What an International Driver's Permit Is and Who Needs One
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, and many countries will not accept it without the original license present. You carry both documents together when you drive abroad.
Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it by law; others do not. The safest approach is to get one if you plan to rent a car, because rental companies often demand it even when the country does not. If you are only using public transportation or taxis, you may not need one, but having it costs little and removes the risk of a rental company turning you away.
The IDP is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization in the U.S. is authorized to issue it, and you cannot get one from a government office or online.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be obtained in person or by mail before you travel.
- You need a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo to get one; the IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
- AAA charges around $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by location.
- Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or is when ready if you visit an AAA office in person.
- The IDP must be carried with your original U.S. driver's license at all times while driving abroad; neither document works without the other.
Getting an IDP Through AAA
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source for an International Driving Permit. If you are already a AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person and receive the permit the same day. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and the fee. Non-members can also get one at an AAA office, though some locations may charge a small additional fee.
If you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person, you can mail your process to AAA. You will need to fill out the IDP process form, include a copy of your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment. Mail everything to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if your trip is soon.
To find your nearest AAA office or to request a mail process, visit the AAA website or call their customer service line. AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, but members often receive faster service and may pay slightly less.
Getting an IDP Through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States. AATA operates primarily by mail and does not have physical offices you can visit. To get an IDP from AATA, you fill out their process form, include a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment, then mail everything to their address.
Processing through AATA takes approximately two to three weeks. Because AATA does not have walk-in locations, this route is slower than visiting an AAA office in person, but it may be your only option if you live far from any AAA location or prefer to handle everything by mail.
You can find AATA's mailing address and process form on their official website. Like AAA, AATA does not require membership to issue an IDP.
What Documents and Photos You Need
Before you contact AAA or AATA, gather these items: a valid U.S. driver's license (it must not be expired), one passport-style photo that is 2 by 2 inches, and payment for the permit. The photo must meet passport standards — a plain background, your face clearly visible, taken within the last six months, and printed on photo paper.
If you do not have a passport-style photo, you can get one at most drugstores with photo services, post offices, or professional photography studios. The cost is usually $10 to $15 for a set of photos. Do not use a photo from your phone or a digital printout; it must be a professional print.
Your driver's license must be valid on the day you submit your process. If your license has expired or will expire before your trip, renew it first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. An IDP cannot be issued with an expired license.
Cost and How Long It Takes
AAA charges approximately $20 for a one-year International Driving Permit or $30 for a three-year permit. AATA charges similar amounts, though prices can vary slightly by location and may change. Both organizations accept cash, check, and credit cards, depending on how you submit your process.
If you visit an AAA office in person, you receive the permit when ready — you can drive away with it the same day. If you mail your process to AAA or AATA, expect one to three weeks for processing and delivery. Order early if your trip is coming up soon; if you wait until a week before departure, you risk not receiving it in time.
Some AAA offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you are in a rush, though this is not may provide at all locations. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers this option.
How to Use Your IDP When Driving Abroad
When you drive in another country, carry both your U.S. driver's license and your International Driving Permit together at all times. Police or rental car companies will ask to see both documents. The IDP is a translation of your license, not a replacement for it, so presenting one without the other will not satisfy legal requirements.
Keep both documents in a safe place while traveling — do not leave them in a rental car unattended. If you lose either document while abroad, you will not be able to drive legally. Some travelers keep a photocopy of both documents in a separate location as backup.
The IDP is valid for the duration printed on it — either one or three years from the date of issue. It does not renew automatically; you must get a new one if you travel after it expires. Check the expiration date before your trip to make sure it covers your entire time abroad.
What to Do If You Cannot Get to AAA or AATA in Time
If your trip is very soon and you cannot reach an AAA office or complete a mail process in time, you have limited options. Some countries do not legally require an IDP, so check the specific requirements for your destination with its embassy or consulate. You may be able to drive with only your U.S. license in some places, though rental companies may still refuse to rent to you.
If you are renting a car, contact the rental company before you book to ask whether they will rent without an IDP. Some companies will; others will not. Getting a clear answer in advance prevents problems at the rental counter.
For future trips, order your IDP at least three weeks before departure to allow time for mail processing or to find a convenient time to visit an AAA office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit online?
No. Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States, and both require you to submit a physical process either in person or by mail. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not legitimate. You must work directly with AAA or AATA.
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting for a short trip?
It depends on your destination and whether you plan to rent a car. Some countries do not require one by law, but most rental companies demand it. If you are using only taxis or public transportation, you may not need one. Check your destination country's requirements and contact your rental company before booking.
What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
You will no longer be able to drive legally. The IDP is valid only for the duration printed on it. If your trip is longer than your permit's validity, you need to get a new one before you leave, not while you are abroad.
Can I use my IDP to drive in the United States?
No. An International Driving Permit is for use only outside the United States. In the U.S., you drive with your state-issued driver's license. The IDP has no legal standing within the country.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?
You will not be able to rent a car or drive legally without it. Contact AAA or AATA from abroad to report the loss, though they cannot issue a replacement while you are out of the country. Some travelers keep a photocopy of the IDP in a separate location as backup. For future trips, consider keeping digital photos of both your license and IDP on your phone as well.