What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

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. The IDP lets police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries read your driving record without needing a translator.

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization or website can legally issue one. Both issue the same document — the difference is only in where you go and what you pay.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in most countries outside the US, Canada, or Mexico. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one. A few countries (including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand) accept a US license alone, so check your destination's specific rules before you pay for a permit.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA and costs between $15 and $20, depending on which organization you use.
  • You must bring your valid US driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo to get an IDP in person.
  • AAA issues IDPs at local club offices; AATA issues them by mail, which takes one to two weeks.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not renew — you must obtain a new one each time you travel.
  • Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your actual driver's license; neither document works alone.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, the fastest route is your local AAA office. Bring your valid driver's license, a completed AAA International Driving Permit process form, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent and show your face clearly against a plain background. AAA will issue the permit on the spot, and the cost is typically $15 for members and $30 for non-members, though some local clubs vary slightly.

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP from AAA, but membership discounts the price. If you are not a member and want to use AAA, you can pay the non-member rate at any AAA office. Find your nearest office on the AAA website and call ahead to confirm they have process forms and can process your request that day.

AAA also offers mail service in some states. If your local office does not offer walk-in service or you cannot visit in person, you can mail your process, photo, and license copy to AAA's processing center. Mail service typically takes five to seven business days, and you will need to include a copy of your driver's license (front and back) rather than the original.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only — there is no walk-in option. You can order an IDP through the AATA website or by phone. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and a mailing address. AATA charges $20 for the permit itself, plus shipping costs, which vary depending on how fast you need it.

AATA requires a passport-style photo, which you can either mail with your process or upload digitally when you order online. If you upload the photo, make sure it meets passport standards: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with your face centered and a plain background. AATA will reject photos that are too old, too small, or do not show your face clearly.

Standard mail processing takes one to two weeks from the date AATA receives your order. If you need the permit faster, AATA offers expedited shipping for an additional fee, which can reduce the timeline to three to five business days. Check the AATA website for current shipping costs, as they change based on delivery speed and your location.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you visit AAA or submit an order to AATA. You will need a valid US driver's license — it must not be expired, and it must be from a US state or territory. An expired license will not work. You will also need a passport-style photograph that is 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with your face clearly visible against a plain background. The photo must show your face straight-on, not at an angle.

You will need to complete an IDP process form. AAA provides this form at their offices or online; AATA provides it on their website or by phone request. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to fill out. Some people make mistakes on the form — the most common are signing in the wrong place or writing the wrong license number — so double-check before you submit.

If you are using AAA mail service or AATA, you may need to provide a copy of your driver's license (front and back) instead of the original. Do not send your original license through the mail unless the organization specifically asks for it. Make clear, legible copies on a standard photocopier.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Unlike a driver's license, it does not renew — when the year is up, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit, so check it before you travel.

If you are planning multiple international trips within a year, one IDP covers all of them. If your trips span more than one year, you will need to order a new permit before your first one expires. Many people order a new IDP a few weeks before their old one runs out, so they have it ready for their next trip.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot get a replacement — you must order a new one. There is no way to extend an expired IDP or transfer it to someone else. Each person needs their own IDP, and each IDP is tied to the specific driver's license number printed on it.

What to Do If You Are Denied or Run Into Problems

AAA or AATA will refuse to issue an IDP if your driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is suspended or revoked, you are not legally allowed to drive in any country, and no organization can issue you an IDP. If your license is straightforward expired, renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you order an IDP.

If your photo is rejected, the organization will contact you and ask you to submit a new one. This usually adds a few days to the process. Make sure your replacement photo meets the 2-by-2-inch size and passport standards — photos from a passport photo booth or professional photographer are usually safe choices.

If you ordered an IDP by mail and it does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the organization that issued it. AAA and AATA can track your order and tell you where it is. If it is truly lost in the mail, they can issue a replacement, though this may take additional time and could cost extra depending on the organization's policy.

Using Your IDP When You Travel

Always carry your IDP together with your original driver's license. Neither document is valid on its own — a police officer or rental car company will not accept just the IDP or just your license. Keep both in a safe place, separate from your passport if possible, in case one is lost or stolen.

When you rent a car, present both documents to the rental company. Some rental companies ask for the IDP specifically; others do not require it but accept it as proof of your driving record. If a country's police stop you while driving, show both your license and your IDP. The IDP helps the officer understand your license information if they do not read English.

The IDP does not give you any special driving rights or exemptions from local traffic laws. It is purely a translation tool. You must still follow all speed limits, traffic signs, and driving rules of the country you are in. Different countries have different rules about headlights, seat belts, and required equipment — research your destination before you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car, not driving across borders?

Many rental car companies require an IDP even if you are staying in one country. Check with your rental company before you book. Some companies will rent to you with just your US license; others will not. Having an IDP removes any doubt and prevents problems when you pick up the car.

Can I get an IDP online without a photo or in-person visit?

No. Both AAA and AATA require a passport-style photo and either an in-person visit (AAA) or a mailed process (AATA). No legitimate IDP issuer will skip the photo requirement. Websites that claim to issue IDPs without a photo are not authorized and will not produce a document that is valid.

What if my trip is in two weeks and I need an IDP fast?

Visit an AAA office in person — they issue permits the same day. If you are not near an AAA office, use AATA's expedited mail service, which can deliver within three to five business days for an additional fee. Order as soon as possible, as expedited service still takes several days.

Is an IDP the same thing as an International License?

Yes, they are the same document. "International Driving Permit" and "International License" refer to the same thing. It is not a separate license — it is a translation of your US license that is recognized in other countries.

What countries do not accept an IDP?

Most countries accept an IDP, but a few (including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand) accept a US driver's license alone without an IDP. Some countries have additional requirements, such as an International Driving Permit from a specific issuer or a certified translation of your license. Check your destination country's rules with its embassy or tourism board before you travel.