What an International Driving Permit Is and When You Need 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 state or country. If you are doing supervised driving in another country, or if you plan to drive abroad while holding a learner's permit or restricted license, an IDP lets police and rental companies understand your driving status without needing a translator.

You need an IDP if you will be driving outside the United States, even in Canada or Mexico. Some countries require it; others do not, but having one removes the risk of a traffic stop turning into a document dispute. An IDP is particularly useful if you hold a learner's permit or a restricted license and want to drive in another country, because the IDP will show that your home state or country has authorized you to drive under supervision.

An IDP does not replace your actual license and does not extend your driving privileges. If your license is suspended or expired, an IDP is worthless. If you are restricted to driving only with an instructor or a licensed adult, the IDP will show that restriction to a foreign police officer, but it does not change the rule itself.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your license into ten languages and is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not by your state DMV.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license or learner's permit to obtain an IDP; the IDP itself lasts three years from the date of issue.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA, depending on which method your state allows.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and requires a passport-style photo, your license, and a completed process form.
  • An IDP does not change your driving restrictions — if you can only drive with a licensed adult at home, that rule applies abroad as well.

Who Issues International Driving Permits in the United States

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot obtain one from your state DMV, your local police department, or any other agency. Both AAA and AATA issue the same document; the choice between them depends on which one has an office near you or which method of process you prefer.

AAA is the larger organization and has offices in most states. AATA has fewer locations but serves some areas where AAA does not. You can search for AAA offices online by zip code, or call AATA directly to find a location near you. If neither organization has a physical office in your area, both allow mail-in applications, and AAA also offers online applications in some states.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Before you contact AAA or AATA, gather the following items. You will need your valid, unexpired driver's license or learner's permit — the IDP is only valid if your underlying license is valid. You will also need a passport-style photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Many AAA offices can take this photo on-site for a small fee if you do not have one.

You will need to complete an process form, which both AAA and AATA provide online or in person. The form asks for your name, date of birth, license number, and the country or countries where you plan to drive. You will also need to bring or provide proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency — a passport, birth certificate, or green card. If you are explore by mail, you will mail your license, photo, completed form, and citizenship proof along with payment.

Have your credit card or checkbook ready if you are explore in person or by mail. AAA and AATA do not accept cash by mail, and some offices may not accept it in person either. If you are explore online through AAA, you will pay by credit card at the time of process.

How to Obtain an IDP in Person

The fastest way to obtain an IDP is to visit an AAA or AATA office in person. Bring your valid license or learner's permit, a passport-style photo, your completed process form, and proof of citizenship. The staff will verify your documents, take your payment (usually $15 to $20), and issue the IDP on the spot. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you do not have a passport-style photo, most AAA offices can photograph you for a fee of $5 to $10. If you do not have your process form filled out, the office staff can help you complete it. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current fees is wise, since both vary by office.

How to Obtain an IDP by Mail or Online

If no AAA or AATA office is near you, both organizations accept mail-in applications. read or request the process form from AAA or AATA's website. Fill it out completely, including your license number and the countries where you plan to drive. Enclose your valid license or learner's permit, a passport-style photo, proof of citizenship, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail the package to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date AAA or AATA receives your process. They will return your license and your new IDP in the same envelope. Keep track of when you mail the process so you know when to expect it back. If you do not receive your IDP within four weeks, contact the organization to confirm they received your process.

AAA also offers online applications in some states. Visit AAA's website, select your state, and look for the International Driving Permit option. You will upload a photo, provide your license information, and pay by credit card. The IDP will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. Not all states offer this option yet, so check your state's AAA website to see if it is available where you live.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date it is issued. Write the expiration date on the IDP itself when you receive it so you do not forget. The IDP expires on that date regardless of whether your underlying driver's license or learner's permit expires before or after. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless because it is only valid with a current license.

To renew an IDP, follow the same process you used to obtain it the first time. You will need a valid, unexpired license or learner's permit, a new passport-style photo, and a new process form. You cannot renew an IDP by mail if your previous one has already expired — you must explore in person or online. If your IDP is still valid but your license has expired, you must renew your license first before you can renew your IDP.

Using Your IDP Abroad and What It Does Not Cover

Carry your IDP alongside your actual driver's license whenever you drive outside the United States. Some countries require it; others do not. Police in most countries will accept an IDP as proof that your home state or country has authorized you to drive. If you are stopped, show both your license and your IDP together.

An IDP does not override your home state's driving restrictions. If your license is restricted to driving only with a licensed adult present, that restriction applies in every country. If you are stopped by police abroad and you are driving alone, the IDP will show that you are violating your restriction, just as your license would. An IDP does not give you permission to drive in ways your license does not permit at home.

An IDP is not a visa, a work permit, or proof of insurance. It does not allow you to stay in another country longer than your passport does. It does not allow you to work as a driver abroad. You must still purchase car insurance in the country where you are driving — an IDP does not satisfy insurance requirements. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country where you plan to drive, because some countries have additional rules about age, experience, or documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a learner's permit?

Yes. Your learner's permit counts as a valid license for the purpose of obtaining an IDP. The IDP will show your learner's permit status and any restrictions, such as requiring a licensed adult in the car. If you are driving abroad, you must still follow your home state's rules — the IDP does not remove the requirement for adult supervision.

What if my passport-style photo is older than six months?

AAA and AATA prefer photos taken within six months, but policies vary by location. Call the office where you plan to explore and ask whether they will accept your photo. If they will not, most AAA offices can take a new photo for $5 to $10. For mail-in applications, include a photo taken as recently as possible and note the date on the back.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

Many rental companies require an IDP or will charge a higher fee if you do not have one. Some countries legally require it. Check with your rental company and the country's driving rules before you travel. Having an IDP removes doubt and often costs less than paying a rental company's fee for a missing document.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am abroad?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are still traveling when your IDP expires, you have only your home license to show police. Depending on the country, this may or may not be a problem — some countries accept a home license alone, while others require an IDP. Check the country's rules before you travel and plan to renew your IDP before it expires if you will be abroad for an extended time.

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

No. Your license must be valid and unexpired. If your license is suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP. Once your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, you can explore for an IDP through the normal process.