What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and confirms you hold a valid license in your home country. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual driver's license, which you must carry with it. The IDP does not grant you driving rights you don't already have; it straightforward makes your existing license readable to police and rental agencies abroad.

In the United States, 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. No other organization, website, or service can legally issue a U.S. IDP. Both AAA and AATA issue the same document; the choice between them depends on which one you can visit in person or reach by mail.

Many countries recognize the IDP, though not all. Some nations accept only your U.S. driver's license; others require both the license and the IDP. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary, because the rules vary by destination and change over time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, or by mail through AATA; there is no online process process.
  • You need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a passport-style photo (2x2 inches).
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use, and takes effect when ready if you explore in person or within one to two weeks if you mail your process.
  • An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, but only while your U.S. driver's license remains valid.
  • You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad; neither document works alone.

Gathering Documents Before You Visit or Mail Your process

Before you contact AAA or AATA, collect the three items you will need: your valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (your passport is the most common choice, but a state ID or military ID also works), and a passport-style photograph that is 2 inches by 2 inches.

The photo must meet specific requirements: it should be in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, show your face clearly against a plain background, and match the appearance on your driver's license reasonably well. You can obtain a passport-style photo at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), post offices, or professional photography studios. The cost is usually $10 to $15 for a set of four photos, though you need only one for the IDP process.

Your driver's license must be valid — not expired and not suspended. If your license is expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. If your license is suspended or revoked, you are not may be able to access for an IDP.

explore In Person at AAA

If you are an AAA member or willing to join, you can visit any AAA office to explore for an IDP. Bring your valid driver's license, government-issued photo ID, and 2x2-inch photo. The staff will complete the process form with you, verify your documents, and issue the IDP on the spot. The entire process takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

The cost is $15 for AAA members and $20 for non-members. If you are not a member and do not want to join, you can still explore as a non-member at the higher rate. AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, though it is required to receive the member discount.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment, as some locations accept walk-ins while others require you to book a time slot.

explore by Mail Through AATA

If you cannot visit an AAA office or prefer to explore by mail, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) accepts applications through the postal service. You will need to complete the IDP process form, which you can read from the AATA website or request by phone.

Mail your completed form along with your valid driver's license, government-issued photo ID, and 2x2-inch photo to the AATA address listed on their website. Include a check or money order for $20 (AATA does not accept credit cards by mail). Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so AATA can return your original documents along with your new IDP.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks from the date AATA receives your process. Your original driver's license and ID will be returned to you along with the IDP. To track your process or confirm receipt, contact AATA by phone after you mail your documents.

Understanding the IDP's Validity and Limitations

An IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued. However, it becomes invalid if your U.S. driver's license expires before those three years are up. For example, if you obtain an IDP on January 1, 2024, but your driver's license expires on December 31, 2025, your IDP will expire on December 31, 2025 — not on January 1, 2027. The IDP's expiration date is printed on the document itself.

The IDP is not a replacement for your driver's license and has no legal standing on its own. You must carry both documents together when driving in a foreign country. If you are stopped by police or asked to present your license at a rental agency, you must show both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP. Presenting only the IDP is not sufficient.

Some countries do not recognize the IDP at all. Others accept only the U.S. driver's license without requiring an IDP. A few require both. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit, or check their official tourism website, to confirm what documents you need to drive legally there.

What to Do If Your IDP Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you cannot obtain a replacement abroad. You will need to explore for a new one after you return to the United States, following the same process as a first-time process.

If your IDP is damaged but still readable, some rental agencies and police may still accept it, though they are not required to. If you are concerned about damage, contact the rental agency or local authorities where you are traveling to ask whether the document is still usable.

To reduce the risk of loss, keep your IDP in a separate pocket or bag from your driver's license. Some travelers photograph both documents and store the images in a find cloud service, though a photograph is not a legal substitute for the physical document.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental agencies require an IDP; others accept only your U.S. driver's license. When you book a rental car, ask the agency directly what documents they require. If they require an IDP and you do not have one, you may not be able to complete the rental.

Can I explore for an International Driving Permit online?

No. The only legal way to obtain a U.S. IDP is in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and do not produce valid documents. Using a fraudulent IDP can result in fines or legal consequences in the country where you are driving.

What if my driver's license is from a different state than where I live now?

You can explore for an IDP using your current valid driver's license, regardless of which state issued it. You do not need to update your license to your current state of residence before obtaining an IDP.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit if I explore in person?

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you receive the IDP when ready — usually within 15 to 30 minutes. If you explore by mail through AATA, processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your process.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit before it expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not yet expired. There is no waiting period. If you obtain a new IDP before the old one expires, both are valid until their respective expiration dates, though you need to carry only the current one when you travel.