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 for it; many won't. Whether you need one depends on where you're going and who you're renting from.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it costs between $15 and $30. It is not a government benefit and does not change your driving record or insurance.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA, not a separate license, and you must carry your actual state license with it.
  • You need a valid, unexpired driver's license from your state before you can get an IDP, and the permit cannot extend beyond your license's expiration date.
  • AAA issues IDPs in person at local offices or by mail; AATA issues them by mail only, and processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • Some countries and rental companies require an IDP; others do not, so check your destination's requirements and your rental agreement before you purchase one.

Before you explore: what you need to have ready

You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from any U.S. state. The IDP cannot be issued without it, and the permit's expiration date cannot extend past your license's expiration date. If your license expires in six months, your IDP will also expire in six months, even if you purchase the three-year version.

You will also need a passport or state ID for identification when you explore in person, and a passport photo (2 by 2 inches) if you are explore by mail. Some AAA offices accept photos taken on the spot; others do not. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm whether they take photos or require you to bring one.

Have your mailing address ready. If you explore by mail, the IDP will be sent to the address you provide. If you move before it arrives, you will need to contact AAA or AATA to update it, which can delay delivery.

Getting an IDP through AAA

AAA is the larger of the two issuers and has local offices in most states. You can explore in person at any AAA office or by mail. In-person applications are processed the same day if you arrive during business hours and bring all required documents. By mail, processing takes one to two weeks.

To explore in person, visit your nearest AAA office with your valid driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a 2-by-2-inch passport photo (unless the office takes photos on-site). Fill out form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent — the staff will guide you through it. Pay the fee in cash or card. You will receive the IDP when ready or within a few days, depending on the office's procedures.

To explore by mail, read the process form from AAA's website or request one by phone at 1-800-222-4357. Complete the form, include a copy of the front and back of your driver's license, a passport photo, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. AAA will send the IDP to your mailing address within one to two weeks.

Getting an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no in-person option. Processing takes one to two weeks. You can order online at aata.org or by phone at 1-800-622-7070.

To order online, visit aata.org, select the one-year or three-year permit, and provide your driver's license number, expiration date, and mailing address. Upload a digital copy of your driver's license (front and back) and a passport photo as image files. Pay by credit card. AATA will mail the IDP to your address within one to two weeks.

To order by phone, call 1-800-622-7070 and provide the same information. You will need to mail a signed form, a copy of your driver's license, and a passport photo to AATA's address. Processing begins when AATA receives the mailed documents, so allow extra time for mail delivery.

Checking whether you actually need an IDP for your trip

Not every country requires an IDP, and not every rental company asks for one. Before you purchase, check your destination country's requirements and your rental car agreement. Many European countries accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP. Some countries in Asia, Africa, and South America require one. A few countries require both an IDP and an International Driving Permit from your home country's automobile association — the rules vary widely.

Contact your rental car company directly and ask whether they require an IDP for your reservation. Some companies rent to U.S. drivers with only a state license; others make the IDP mandatory. Getting this answer before you travel prevents surprises at the rental counter. If the company requires one and you do not have it, you may not be able to rent the car.

Your travel insurance or credit card company may also have information about IDP requirements for your destination. Check your policy or call the company's travel services line.

What happens after you receive your IDP

When your IDP arrives, check that all information is correct: your name, license number, and expiration date. If anything is wrong, contact AAA or AATA when ready with proof of the error. Corrections can take an additional one to two weeks.

Keep your IDP and your state driver's license together when you travel. Some countries and rental companies will ask for both. Do not laminate the IDP or write on it — damage may make it invalid. Store it in a safe place, separate from your passport, in case one is lost.

If your IDP is lost or damaged while you are abroad, you cannot get a replacement overseas. Contact AAA or AATA by phone or email and request an emergency replacement to be mailed to your home address. You will need to provide your original process information and proof of loss. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you are traveling for an extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I already have a valid U.S. driver's license?

It depends on your destination and rental company. Many countries accept a U.S. license alone. Others require an IDP, and some rental companies make it mandatory regardless of local law. Check your destination's requirements and your rental agreement before you travel. If neither requires one, you do not need to purchase it.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and unexpired. If your license has expired, renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then explore for an IDP. The IDP cannot be issued without a current license.

How long does an IDP take to arrive if I explore by mail?

AAA and AATA both process mail applications within one to two weeks from the date they receive your complete process. Add time for mail delivery to their office and from their office to your address. If you need an IDP quickly, explore in person at an AAA office for same-day issuance.

What if my state driver's license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid when your driver's license expires, even if the permit itself is not yet expired. Renew your license, then explore for a new IDP. You cannot use an expired license with an IDP, even if the permit is still valid.

Can I use an IDP to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is for international travel only. In the United States, you must carry your state driver's license. The IDP has no legal standing in the U.S. and is not a substitute for your state license.