one-page process (Form DS-11 equivalent, though AAA uses its own form), show your license and ID, and pay the fee. The cost is typically $15 to $20, depending on the location.

Not all AAA offices issue IDPs — call ahead to confirm your nearest location does. You can find AAA offices and their hours on the AAA website. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP; membership is not required. AATA also issues permits at select locations, though AAA is far more widely available.

explore by Mail if You Cannot Visit in Person

If no AAA or AATA office is near you, you can mail in your process. read the process form from the AAA website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your photo, a copy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail it to the AAA address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. Some people receive their permit in five business days; others wait closer to two weeks. There is no way to expedite a mail process. If you are leaving soon, in-person is your only option.

Do not send cash through the mail. AAA accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (by phone or online). If you call AAA directly, you can sometimes pay by credit card and have the process processed faster than by mail.

Order Online Through AAA's Website

AAA also offers online ordering on its website. You upload a digital photo, enter your information, and pay by credit card. The permit is then mailed to you, typically arriving within one to two weeks. This route is convenient if you do not have an AAA office nearby and prefer not to mail physical documents.

Online ordering does not speed up the mailing time — it still takes one to two weeks. The advantage is that you do not have to print, sign, and mail anything yourself. If you need the permit faster than mail service allows, you must go in person.

What to Do When Your Permit Arrives

When you receive your IDP, check that all the information is correct: your name, license number, date of birth, and signature. If anything is wrong, contact AAA or AATA when ready — they can issue a corrected version, though you may have to pay a replacement fee.

Sign the permit in the space provided. Do not sign it before you receive it. Keep it in a safe place until you travel, and pack it with your passport. Remember that you must carry both your state driver's license and the IDP together — rental companies and police will ask to see both.

The permit expires one year from the date of issue. If you are planning a trip more than a year away, you do not need to order it yet. If you are planning multiple trips within the year, one permit covers all of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Europe?

It depends on the country and rental company. Some European countries require it by law; others do not. Your rental company may require it regardless of local law. Contact your rental company and check the embassy website of the country you are visiting before you book. It is safer to have one than to arrive without it and discover you cannot rent a car.

Can I get an International Driving Permit from the DMV?

No. The DMV does not issue IDPs. Only AAA and AATA issue them in the United States. You must go to one of those organizations, either in person or by mail.

What if my driver's license expires soon?

Renew your state license first. An IDP is only valid as long as your underlying license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the permit becomes invalid on the same date your license expires.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my regular license?

No. The IDP is a translation document only. You must carry your actual state driver's license with you at all times. Police and rental companies will ask to see both together.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The fee is typically $15 to $20, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail and which AAA location you use. Call your local AAA office to confirm the exact price.