An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a booklet that translates your current driver's license information — name, photo, signature, license number, and driving restrictions — into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. Most countries that recognize it treat it as a companion document to your valid U.S. license, not a replacement.

You obtain an IDP through one of two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. Neither is a government agency, but both follow the same international standard. The process takes about 15 minutes in person at most AAA locations, or you can mail an process to AATA and receive your permit by mail within one to two weeks.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. You will need to renew it if you plan to drive internationally again after that year ends. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all — they require only your valid U.S. license — so check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • You can obtain an IDP through AAA in person (15 minutes at most locations) or through AATA by mail (one to two weeks).
  • An IDP requires a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-style photo, and a fee (typically $20 through AAA, $25 through AATA).
  • An IDP is valid for one year only and must be carried with your valid U.S. license when driving abroad.
  • Not all countries recognize or require an IDP — some accept only your U.S. license — so verify the requirements for your destination before traveling.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before you visit AAA or contact AATA. Having them ready will speed up the process and prevent delays.

You must have a valid U.S. driver's license in your possession. An expired license will not work. If your license is suspended, revoked, or restricted, you cannot obtain an IDP. The IDP is only valid when paired with your current, valid license.

You will need one passport-style photograph — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. Your face must be clearly visible and centered. Bring the original photo; do not submit a photocopy. AAA locations can sometimes take the photo on-site for an additional fee if you do not have one.

You must complete an IDP process form. If you go through AAA, they provide the form at the location. If you use AATA, you can read the form from their website or request one by mail. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete.

Getting an IDP through AAA in person

AAA is the fastest route if you have a membership and a location near you. Walk in with your driver's license, passport photo, and completed process form. The staff will verify your information, attach your photo to the form, collect the fee, and hand you your IDP booklet on the spot. The entire transaction takes about 15 minutes.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP at an AAA office, but the fee is higher — typically $30 to $35 instead of $20. Some AAA locations offer membership discounts on the IDP fee, so ask when you arrive. You do not need to be a member to use AAA's IDP service.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their location finder. Call ahead to confirm they have IDP applications in stock and to ask about current fees, which can vary slightly by location. Some rural areas have limited AAA presence, so you may need to travel to the nearest city.

Getting an IDP through AATA by mail

The American Automobile Touring Alliance handles IDP requests by mail. read the process form from their website or call to request one. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your passport photo, a photocopy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for $25 (payable to AATA). Do not send cash.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the AATA process form. Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date AATA receives your envelope. They will mail your IDP booklet back to you. If you need it faster, AATA does not offer expedited processing, so plan accordingly if you are traveling soon.

Keep a record of what you mailed — take a photo of your completed form and photo before you send them. If your packet is lost in the mail, you will have proof of what you submitted. AATA can reissue an IDP if it is lost or damaged, but you will need to pay the fee again and submit a new process.

Fees and what they cover

AAA charges $20 for members and $30 to $35 for non-members. AATA charges $25. These are one-time fees for a one-year permit. If you lose your IDP or it is damaged, you must pay the full fee again to obtain a replacement — there is no reduced rate for reissues.

The fee covers the booklet itself, the translation service, and the processing of your process. It does not cover the passport photo if you need one taken at AAA. Photo services at AAA typically cost $10 to $15 for a set of photos, but you can also have photos taken at many drugstores, post offices, or photography studios for similar prices.

Neither AAA nor AATA charges for renewal if you renew before your current IDP expires. If your IDP has already expired, you must pay the full fee again and submit a new process.

When you receive your IDP and how to use it

Your IDP is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. It contains your translated information and is printed on security paper to prevent forgery. When you travel, carry it together with your valid U.S. driver's license. Some countries require both documents; others accept the IDP alone if your U.S. license is with you. Never carry your IDP without your actual license.

The IDP is recognized by the United Nations and accepted in most countries that have signed the 1926 or 1968 international road traffic conventions. However, not every country recognizes it. Some nations, including Canada and Mexico, do not require an IDP — your U.S. license alone is sufficient. Others, such as some countries in Europe and Asia, strongly recommend it even if they do not legally require it, because it removes language barriers at police checkpoints or rental car counters.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit. Contact the embassy or consulate of that country, or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that destination. Do not assume an IDP is needed just because you are leaving the country.

What to do if your IDP is lost, damaged, or expires while traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on how to proceed. In most cases, your valid U.S. driver's license alone will be sufficient to continue driving, though you may want to carry a letter from the embassy confirming your identity.

If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it while abroad. If you plan to stay longer than one year, you will need to return to the United States or contact AAA or AATA to arrange a new IDP before you leave. Some travelers obtain a second IDP before departure to cover an extended trip, though this is uncommon.

If your IDP is damaged but still readable, most countries will still accept it. If it is severely damaged or the photo is no longer visible, you will need to obtain a replacement when you return to the United States. There is no emergency replacement process for IDPs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize your valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies may ask for an IDP as an additional form of identification, so it does not hurt to have one. Check with your rental company before you travel.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP. Renew or resolve your license status first.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I need one quickly?

AAA is the fastest option — you can walk out with an IDP in 15 minutes at most locations. AATA by mail takes one to two weeks. If you are leaving in a few days, visit AAA in person. There is no expedited mail option through AATA.

What if the country I am visiting does not recognize IDPs?

Your valid U.S. driver's license is still your primary driving document. Some countries require an International Driving Permit by law, others recommend it, and some do not recognize it at all. Check the requirements for your specific destination through the U.S. State Department or the country's embassy before you travel.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can renew through AAA or AATA at any time. If you renew before expiration, there is no additional fee — you only pay if you renew after it has expired or if you need a replacement due to loss or damage.