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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your home country. Most countries recognize it as proof you are a licensed driver, though some nations do not accept it and a few require additional local permits instead.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. Some car rental companies will not hand over keys without one, even if your home license is valid. A few countries — including Germany, France, Spain, and Italy — technically do not require an IDP but many rental agencies there will refuse to rent to you without one anyway. A handful of nations, including Russia and China, do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to obtain a separate local permit through their own process.

An IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by the country you plan to visit. In the United States, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue them. No other organization can legally issue a U.S. IDP, and no online service can do it for you.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be obtained in person or by mail before you travel.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state to receive an IDP; the permit is valid for one or three years depending on your age.
  • The process takes one to two weeks by mail or is available same-day at most AAA offices if you explore in person with required documents.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is not a legal requirement in most countries, but car rental companies often demand one anyway.
  • An IDP does not replace your home license and is worthless without it; you must carry both documents when driving abroad.

Where to explore: AAA Offices and Mail-In Options

If you are a AAA member, you can walk into any AAA office with your documents and receive an IDP the same day. AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. You can find your nearest office on the AAA website by entering your zip code. Walk-in service is available during regular business hours, though calling ahead is wise because some offices handle a high volume of requests.

If you are not a AAA member, you have two paths. You can join AAA and then explore in person, or you can explore by mail through AATA, which does not require membership. AATA processes mail applications and typically returns your IDP within one to two weeks. You can request expedited processing for an additional fee, though this is not may provide to speed delivery significantly.

Some AAA offices also accept mail applications from non-members, though this varies by location. Call your local AAA office to ask whether they will process your process by mail without membership. If they will not, AATA is your alternative.

Documents You Must Bring or Submit

You will need your valid, unexpired driver's license — the one issued by your state. An IDP cannot be issued if your license has expired or is suspended. You will also need a completed process form. AAA and AATA both provide these forms on their websites, and AAA offices have them on hand.

You must provide one passport-style photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches. Most AAA offices can take this photo on-site for a small fee if you do not have one. If you are explore by mail, you will need to provide your own photo or have one taken at a pharmacy or photo studio beforehand.

You will need to pay the fee at the time of process. AAA charges $15 for members explore in person and $20 for non-members or mail applications. AATA charges $20 for mail applications. Payment is typically by cash, check, or card depending on the office or method.

Processing Time and When Your Permit Expires

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP when ready in most cases. Some offices may ask you to return later the same day if they need to print it, but same-day service is standard. If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, expect one to two weeks for processing and return delivery.

An IDP is valid for one year if you are under 18 years old, or three years if you are 18 or older. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. Your IDP is only valid while your home driver's license remains valid — if your license expires, your IDP becomes worthless even if it has not reached its own expiration date.

Plan to explore at least two weeks before your trip if you are using mail service. If your travel date is sooner, visit an AAA office in person. If you are traveling within a few days and cannot reach an AAA office, contact AATA to ask about expedited options, though these are not may provide.

What to Do If You Cannot Reach AAA or AATA

If you live in an area without an AAA office nearby or cannot explore before your trip, AATA mail service is your fallback. You can read the process from the AATA website, complete it, include your photo and payment, and mail it in. Processing typically takes one to two weeks from receipt.

If your trip is imminent and you cannot obtain an IDP in time, contact your car rental company before you book. Some rental agencies will rent to you with only your home license if you are from the United States, though many will not. Asking in advance prevents a problem at the rental counter. A few companies offer additional insurance or waivers for drivers without an IDP, though these are uncommon.

Do not attempt to obtain an IDP from any website or service other than AAA or AATA. Fraudulent IDP services exist online and will take your money without providing a legal document. Only AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

Using Your IDP When You Travel

Carry your IDP and your home driver's license together at all times when driving abroad. The IDP is a translation aid and is not valid on its own. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, present both documents. Some countries may ask to see your home license first; others will ask for the IDP. Having both prevents confusion.

Keep your IDP in a safe place, such as a hotel safe or your luggage, when you are not driving. It is a small document and straightforward to lose. If your IDP is lost or stolen while traveling, you cannot obtain a replacement abroad — you would need to return home and reapply through AAA or AATA.

Your IDP does not override local traffic laws or speed limits. It does not protect you from fines or legal consequences if you violate local driving rules. Rental car companies may also impose their own restrictions — for example, some will not rent to drivers under 25 or over 75 regardless of your IDP status.

Countries That Do Not Accept an IDP

A small number of countries do not recognize the International Driving Permit and require a separate local permit instead. Russia, China, India, and a few others fall into this category. If you plan to drive in any of these countries, research their specific requirements before you book your rental car. Many travelers in these nations use ride-sharing services or hire drivers instead of renting.

Some countries accept an IDP but also require you to carry an official translation of your home license. France and Germany are examples — they accept the IDP but some rental companies and police may also want a certified French or German translation of your license. Check with your rental company and your destination's tourism board before you travel.

A few countries have reciprocal agreements with the United States that allow you to drive on your U.S. license alone for a limited time, typically 30 days. Canada and Mexico are examples. An IDP is not required in these cases, though having one does not hurt and some rental companies may still request it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my license is suspended or expired?

No. Your home driver's license must be valid and unexpired at the time you explore. If your license is suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. If your license has expired, you must renew it through your state's motor vehicle department first.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No, not technically. Both countries recognize a valid U.S. driver's license for short-term visits. However, some car rental companies in these countries may request an IDP anyway. Checking with your rental company before you book prevents surprises at the counter.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready upon expiration. If you are still abroad and need to drive, you cannot obtain a replacement while traveling — you would need to return home and reapply. Plan your trips so your IDP does not expire during your time away.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit before it expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. Many travelers renew early if they plan multiple trips. The process is the same as the initial process.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An international license does not exist as a legal category. Some countries issue their own local driving permits to foreign visitors, but these are separate from an IDP and must be obtained through that country's motor vehicle authority.