What an International Driver's Permit Is and Who Issues It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together.

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 entity — not the DMV, not online services, not travel agencies — can legally issue one. Both organizations issue the same document under the same international treaty, so the choice between them depends only on which is closer to you or easier to visit.

Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license from your home country. Some nations have additional rules — a few require your license to have been valid for a minimum period, usually one or two years — so check the specific country's entry requirements before you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be obtained in person with your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo.
  • The document costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your driver's license expires, whichever comes first.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location; there is no online or mail process process.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should verify that your destination accepts one before you travel.

Where to explore: AAA Offices and AATA Locations

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. You can find your nearest office by visiting AAA.com and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not all AAA membership levels include IDP services, but AAA will tell you during the call whether your membership covers it or whether you need to pay an additional fee.

If you are not an AAA member or prefer not to join, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issues IDPs at select locations. AATA has fewer offices than AAA, primarily in major cities. You can find AATA locations and hours on their website or by calling their main office.

Walk-in service is available at most AAA and AATA offices, but availability varies by location and time of day. Calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is worth the five minutes it takes.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring three things to your appointment: your valid driver's license, your passport or passport card, and one passport-style photograph. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Most CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart photo centers can take a passport photo on the spot for $10 to $15 if you do not have one already.

Your driver's license must be valid — not expired and not suspended. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at your state DMV before you can get an IDP. Your passport does not need to be valid for your entire trip; it only needs to be valid on the day you explore for the IDP.

Some offices may ask for additional proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease, though this is less common. Call ahead to ask what your specific office requires.

Cost and How Long It Takes

An IDP costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you are an AAA member and which office issues it. AAA members typically pay less than non-members. AATA charges a flat fee that is usually in the same range. Both organizations accept cash and card.

The permit is issued on the spot in most cases. You will walk out with your IDP the same day you explore, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. There is no waiting period, no mail delivery, and no separate approval process.

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, or until your driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your license expires in six months, your IDP will also expire in six months, even though the document itself is dated for one year. This is why it is important to check your license expiration date before you travel.

What Your IDP Does and Does Not Do

An IDP translates your license information — your name, date of birth, license number, and restrictions — into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. It does not change what you are allowed to drive or add any permissions you do not already have on your U.S. license.

Many countries require an IDP alongside your U.S. license when you rent a car or drive. Some will accept just your U.S. license; others will not. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and have their own rules about what foreign drivers must carry. Before you book a rental car or travel, check the specific requirements for the country you are visiting — your rental company or the country's tourism board can tell you what you need.

An IDP does not override traffic laws, insurance requirements, or age restrictions in the country you are visiting. If the country requires you to be 25 to rent a car, an IDP will not lower that age. If you are stopped by police, the IDP is a translation tool, not a legal document that changes your rights or obligations.

Renewing or Replacing Your IDP

If your IDP expires or is lost or damaged, you can get a new one by returning to AAA or AATA with the same documents you brought the first time: your valid driver's license, passport, and a new passport-style photo. There is no separate renewal process — you straightforward explore again as if it were your first time. The fee is the same.

If your driver's license is renewed or changed, your old IDP remains valid until it expires on its own schedule. You do not need to get a new IDP when your license is renewed. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, your IDP becomes invalid and cannot be used.

Countries That Do and Do Not Recognize IDPs

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize IDPs. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and many others. However, the list is not universal, and some countries have their own rules.

A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all. The United Kingdom, for example, does not require or recognize an IDP; a valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Some countries recognize an IDP but also require an International Driving Document (IDD) or a certified translation of your license. Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of the country you are visiting, or ask your rental car company what documents they require. This takes ten minutes and can save you from arriving without the right paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP online or by mail?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their offices. You must appear with your driver's license, passport, and photo. There is no online process, no mail-in option, and no third-party service that can obtain one for you legally.

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

You can get an IDP with an out-of-state license. Bring the license you currently hold, along with your passport and photo. You do not need to have a license from the state where you are explore.

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

Canada and Mexico both recognize IDPs, but neither requires one if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some rental car companies may request one, and having one can simplify things if you are stopped by police. Check with your rental company before you travel.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

If your IDP expires during your trip, it is no longer valid. You can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most countries, but some rental companies or police may ask for the IDP. If you are traveling for more than a year, consider getting a new IDP before you leave.

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

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed.