An international driving permit translates your license into a document other countries recognize

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license, and only in countries that recognize it. The permit tells police, rental car companies, and border officials that your U.S. license is real and current, in a format they can read.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not from your state's DMV. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, costs between $15 and $20, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must appear in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo.

Most countries do not require an IDP, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and some border crossings move faster when you have it. If you are driving across an international border — whether to Canada, Mexico, or further — an IDP removes a common friction point.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works only with your valid U.S. driver's license; it is not a license itself.
  • You obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA in person, bring your current U.S. license and a passport photo, and pay $15 to $20 for a one- or three-year permit.
  • Most countries do not legally require an IDP, but many car rental companies will not rent to you without one.
  • An IDP is useful when driving across borders to Canada, Mexico, or Europe, and can speed up border crossings and rental transactions.

Where you can actually use an international driving permit

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries, but "recognized" does not mean "required." Most countries accept your U.S. license alone. However, the countries where an IDP matters most are those where English is not widely spoken and where police or border officials may not be familiar with U.S. license formats.

In Canada and Mexico, your U.S. license is usually sufficient for driving. In Europe, Asia, and Latin America, an IDP becomes more useful — not because the law demands it, but because rental car companies often do. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and local rental agencies in countries like Spain, Italy, France, and Thailand frequently require an IDP before they will hand over a car key. Some will rent without one if you pay a deposit or accept higher insurance costs, but most will not.

If you are driving in a country where you do not speak the language and you are stopped by police, an IDP makes it when ready clear that your license is legitimate. Without it, a language barrier can turn a routine traffic stop into a longer interaction.

How to get an international driving permit from AAA or AATA

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. Both follow the same process and charge similar fees, though availability varies by location.

To get an IDP, you need: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and cash or a card to pay the fee. You must appear in person — no exceptions. Walk into any AAA office or AATA location, hand over your documents and photo, and the staff will complete the paperwork on the spot. The entire transaction takes 10 to 15 minutes. You walk out with your IDP in hand.

AAA has thousands of offices nationwide. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at any AAA office — membership is not required. AATA has fewer locations, mostly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, but serves the same purpose. Check the AAA website or call ahead to confirm your nearest office is open and has IDP forms in stock.

The cost is $15 to $20 depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. A three-year permit costs slightly more but is the better value if you plan to travel internationally more than once. Both are valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid — if your license expires, your IDP expires too.

What to bring and what to expect at the office

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license. Bring your passport or passport card — a state ID is not enough. Bring one passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches. Some AAA offices have photo services on-site if you do not have one, though you may pay extra for that service.

Bring cash or a debit or credit card. Most AAA offices take all three, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods takes 30 seconds and prevents a wasted trip.

When you arrive, tell the staff you want an International Driving Permit. They will ask you to choose between a one-year and three-year permit. They will fill out a form with your information, attach your photo, and hand you the permit. It is a small booklet, about the size of a passport. You can use it when ready — there is no waiting period.

When you do not need an international driving permit

If you are driving only in Canada or Mexico, an IDP is usually not necessary. Both countries recognize a valid U.S. driver's license. Rental car companies in Canada and Mexico typically accept a U.S. license without an IDP, though some may ask for one anyway — calling ahead to your rental company before you travel takes the guesswork out.

If you are not renting a car and are not crossing an international border, you do not need an IDP. An IDP is for driving — it does not help you board a plane, check into a hotel, or prove your identity for any other purpose. Your passport handles those situations.

If you are traveling to a country where you will not be driving at all, an IDP is unnecessary. You do not need one to ride in someone else's car, take a taxi, or use public transit.

How long an international driving permit lasts and what happens when it expires

A one-year IDP expires one year from the date of issue. A three-year IDP expires three years from the date of issue. Both expire when ready if your U.S. driver's license expires, even if the IDP's expiration date has not arrived yet. If your license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is no longer valid.

When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it — you must get a new one. Return to AAA or AATA, bring the same documents (current license, passport, photo), pay the fee again, and walk out with a new permit. The process is identical to getting your first one.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most places. However, rental car companies may refuse to rent to you without it. If you lose it before your trip, you can get a replacement from AAA or AATA before you leave. If you lose it during your trip, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country — they can sometimes issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your license is valid.

International driving permits and car rental companies

Car rental companies are the main reason most people get an IDP. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and local rental agencies in Europe, Asia, and Latin America often require one before they will rent to you. Some companies state this requirement on their website; others do not mention it until you arrive at the counter.

The safest approach is to contact your rental company before you book or before you travel. Call or email and ask: "Do you require an International Driving Permit?" If they say yes, get one before you leave. If they say no, ask if it is recommended — some companies do not require it but offer discounts or lower insurance costs if you have one.

If you arrive at a rental counter without an IDP and the company requires one, you have limited options: you can try to pay a deposit or accept higher insurance costs (if the company allows it), you can cancel and try a different rental company, or you can use a taxi or ride-sharing service instead. None of these are ideal, which is why getting an IDP before you travel is the simplest path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an international driving permit online or by mail?

No. You must appear in person at an AAA or AATA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, passport, and a passport-style photo. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes and you receive the permit when ready. There is no online or mail option.

Is an international driving permit the same as a license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. You must carry both documents when driving internationally. The IDP alone is not a license and will not let you drive anywhere.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready when your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP's expiration date has not arrived. Before a long trip, renew your U.S. license at your state's DMV. If your license expires during your trip, you should not drive — contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance.

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Both countries recognize a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some rental car companies in those countries may request an IDP anyway. Calling your rental company before you travel is the fastest way to find out what they require.

How much does an international driving permit cost?

An IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. You pay at the AAA or AATA office when you explore. The three-year option costs slightly more but is better value if you travel internationally more than once.