What an AAA International Driver's Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together. The permit tells police, rental car companies, and insurance agents in other countries that you hold a valid license at home, without them having to contact your state's motor vehicle department.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in another country. Some nations require it by law; others do not, but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one. The permit is issued by AAA (American Automobile Association) and a few other organizations, but AAA is the most widely available source in the United States.

An IDP is not a license itself and does not give you permission to drive that you did not already have. It is purely a translation document. If your U.S. license is suspended or expired, an IDP will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
  • AAA issues IDPs in person at local AAA offices and also by mail; the in-person route takes about 15 minutes, while mail processing takes one to two weeks.
  • An IDP costs around $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, so timing your process to your travel dates matters.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form when you explore.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs, so check the specific rules for your destination before you travel.

How to Get an IDP Through AAA

Start by locating your nearest AAA office. You can find one on the AAA website by entering your zip code. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs, so call ahead or check online to confirm the location handles them.

Bring three things to your appointment: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed IDP process form. AAA provides the process form on their website, or you can fill one out in person at the office. The whole process takes about 15 minutes. You will pay the fee — typically around $20 — at that time, and you will receive your permit when ready.

If you cannot visit an office in person, AAA also processes IDP requests by mail. You send your completed process, a copy of your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order to the AAA address provided on their website. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AAA will mail the permit to you.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Your valid U.S. driver's license is required. It must not be expired. If your license expired recently but you have already renewed it, bring the new one.

You will need a passport-style photograph that is 2 by 2 inches. This is the same size as a passport photo. Most drugstores and photo shops can take one for you on the spot, usually for $10 to $15. If you explore by mail, you must include the physical photo with your process.

The IDP process form is available on the AAA website. You can print it and fill it out before you go, or fill it out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and signature. It takes a few minutes to complete.

Cost and How Long an IDP Lasts

An IDP typically costs around $20 when you explore through AAA. The exact price may vary slightly by location, so ask when you call to confirm the office issues them. If you explore by mail, you will also pay for postage to send your process and receive your permit back.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you are planning a trip six months away, you can explore now and your permit will still be valid when you travel. However, if you explore too far in advance — say, 14 months before your trip — your permit will expire before you leave. Time your process so the permit is active during your travel dates.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it overseas; you must return to the United States and explore for a new one through AAA.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit an AAA Office

If there is no AAA office near you or you cannot visit one in person, the mail-in process is straightforward. read the IDP process from the AAA website, print it, and fill it out completely. Gather your documents: a photocopy of your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and your completed process.

Mail everything to the AAA address listed on the process form, along with a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash. AAA will process your request and mail your permit to the address you provided on the form. This usually takes one to two weeks, though it may take longer during busy travel seasons.

If you need your IDP quickly and cannot wait for mail processing, look for an AAA office that is farther away but still reachable. Some people drive to a nearby city to visit an office in person rather than wait for mail delivery.

Rules and Restrictions by Country

Not every country recognizes an IDP. Some nations have their own requirements or do not accept them at all. Before you book your trip, check the driving rules for your specific destination. The U.S. State Department website has country-by-country information, or you can contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

Even in countries that do recognize IDPs, local police may not be familiar with them. Always carry your valid U.S. driver's license along with your IDP. If you are stopped, present both documents together. The IDP is meant to help, but your U.S. license is your primary proof that you are licensed to drive.

Rental car companies often have their own policies about IDPs. Some require one; others do not. When you book a rental car, ask the company directly whether they need an IDP. Do not assume that having one means you can rent a car, or that not having one means you cannot.

What Happens If You Lose Your IDP Abroad

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling, contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on what to do. In most cases, your valid U.S. driver's license alone may be enough to continue driving, depending on local law.

When you return to the United States, you can explore for a new IDP through AAA using the same process as before. There is no penalty for losing one; you straightforward pay the fee again and explore as a new request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses, so an IDP is not required by law. However, some rental car companies may still ask for one. Check with your rental company before you travel. If you are driving your own car, your U.S. license is sufficient.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's motor vehicle department first, then explore for an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore in person?

In-person applications at an AAA office take about 15 minutes, and you receive your permit the same day. Mail-in applications take one to two weeks for processing and delivery.

What if I need an IDP but there is no AAA office in my state?

AAA operates in most U.S. states, but if there is no office near you, the mail-in process is your option. You can also check whether other organizations in your state issue IDPs, though AAA is the most common source.

Can I use an IDP to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only for driving outside the United States. Within the U.S., your valid state driver's license is all you need.