What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state or country's license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize foreign licenses, even valid ones, and police or rental car companies may refuse to accept a license they cannot read.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. The United States is not a signatory to the international driving permit treaty, so an IDP has no legal standing in the U.S. If you are driving within the United States, your regular driver's license is sufficient. If you are traveling outside the U.S. and plan to rent a car or drive, check the specific country's rules — some require an IDP, some accept a U.S. license with a certified English translation, and some accept either. Many car rental companies outside the U.S. will not rent to you without an IDP, even if the country does not legally require one.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It expires on the date printed on the permit, not on the date your underlying driver's license expires. If your license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license; it is not a replacement license.
  • You can obtain an IDP only through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office, or you can mail in your process and receive the permit by mail within one to two weeks.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, depending on the issuing organization.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license and a passport or other government-issued photo ID to obtain an IDP.

Getting an IDP through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source for an International Driving Permit in the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, passport or government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form. The staff will verify your documents, take a passport-style photo if needed, and issue the permit on the spot — the entire process takes about 15 minutes.

If you are not a AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP through AAA, but you will pay a non-member fee in addition to the permit cost. Some AAA offices charge the same price for members and non-members; others charge $5 to $10 more for non-members. Call your local AAA office before visiting to confirm their pricing and whether they have the permit in stock.

You can also explore by mail. read the IDP process form from the AAA website, complete it, and mail it to AAA along with a photocopy of your driver's license, a photocopy of your passport or government ID, and a passport-style photo. AAA will process the process and mail the permit to you within one to two weeks. The mailed process costs the same as the in-person process.

Getting an IDP through the American Automobile Touring Alliance

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second U.S. organization authorized to issue International Driving Permits. AATA does not have physical offices; you must explore by mail. Complete the AATA process form, include a photocopy of your valid driver's license, a photocopy of your passport or government-issued photo ID, and a passport-style photo, then mail the packet to the AATA address listed on their form.

AATA typically processes applications within one to two weeks and mails the permit to your address. The cost is similar to AAA's pricing. AATA is useful if you do not have a AAA office nearby or prefer to handle the entire transaction by mail.

Documents you need and how to prepare them

You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. The license must be current on the date you submit your process; an expired license will not be accepted. You also need a government-issued photo ID — a passport is the most common choice, but a state ID card or military ID will work.

You will need a passport-style photograph: 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background and your face clearly visible. If you explore in person at a AAA office, some locations will take the photo for you for a small fee. If you explore by mail, you must provide your own photo.

Make photocopies of both your driver's license and your passport or ID. The organization will need to see the originals if you explore in person, but will need copies if you explore by mail. Do not send original documents by mail — send only copies.

Cost and how long the permit lasts

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit. A three-year permit costs around $30. Prices vary slightly between AAA and AATA and may differ by location. If you explore in person at AAA and they take your photo, expect to pay an additional $5 to $10 for the photo service.

The permit is valid for the number of years you purchase — either one or three years from the date of issue. It is not tied to your driver's license expiration date. However, if your underlying driver's license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid and cannot be used. For example, if you purchase a three-year IDP but your driver's license expires in two years, the IDP will only be usable for those two years.

What to do if you lose your IDP or need a replacement

If you lose your International Driving Permit before it expires, contact the organization that issued it — either AAA or AATA — and request a replacement. You will need to provide proof of the original issuance, such as a receipt or confirmation number. Replacement permits typically cost the same as a new permit and take the same amount of time to process.

If your IDP is damaged but still readable, most rental car companies and authorities will accept it. If it is severely damaged or illegible, request a replacement from the issuing organization. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in a separate location from your IDP in case you need to prove you had one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, and both generally accept a valid U.S. driver's license. However, car rental companies in both countries often require an IDP or an International Driving Permit as a condition of rental, even though the countries do not legally mandate it. Check with your rental company before traveling.

Can I use an International Driving Permit in the United States?

No. An IDP has no legal standing in the United States and cannot be used as your primary driving document. You must carry your valid U.S. driver's license. An IDP is only for use outside the United States.

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

Your IDP becomes invalid when your underlying driver's license expires, even if the IDP itself is still valid. You cannot renew just the IDP — you must renew your driver's license first, then obtain a new IDP if you still need one.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit by mail?

Most applications processed by mail take one to two weeks from the date the organization receives your packet. Processing time may be longer during peak travel seasons. If you need the permit quickly, explore in person at a AAA office instead.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a learner's permit or provisional license?

No. You must have a valid, full driver's license. Learner's permits and provisional licenses are not accepted. Your license must be current and unexpired on the date you submit your process.