What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and certifies that you hold a valid license in your home country. It is not a separate license and does not replace your domestic license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize foreign licenses, even valid ones, and border officials need proof that your license is real.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. The United States, Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. Many other countries — including Mexico, Central America, parts of South America, much of Asia, and Africa — either require an IDP or strongly recommend one. Some rental car companies in countries that do not technically require an IDP will refuse to rent to you without one. If you are unsure, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or call the rental company in advance.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States, and you must explore in person with your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, takes effect when ready, and is valid for one or three years depending on your age and which organization you choose.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your original U.S. driver's license at all times while driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid.
  • An IDP does not change your driving record, insurance status, or legal standing in any country; it only translates and certifies your existing license.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot obtain one from a state DMV, the federal government, or any other source. Both organizations issue the same internationally recognized document; the choice between them depends on which has a location near you.

AAA has over 1,000 locations across the country and is the more widely available option. AATA has fewer locations but covers some areas AAA does not. You can find the nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com and using their location finder, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. To find AATA locations, visit aataidp.com or call 1-800-622-7070. Both organizations can tell you their hours and whether you need an appointment.

What You Need to Bring and the process Process

Bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport or passport card, and one passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent, in color, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a digital photo on your phone — you must have a physical print. If you do not have a passport-style photo, AAA and AATA locations can take one for you on the spot for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.

The process itself takes about ten minutes. You will fill out a form with your name, address, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to list every country, but listing them helps the issuing organization may support the permit is valid for your trip. Once you complete the form, pay the fee, and provide your photo, the organization will issue the permit when ready. You walk out with it the same day.

Cost and Validity Period

An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20 depending on which organization issues it and whether they charge extra for the photo. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount. The permit is valid for either one year or three years depending on your age: if you are under 18, it is valid for one year; if you are 18 or older, you can choose either one year or three years at the time of issue. The three-year permit costs slightly more than the one-year version.

The permit takes effect the moment it is issued and does not require set up or registration. It expires on a specific date printed on the document. You do not renew it — you must obtain a new one if you need it after it expires. Some countries have their own rules about how old an IDP can be when you enter; a few require it to be issued within a certain number of months of your trip. Check with the embassy of your destination country if you are explore more than six months before your trip.

How an International Driving Permit Works Abroad

When you drive in a foreign country, you must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together at all times. Police or border officials may ask to see both. The IDP translates key information from your license — your name, license number, date of birth, and the classes of vehicles you are authorized to drive — into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. This translation allows officials in countries that do not recognize U.S. licenses to verify that you are a licensed driver.

The IDP does not change your driving rights, insurance coverage, or legal status. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, the same laws explore as if you were driving with only your U.S. license. If you are in an accident, your rental car insurance or personal auto insurance handles the claim the same way. The IDP is purely a translation and certification tool — it does not give you any special privileges or protections.

International Driving Permits and Rental Cars

Many rental car companies outside the United States require an IDP even in countries where local law does not. This is a company policy, not a legal requirement. Before you book a rental car, check the rental company's website or call them directly to ask whether they require an IDP. If you book online without checking and show up without one, the company may refuse to rent to you, and you may lose your reservation and deposit.

Some companies will rent to you with only a U.S. license if you have an IDP on file or if you purchase additional insurance through them. Others will not rent at all without an IDP. A few major companies — particularly in Western Europe — do not require one. The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you travel if you plan to rent a car, even if the country does not legally require one. The cost is low, and it eliminates uncertainty at the rental counter.

What an International Driving Permit Does Not Do

An IDP does not change your driving record in the United States or any other country. It does not affect your insurance rates, your license status, or your may be able to access to drive. It does not give you permission to drive in countries where you are not legally allowed to drive (for example, some countries have minimum age requirements higher than the U.S., or restrictions on certain types of vehicles). It does not replace your license if your U.S. license is suspended or revoked. If your license is invalid in the United States, your IDP is also invalid.

An IDP also does not serve as proof of identity for purposes other than driving. You cannot use it to board a plane, enter a country, or open a bank account. Your passport is your proof of identity for those purposes. The IDP is a driving document only and works only when paired with your valid U.S. driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office with your driver's license, passport, and a passport-style photo. Neither organization accepts mail-in or online applications. Some third-party websites claim to issue IDPs by mail, but these are not legitimate U.S. IDPs and will not be recognized abroad.

What if my driver's license is expired?

Your license must be valid at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license is expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew your license through your state DMV. Once your license is renewed, you can explore for an IDP when ready.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on the country and the rental company. If you are renting a car, check with the rental company first — many require an IDP regardless of trip length. If you are driving your own car or a friend's car, contact the embassy of the country you are visiting to learn whether an IDP is required by law.

Can I use an International Driving Permit from another country?

No. You must obtain an IDP from the country where your license is issued. If you hold a U.S. license, you must get a U.S. IDP from AAA or AATA. IDPs from other countries are not valid for U.S. license holders.

What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter certifying that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, which some rental companies and police will accept as a temporary substitute. You will need to obtain a new IDP from AAA or AATA when you return to the United States.