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 — it works only alongside your valid domestic license, and many countries will not accept it without both documents together. The permit lets police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries read your driving record and license class without needing a translator.

The IDP is issued under two international conventions: the 1926 convention and the 1968 convention. Most countries recognize one or both. Before you explore, check whether the country you are visiting recognizes IDPs at all — some do not, and a few require additional documents like an official translation of your license instead. Your destination country's embassy website or a car rental company serving that country can tell you what they actually need.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be used with your valid domestic driver's license, not as a replacement for it.
  • In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs.
  • You need your valid passport, a valid domestic driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment (usually $15 to $20) to obtain an IDP.
  • Processing takes minutes to hours in person at an AAA or AATA office, or several weeks by mail, depending on which method you choose.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not extend your domestic license's expiration date.

Who can issue an International Driving Permit in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other company, website, or government office can legally issue one. If you see an IDP offered anywhere else, it is not valid.

AAA has physical offices in most states and handles the majority of IDP requests. AATA operates primarily by mail and serves people who do not have AAA access nearby. Both organizations charge similar fees and follow the same rules about what documents you must bring. If you are a AAA member, you can use your membership discount at an AAA office, but you do not have to be a member to get an IDP.

Documents and information you need before you go

Gather these items before you visit an AAA office or mail an process to AATA:

  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card (not a passport book that has expired, even if it is still valid for domestic travel)
  • A valid U.S. driver's license (the one you want translated)
  • One passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months
  • Payment: AAA charges $15 to $20 in person, depending on the office; AATA charges $20 by mail

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory. If your license has expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it. The IDP will be issued in your name exactly as it appears on your passport, so make sure the spelling matches before you explore.

Getting an IDP in person at AAA

Find your nearest AAA office on the AAA website and call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and their current hours. Bring your passport, driver's license, passport photo, and payment. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes. The staff will verify your documents, take your information, and print your IDP on the spot. You walk out with it the same day.

Some AAA offices are busier than others, especially near travel seasons. Calling first tells you whether you should expect a wait or whether you can walk in and be served when ready. If you are a AAA member, bring your membership card to receive the member discount.

Getting an IDP by mail through AATA

If you do not have an AAA office nearby, you can explore by mail through AATA. Visit the AATA website, read the IDP process form, and fill it out completely. Include your passport photo, a photocopy of your passport, a photocopy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for $20. Mail everything to the address on the form.

AATA typically processes mail applications within two to three weeks, though it can take longer during peak travel season. You will receive your IDP by mail at the address you provide. Do not send cash — use a check or money order only. Keep copies of everything you send in case you need to follow up.

How long an IDP lasts and when you need a new one

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It does not extend your domestic driver's license's expiration date, and it does not renew automatically. If your domestic license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you must have both documents together for the IDP to work.

If you are traveling for longer than one year, or if you plan to drive internationally again after your IDP expires, you will need to explore for a new one. The process is the same each time. Some people explore for multiple IDPs at once if they know they will travel in different years, though each one is valid only for twelve months from its issue date.

What to do if you lose your IDP or it is damaged

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement from the same organization that issued it. Contact AAA or AATA with your original process information and explain what happened. You will usually need to pay a replacement fee (typically $5 to $10) and provide a new passport photo. Processing for a replacement is faster than the original process — usually a few days to a week.

If you are traveling and your IDP is lost abroad, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on how to proceed and may be able to help you contact AAA or AATA to arrange a replacement to be mailed to you or held for pickup when you return.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many car rental companies require an IDP along with your domestic license, but not all. Check with the specific rental company and the country you are visiting before you book. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Having one protects you in either case and costs less than dealing with a rental dispute abroad.

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

No. An IDP is only valid when you carry it together with your original domestic driver's license. Police and rental companies will ask for both. Carrying only the IDP is not enough and may cause problems if you are stopped or need to rent a vehicle.

What if my name has changed since I got my driver's license?

Your IDP will be issued in the name on your passport. If your passport and driver's license have different names, bring both documents and explain the situation to the AAA or AATA staff. You may need to show a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the name change. Some countries will accept the IDP with the name mismatch if you carry both documents; others will not. Contact your destination country's embassy to confirm what they will accept.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA charges $15 to $20 in person, depending on the office location. AATA charges $20 by mail. Replacement IDPs cost $5 to $10. These are one-time fees for a one-year permit. AAA members may receive a small discount at their local office.

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

No. Your domestic driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is reinstated or renewed. The IDP is a translation of your existing license, not a separate document that bypasses license requirements.