What an international driving permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it does not replace your home country's license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your regular license and the IDP together. The permit tells a police officer or rental car company in another country what your home license says, in a format they can read.

Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and some countries will not recognize your home license without it. If you plan to drive outside your home country, getting an IDP before you leave removes a major obstacle at the rental counter or at a traffic stop.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's automobile association and must be carried together with your regular driver's license.
  • 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 a valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form; the process takes one to two weeks by mail or can be done same-day in person at some AAA offices.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 in the United States and is valid for one or three years depending on your age and which organization issues it.
  • Rental car companies and some countries may refuse to rent or recognize your license without an IDP, even though it is not legally required in most places.

Where to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, only two organizations 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 common — it has offices in most cities and towns. AATA operates primarily by mail and online.

If you are an AAA member, you can walk into any AAA office with your documents and get an IDP the same day. If you are not a member, you can still purchase an IDP at AAA, but you may pay a small non-member fee on top of the permit cost. AATA accepts applications by mail or through their website and typically processes them within one to two weeks.

Do not purchase an IDP from any other source, even if a website claims to issue international permits. Only AAA and AATA are legal issuers in the United States. Permits from other vendors will not be recognized abroad and may result in a fine or confiscation.

Documents you need to bring or submit

To obtain an IDP, you will need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph (usually 2 by 2 inches), and a completed process form. The process form is provided by AAA or AATA — you do not need to find your own.

Your passport-style photo must meet standard requirements: a clear, recent color photo of your face against a plain background, taken within the last six months. Most AAA offices can take the photo on-site for a small fee if you do not have one. AATA may require you to submit a digital photo or have it taken at a post office or pharmacy.

Bring your original driver's license to the appointment or include a photocopy with your mail process. Some offices will not accept applications without the original license present, so check with your local AAA branch before you go.

How long the process takes and what it costs

At an AAA office in person, you can receive an IDP the same day in most locations. By mail through AAA or AATA, the process takes one to two weeks from the time they receive your process. If you need the permit urgently, visiting an office in person is the fastest option.

The cost of an IDP in the United States is typically $15 to $20, depending on whether you are an AAA member and which organization issues it. AAA members usually pay less than non-members. The permit is valid for one year if you are under 18, or three years if you are 18 or older. AATA's pricing and validity periods may differ slightly, so check their website for current rates.

Some AAA offices charge an additional fee to take your passport photo on-site, usually $10 to $15. If you bring your own photo, you avoid this fee.

how the process works through AAA in person

Find your nearest AAA office using the AAA website or by calling their customer service line. Bring your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and cash or a card to pay the fee. Fill out the IDP process form at the office — it takes about five minutes. A staff member will verify your information, take payment, and hand you the permit on the spot.

Some AAA offices are busier than others, especially during travel season. Calling ahead to confirm they have IDP forms in stock and asking about wait times can save you a trip. A few AAA offices operate by appointment only, so check before you visit.

how the process works through AATA by mail or online

Visit the AATA website and read the IDP process form, or request one by mail. Complete the form with your personal information and driver's license details. Attach a passport-style photo and a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back). Include payment by check, money order, or credit card, depending on which method AATA accepts.

Mail the completed process to the AATA address listed on their website. AATA will process your process and mail the permit to you within one to two weeks. If you prefer faster processing, AATA may offer expedited service for an additional fee — check their website for current options.

Some AATA applications can now be submitted online with a digital photo and payment by credit card, which speeds up the process. Verify on their website whether online submission is available in your state.

What to do with your IDP when you travel

Carry your IDP and your regular driver's license together at all times when driving abroad. Do not carry only the IDP — it is not valid without your home country's license. Keep both documents in a safe place in your vehicle, such as a glove compartment or travel wallet.

When you rent a car, present both your home license and your IDP to the rental company. Many rental agencies will not complete a reservation without seeing the IDP, even if your home license is valid. If a police officer stops you while driving, have both documents ready to show.

If your home country's license expires while you are abroad, your IDP becomes invalid as well. Renew your home license before you travel if it will expire during your trip.

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 your U.S. driver's license is recognized in both countries. However, rental car companies in these countries may still request an IDP, and having one can speed up the rental process. Check with your rental company before you travel to see whether they require one.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP is valid only as long as your home country's driver's license is valid. If your license expires, your IDP is no longer recognized. Renew your home license before your trip if it will expire during your time abroad. If your license expires while you are traveling, you cannot legally drive until you renew it.

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. AAA and AATA will verify your license status before issuing the permit.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only — it is not a license. Your home country's driver's license is your actual license to drive. The IDP straightforward makes your license readable to authorities and rental companies in other countries. You must always carry both together.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

In the United States, an IDP issued by AAA or AATA is valid for one year if you are under 18, or three years if you are 18 or older. The expiration date is printed on the permit. Your IDP also expires if your home country's driver's license expires, whichever comes first.