What an International Driver's Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and insurance agents in other countries that your U.S. license is legitimate and current.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and you cannot get one online or by mail — you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries recognize it for three years, but U.S. law limits it to one year, so that is the term you should plan for. If you travel internationally again after it expires, you will need to get a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP — the IDP cannot be issued without one.
  • Only AAA and AATA can issue an IDP; you must explore in person at one of their offices with your license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to process, though some offices may require an appointment.
  • You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, after which you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally again.

What You Need Before You Go to AAA or AATA

Start by confirming your U.S. driver's license is current and not expired. If it is expired, renew it through your state's DMV before you explore for the IDP. The IDP cannot be issued if your license is not valid.

Bring a passport-style photograph — typically 2 by 2 inches. Some AAA offices accept photos taken on the spot for an additional fee, but most require you to bring one. Check with your local office before you go.

You will also need to complete an process form. AAA and AATA both provide the form on their websites, and you can fill it out before you arrive. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. Filling it out ahead of time speeds up the process.

How to Find an AAA or AATA Office Near You

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. The easiest way to find one is to visit AAA.com, click "Find Local AAA," and enter your zip code. The site will show you the nearest offices, their hours, and whether they issue IDPs. Not every AAA office issues permits, so confirm before you drive there.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA, primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. You can find AATA offices through their website at AAA.com/travel or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. If you are not an AAA member, AATA offices are still open to you and charge the same fee.

Call ahead if you can. Some offices handle walk-ins, but others require an appointment, especially during peak travel seasons. A quick call confirms the office is open and has time to process your process the day you visit.

The process Process and What Happens at the Office

When you arrive, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport-style photo, and your completed process form. The staff will verify your license, check that your photo meets their requirements, and process your process. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will pay the fee at the time of process. AAA members typically pay $15, and non-members pay $20. Some offices accept cash, credit cards, or both — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

Once processed, you will receive your IDP when ready. It is a small booklet with your information, photo, and signature, printed in English and nine other languages. The staff will tell you the expiration date, which is one year from the date of issue.

When You Should Get Your IDP Before Traveling

Get your IDP at least one week before your trip, even though it is issued on the spot. This gives you time to confirm you have it before you leave and to return to the office if there is a problem. If you are traveling within a few days, you can still get one same-day, but the margin for error is smaller.

If you are planning a trip more than a year away, do not get your IDP yet. It expires one year from issue, so getting it too early means it will be expired when you travel. Wait until closer to your departure date.

Some countries require an IDP, while others do not. Before you book your trip, check the requirements for the countries you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department website lists which countries recognize the IDP. If a country does not require one, you do not need to get one for that trip.

What to Do If You Cannot Get to an AAA or AATA Office

If no AAA or AATA office is near you, or if you cannot visit in person before your trip, you have limited options. Some travel agencies and international driving services claim to issue IDPs by mail, but these are not legitimate. The only valid IDP is issued in person by AAA or AATA.

If you are traveling very soon and cannot reach an office, contact AAA or AATA by phone to ask about expedited appointments or offices with extended hours. Some locations can fit you in on short notice. If that is not possible, you may need to drive without an IDP and rely on your U.S. license alone, though this is riskier in countries that expect one.

If you are a member of AAA, you can also call your local office and ask whether they offer any mail-in or remote options during emergencies. Policies vary by location, so it is worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada does not require an IDP — your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require one either, but rental car companies often ask for one, and police may be more likely to accept it if stopped. Many travelers get one for Mexico as a precaution, even though it is not mandatory.

What if my IDP gets lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA from abroad and explain the situation. They can issue a replacement, but you will need to return to the U.S. to get it in person. In the meantime, your U.S. driver's license alone may be sufficient depending on the country. Check with local police or your rental car company about what they will accept.

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

No. Your license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is reinstated.

Do I need to renew my IDP every year?

Yes, if you plan to drive internationally again after one year, you will need to get a new IDP. The process is the same: visit an AAA or AATA office in person with your current license, a new photo, and the process form.

Will an IDP help me if I get a traffic ticket abroad?

An IDP proves your license is valid, which may help clarify the situation with local police, but it does not protect you from traffic laws or fines. You are still subject to the traffic laws of the country you are visiting.