What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and certifies that you hold a valid license in your home country. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual driver's license, which you must carry with it. The IDP does not grant you driving rights you don't already have; it straightforward makes your existing license readable to police and rental agencies in other countries.

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 an online service, not a travel agency — can legally issue one. Both organizations issue the same document under the same international treaty, so the choice between them comes down to which is closer to you or has shorter wait times.

Most countries that recognize IDPs signed the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. However, some nations do not recognize IDPs at all, and a few require additional documents like an International Certificate of Competency. Before you obtain an IDP, check the specific rules for the countries where you plan to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be carried with your valid driver's license to be legal.
  • You must be at least 18 years old, hold a current U.S. driver's license, and provide a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
  • The process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person at an AAA or AATA office, or you can mail in your process and receive the permit by mail in one to two weeks.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, after which you must obtain a new one if you continue to drive internationally.
  • Not all countries recognize IDPs, so you should verify the driving requirements for your destination before you travel.

Requirements You Must Meet Before You explore

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. The license can be from any state. Your license must not be suspended, revoked, or restricted in a way that prevents you from driving — if it is, you cannot obtain an IDP until the restriction is lifted.

You will need a passport-style photograph: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. You can bring a photo you already have, or most AAA and AATA offices can take one on-site for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15). Some offices also accept digital photos if you bring them on your phone or a USB drive.

Bring your valid driver's license and proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. A passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work. If you are explore by mail, you will need to provide a photocopy of one of these documents along with a photocopy of your driver's license.

how the process works in Person at AAA or AATA

Locate your nearest AAA or AATA office by visiting their websites. AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide; AATA has fewer locations but covers most major cities. Call ahead or check online to confirm the office is open and to ask about current wait times, especially during peak travel seasons (spring and summer).

Bring your valid driver's license, proof of citizenship, and a passport-style photo. Fill out the IDP process form on-site — it takes about five minutes and asks for your name, address, license number, and vehicle information. The staff will review your documents, take your photo if you did not bring one, and process your process on the spot.

You will receive your IDP when ready, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. The fee is typically $15 to $20, payable by cash or card. Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. Write down the issue date and expiration date so you know when to renew if you plan to drive internationally again.

how the process works by Mail

read the IDP process form from the AAA or AATA website. Complete it in full, including your name, address, driver's license number, and date of birth. Attach a photocopy of your valid driver's license and a photocopy of your proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card).

Include a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches) and a check or money order for the fee, made payable to AAA or AATA depending on which organization you are using. Mail the complete packet to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy travel seasons.

Once your process is processed, your IDP will be mailed to the address you provided. Track your mail or contact the office if you do not receive it within three weeks. If your process is incomplete or your photo does not meet standards, the office will contact you by phone or mail to request corrections.

What Your IDP Covers and What It Does Not

Your IDP translates your driver's license information into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. It certifies to foreign police and rental agencies that you hold a valid license in the United States. It does not change your driving privileges, permit you to drive in countries where you are not legally allowed to drive, or override local traffic laws.

An IDP does not replace your driver's license. You must carry both documents together at all times when driving internationally. If you are stopped by police, you must present your U.S. license first; the IDP is a supporting document. Rental car companies often require an IDP along with your license, but policies vary by company and country.

Your IDP is valid for one year only. If it expires while you are abroad, it is no longer recognized. If you plan to drive internationally for more than one year, you will need to obtain a new IDP before your current one expires. Some countries also have additional requirements — for example, some require an International Certificate of Competency or a certified translation of your license — so always check your destination's specific rules before you travel.

Costs and Timeline

The IDP itself costs $15 to $20, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail and which organization you use. If you need a passport-style photo taken at the office, add $10 to $15. If you explore by mail and need to have documents notarized (required in some cases), add the cost of notarization, which varies by location but is typically $5 to $15 per document.

In-person applications are processed when ready, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. Mail applications take one to two weeks under normal conditions, but can take three to four weeks during peak travel seasons (April through August). If you need an IDP urgently, explore in person is your only option for same-day service.

Your IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. Plan to renew it before your expiration date if you will be driving internationally again. You can renew by mail or in person using the same process as a new process.

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 alone is sufficient. Mexico does not officially require an IDP either, but many rental car companies and insurance providers ask for one. Carrying an IDP in Mexico can reduce friction with police and rental agencies, even though it is not legally mandated. Check with your rental company and insurance provider before you travel.

What if my driver's license is expired or suspended?

You cannot obtain an IDP if your driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is expired, renew it with your state DMV first, then explore for an IDP. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted before you can explore.

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit or restricted license?

No. An IDP requires a full, unrestricted driver's license. A learner's permit or a license with restrictions (such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only") does not may have access to. You must hold a standard, unrestricted license to obtain an IDP.

How long does an IDP last, and can I renew it?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. You renew it using the same process as a new process — in person or by mail — and the fee is the same. There is no grace period; once your IDP expires, it is no longer recognized, so plan ahead if you know you will be driving internationally again.

What should I do if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your license status. Carry a photocopy of your IDP separately from the original, and keep a photo of it on your phone as backup. If you lose your IDP at home, contact AAA or AATA to request a replacement, which takes one to two weeks by mail.