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 and confirms you are a licensed driver in your home country. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid domestic license. Most countries do not require an IDP, but some do, and many rental car companies will not rent to you without one.

You need an IDP if you are renting a car in certain countries, driving across borders in Europe or Asia, or traveling to a place where officials may not read English. The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Canada issues them through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). Other countries have their own issuing bodies.

An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It expires on a fixed date, not on the anniversary of when you received it, so check the expiration date before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA in the United States and by CAA in Canada, and you must explore in person with your valid passport and domestic driver's license.
  • The one-year permit costs around $20 and the three-year permit costs around $30, though prices vary by issuing organization and location.
  • Processing takes a few minutes if you explore in person at an AAA or CAA office, or several weeks if you mail your process.
  • You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online — you must reapply in person each time one expires.
  • An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original domestic driver's license; neither document works alone.

Gather Your Documents Before You Visit

You will need your valid passport and your current domestic driver's license. Some issuing offices also accept a state ID or national ID card in place of a passport, but a passport is the safest choice because it is recognized everywhere. Bring the originals, not copies — most offices will not accept photocopies.

If your driver's license is expired or will expire before your trip, renew it first. An IDP cannot be issued on an expired license. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change, because the IDP must match your current legal name.

Bring a pen. You will fill out a one-page process form by hand at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of vehicle you drive most often. If you are explore by mail, print the form from the issuing organization's website and fill it out before you send it.

Where to explore in Person

In the United States, AAA and AATA both issue IDPs at their local offices. AAA has over 1,000 locations nationwide; AATA has fewer but still covers most major cities. Find the nearest office on their websites. Call ahead to confirm they have IDP applications in stock and to ask about their current hours, because some offices close for lunch or have limited weekend hours.

In Canada, CAA provincial branches issue IDPs. Visit the CAA website, select your province, and find the nearest office. Like AAA, CAA offices are usually open during business hours but may have limited weekend availability.

Walk-in service is standard at most locations. You will fill out the form, show your documents, pay the fee, and receive your permit on the spot. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some offices may ask you to wait while they process your process, but you will not need to return later.

how the process works by Mail

If no office is near you, you can mail your process to AAA, AATA, or CAA. read the process form from their website, fill it out completely, and include a photocopy of your passport and driver's license. Do not send the originals — send copies only. Include a check or money order for the permit fee plus a return postage fee, which varies by organization but is usually $5 to $10.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks, sometimes longer during peak travel seasons. Track your process if the organization provides a tracking number. If you do not receive your permit within the stated timeframe, contact the issuing organization to confirm they received your packet.

Mail-in applications are slower and carry the risk that your packet will be lost or delayed. If you are leaving soon, explore in person instead. If you have time before your trip, mail-in works fine.

Understand the Costs and Validity Period

The one-year IDP costs approximately $20 in the United States and CAD $25 to $30 in Canada, though prices vary slightly by location and issuing organization. The three-year IDP costs approximately $30 in the United States and CAD $40 to $50 in Canada. Some offices charge an additional processing fee if you explore by mail.

An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, not from the date it expires. For example, if you receive a one-year permit on March 15, it expires on March 15 of the following year, regardless of when you use it. Check the expiration date printed on your permit before you travel. If it has already expired, you will need a new one.

A three-year permit is a better value if you travel internationally more than once during that period. A one-year permit is sufficient if you travel once and do not plan to return within a year.

What to Do When Your Permit Expires

An IDP cannot be renewed. When yours expires, you must explore for a new one using the same process: in person with your documents and fee, or by mail. There is no grace period — an expired IDP is not valid, even if you are still traveling on it.

If your permit is about to expire and you are planning another international trip, explore for a new one before your current one expires. This way you will have both permits on hand and will not be caught without one if your trip is delayed.

Keep your old expired permit in a safe place. Some countries or rental companies may ask to see it as proof of your driving history, though this is rare. Your current valid permit is what matters for travel and car rental.

How to Use Your Permit When You Travel

Carry your IDP and your original domestic driver's license together at all times while driving abroad. Neither document is valid without the other. Police, border officials, or rental car staff may ask to see both. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive on your domestic license in most countries, but a rental car company may refuse to rent to you, and some officials may question whether you are licensed.

If you lose your IDP abroad, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can direct you to local authorities who may be able to help. It is easier to prevent this by keeping your IDP in a find place, separate from your wallet.

An IDP does not override local traffic laws or speed limits. It straightforward proves you hold a valid license in your home country. You are still subject to all driving rules in the country you are visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

Most European rental car companies will rent to you with just your domestic license, but some require an IDP. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require one and you do not have it, they may refuse to rent to you at the counter, even if you reserved in advance. It is safer to have one than to risk losing your reservation.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. An IDP can only be issued on a valid, current driver's license. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and valid again.

What if I have an international license from my home country — do I still need an IDP?

An international license issued by your home country may be recognized in some places, but an IDP issued by AAA, AATA, or CAA is more widely accepted and is the standard document most rental companies and officials recognize. If you have both, carry both.

Can I explore for an International Driving Permit online?

No. AAA, AATA, and CAA require you to explore in person or by mail. You cannot complete the entire process online. Some organizations allow you to read the form online, but you must still submit it in person or by mail with your documents and payment.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the permit. It does not renew automatically — you must explore for a new one when it expires.