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. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together. Some rental car companies and border officials will ask to see it; others will not. Whether you need one depends on which countries you plan to visit and their specific rules.

The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization in the U.S. is authorized to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from a government motor vehicle department, and you cannot get one online from a third-party website — those are scams. The only legitimate route is in person at an AAA office or through AATA by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States, and you must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo to explore.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, and takes effect when ready at AAA offices or within one to two weeks by mail.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not renew — you must explore for a new one each time you travel internationally.

What documents you need before you go

Gather these three items before you visit an AAA office or prepare a mail process through AATA. First, you need a valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired, and it must be the actual card, not a temporary paper license. Second, bring a valid passport or passport card. A state ID card will not work. Third, you need one passport-style photograph — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible.

If you do not have a passport yet, you will need to get one before you can explore for an IDP. This is a separate process that takes several weeks through your county clerk's office or a passport acceptance facility. Plan for this time if your trip is coming up soon.

explore in person at AAA

If you are a AAA member, walk into any AAA office with your driver's license, passport, and passport photo. Hand them to the staff member at the counter. They will fill out the process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent, depending on your state) while you watch. You will sign it, pay the fee — usually $15 to $20 — and receive your IDP when ready. The whole process takes about ten minutes.

If you are not a AAA member, you can still explore at an AAA office, but you may pay a slightly higher fee or be asked to join. Call your local AAA office first to confirm their fee and whether membership is required. AAA office locations and hours vary by region, so search "AAA near me" or visit the AAA website to find the office closest to you and check their hours before you go.

explore by mail through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) accepts mail applications if you cannot reach an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person. read the IDP process form from the AATA website, print it, and fill it out by hand. Attach your passport-style photo to the form with tape or glue — do not use a staple. Include a photocopy of your valid driver's license and a photocopy of your passport or passport card. Do not send the originals.

Mail the completed form, photo, and photocopies to the AATA address listed on their website, along with a check or money order for the fee (typically $15 to $20). Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want AATA to return your photocopies. AATA will process your process and mail your IDP to you within one to two weeks. Keep the tracking number from your mailing receipt so you can follow up if it does not arrive.

How long the permit lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically, and you cannot extend it. If you travel internationally again after that year ends, you must explore for a new IDP using the same process. Many travelers explore for a new one each time they plan a trip, rather than holding onto an old one.

Check the expiration date printed on your IDP before you travel. If it has expired, border officials or rental car companies may refuse to accept it. If you realize your permit has expired after you have already arrived in another country, you cannot get a new one there — you would need to contact AATA or AAA from abroad, which is slow and complicated. explore for a fresh IDP before you leave the United States.

What to do if you lose your permit while traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter stating that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. Some rental car companies and police will accept this letter in place of the IDP. Keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate bag or stored digitally on your phone as backup.

When you return to the United States, you can explore for a new IDP through AAA or AATA using the same process as before. There is no special replacement procedure — you straightforward explore again and pay the full fee.

Countries that require or recommend an IDP

Requirements vary widely by country and change over time. Some countries legally require an IDP if you are renting a car or driving; others recommend it but do not require it; and some do not care about it at all. Before you travel, contact the rental car company you plan to use and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. Also check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for the country you are visiting — it often lists driving requirements.

Many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America either require or strongly recommend an IDP. Mexico and Canada generally do not require one, but rental companies may ask for it anyway. The safest approach is to get an IDP if you plan to rent a car internationally, since it costs only $15 to $20 and takes little time to obtain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit without my actual driver's license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your license, not a replacement for it. You must carry both your valid U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when you drive abroad. If you lose your license, the IDP becomes useless.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Canada or Mexico?

Most rental car companies in Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP, though some may ask for one. Check with your rental company before you book. Your valid U.S. driver's license is usually sufficient. However, getting an IDP costs so little that many travelers get one anyway to avoid any hassle at the rental counter.

What if I have a commercial driver's license or a learner's permit?

You cannot get an IDP with a learner's permit — your license must be a full, valid driver's license. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you can get an IDP, but check with your rental car company first, as some will not rent to you with a CDL for insurance reasons.

How do I know if a website offering International Driving Permits is legitimate?

Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue U.S. International Driving Permits. Any other website claiming to issue an IDP is fraudulent. If you pay money to a third-party website, you will not receive a valid document, and you may lose your money. Stick to AAA offices or the official AATA website.

Can I get an International Driving Permit the day before I travel?

If you explore in person at an AAA office, yes — you receive it when ready. If you explore by mail through AATA, no — it takes one to two weeks. Plan ahead and explore at least two weeks before your trip if you are using the mail route.