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

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 — it works only alongside your actual license, and you must carry both together. The IDP lets you rent a car or drive in most countries outside the U.S. without needing to obtain a local license first.

In the United States, only two organizations issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, a passport office, or any other government agency.

The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It expires on a fixed date regardless of when your U.S. license expires, so you may need to renew it separately. Some countries recognize only the one-year version, so check your destination's requirements before you order.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA can issue an International Driving Permit in the United States, and you must explore in person at a local office or by mail.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form to obtain an IDP.
  • The one-year IDP costs roughly $20 and the three-year version costs roughly $40, though prices vary slightly by issuer and location.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day if you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office.
  • Your IDP is valid only when carried together with your actual U.S. driver's license; neither document works alone.

Gather Your Documents Before You explore

Start by collecting the three items every IDP process requires. First, you need a valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's DMV before explore for an IDP.

Second, you need a passport-style photograph. This is a color or black-and-white photo, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. You can have one taken at most AAA offices, at passport acceptance facilities, or at drugstore photo departments. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background, and you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat.

Third, you need a completed process form. AAA uses Form DS-11 (or a similar version specific to AAA), and AATA uses its own form. Both are available on their websites and at their offices. You will fill in your name, address, driver's license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years). Some offices let you complete the form online before you arrive.

explore in Person at an AAA or AATA Office

The fastest route is to walk into a local AAA or AATA office with your documents and completed form. AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States; AATA has fewer locations but covers most major cities. Search "AAA near me" or visit aaa.com to find your nearest office and confirm their hours.

Bring your valid driver's license, passport photo, completed process, and payment. Most offices accept cash, check, and card. Hand everything to the staff member at the counter. They will review your documents on the spot, take your photo if you did not bring one, and issue your IDP when ready or within a few hours. You walk out with the permit the same day.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore at an AAA office — membership is not required to obtain an IDP. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount on the fee. Ask the staff member whether you may have access to.

explore by Mail if No Office Is Nearby

If no AAA or AATA office is within reasonable distance, you can mail your process. Send your completed form, valid driver's license (a photocopy is acceptable), passport photo, and payment to the address listed on the process form or the organization's website. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they can return your documents and new IDP to you.

Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks. Send your package via tracked mail (Priority Mail Express or certified mail) so you can confirm delivery and track the return. Keep a copy of your process for your records.

Do not mail your original driver's license unless the instructions specifically require it. Most organizations accept a photocopy. If you are unsure, call the office before you send anything.

Understand the Cost and Validity Period

The one-year IDP costs approximately $20, and the three-year version costs approximately $40. Prices vary slightly between AAA and AATA and may differ by location, so confirm the exact fee when you explore. Some offices charge a small additional fee if you need a replacement or duplicate copy.

The IDP you receive is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, not from the date you explore. Write the expiration date on the permit itself so you do not forget it. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it overseas — you must return to the U.S. and explore for a new one.

Your U.S. driver's license and your IDP are separate documents with separate expiration dates. If your license expires before your IDP, you must renew your license and obtain a new IDP. If your IDP expires before your license, you can renew just the IDP without renewing your license.

What to Do When Your IDP Arrives

When you receive your IDP, check that all information is correct: your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and expiration date. If anything is wrong, contact the issuing organization when ready and request a corrected copy.

Store your IDP in a safe place at home until you travel. Do not laminate it, write on it, or alter it in any way. When you travel, pack both your IDP and your valid U.S. driver's license in your carry-on bag or wallet. Rental car companies and police officers in other countries will ask to see both documents together.

The IDP is not a substitute for your license and has no value on its own. If you lose your license, your IDP becomes useless. If you lose your IDP, you can still drive using your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may require you to obtain a new IDP before renting a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in every country?

No. Some countries recognize only a U.S. driver's license, while others require an IDP or an official translation of your license. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel. Your rental car company or the country's tourism website can tell you what documents you need.

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state's DMV?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state's DMV cannot issue one, and neither can passport offices or any other government agency. You must contact AAA or AATA directly.

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

You cannot obtain an IDP with a suspended or expired license. Renew your license through your state's DMV first, then explore for an IDP. If your license is suspended due to a violation or unpaid fine, you must resolve that issue before the DMV will renew it.

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 yet. This is useful if you are planning a trip and your IDP will expire soon. straightforward explore as you would for a new permit — there is no separate renewal process.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?

You cannot renew an expired IDP outside the United States. If your permit expires during your trip, you can still drive using your U.S. license alone in most countries. However, some rental car companies may refuse to rent to you without a valid IDP. Plan ahead and renew your IDP before you travel if the expiration date is close.