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 and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when you drive outside the United States. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your home license is legitimate.

You can only get an IDP if you already hold a valid U.S. driver's license. The permit is issued for one or three years, depending on which you request, and costs between $15 and $20. The IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic, which includes most of Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia — but not all countries accept it, so you should check your destination's requirements before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
  • You can get an IDP in person at a local AAA or AATA office, or by mail if you are a AAA member, and the process takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for either one or three years, depending on which term you request at the time of issue.
  • Not all countries recognize the IDP, so you should verify that your destination accepts it before you travel.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

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). AAA is far more widely available — it has local offices in most states — while AATA has fewer locations but serves the same purpose.

To find the nearest AAA office, go to aaa.com and use their office locator. If you are not near a AAA office, search for "AATA office near me" or visit aata.org to find an AATA location. Both organizations issue the same IDP document; the only difference is location and membership requirements.

What You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and one form of identification with a photograph — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You will also need to complete an process form, which both AAA and AATA provide on-site or online before you arrive.

If you are explore by mail as a AAA member, you will need to mail in a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back), a completed process form, a passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches), and a check or money order for the fee. AAA's website has a mail-in process packet you can read and print.

In-Person vs. Mail process

If you go to an AAA or AATA office in person, you will receive your IDP the same day. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You pay the fee in cash, card, or check, fill out the form, provide your photo ID, and walk out with the permit.

If you are a AAA member, you can mail in your process instead. Mail processing takes one to two weeks. Send your completed packet to the AAA office address listed on their mail-in form — do not send it to a local office, as mail-in applications go to a central processing center. Non-AAA members cannot mail in applications; they must visit an office in person.

Cost and Validity Period

An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20, depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. The one-year permit is cheaper and is sufficient if you travel infrequently. The three-year permit costs more but is better value if you plan to drive internationally more than once in the next three years.

The IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. When you renew your driver's license, you will need to get a new IDP as well.

Before You Travel: Checking Your Destination

Before you book your trip, confirm that your destination country recognizes the International Driving Permit. Most European countries, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand accept it. However, some countries do not — notably China, India, Japan, and Russia have their own requirements or do not recognize the IDP at all.

Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country, or check the State Department's travel advisory page for that country. Many car rental companies also list their requirements on their websites. If your destination does not accept an IDP, you may need to obtain an International Driving License through that country's motor vehicle authority instead, which is a different process and takes longer.

What Happens When You Drive Abroad

Carry your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together at all times when you drive. Police in other countries will ask for both. The IDP is a translation aid — it does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. Your home license is what proves you are licensed to drive; the IDP straightforward makes that proof readable to authorities who do not speak English.

If you rent a car, give the rental company both documents. Most rental companies will not rent to you without both your home license and the IDP. If you are stopped by police, present both documents. If you are in an accident or receive a traffic citation, the same rule applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a U.S. driver's license?

No. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license to get an IDP. The permit is a translation of your license, not a replacement for it. If you do not yet have a U.S. license, you will need to get one through your state's motor vehicle department first.

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

Most European rental car companies require an IDP along with your U.S. license, though some will rent without it. Check with your rental company before you travel. Even if the rental company does not require it, police in most European countries will ask for it if you are stopped, so it is worth getting one before you leave.

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

Mail-in processing through AAA takes one to two weeks from the time they receive your packet. Add several days for mail delivery in both directions. If you need an IDP quickly, visit an AAA or AATA office in person and get it the same day.

What if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If your permit expires during your trip, you will only have your U.S. license to show police or rental companies, and some authorities may not accept it without the translation. Plan ahead and renew your IDP before you travel if it is expiring soon.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Driving License?

No. An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA and is recognized in most countries. An International Driving License is issued by individual countries and is required in some places where the IDP is not recognized. If your destination does not accept an IDP, you will need to contact that country's motor vehicle authority to find out how to get their version.