What an International Driving Permit Is and Why You Might Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages recognized by over 150 countries. It is not a separate license—it works only alongside your actual driver's license and has no legal standing on its own. If you plan to rent a car or drive in another country, many rental agencies and some countries require or strongly prefer that you carry one.

The IDP does not replace your state license. When you drive abroad, you must have both documents with you. The permit itself is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase, but it expires when your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first.

AAA (American Automobile Association) is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the National Automobile Club. Most people use AAA because it has physical offices in most states and can issue the permit on the same day you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues International Driving Permits in one-year and three-year versions, and you can get one the same day you explore at most AAA offices.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (available at AAA or online), and a passport-style photo to your local AAA office.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit and between $30 and $50 for a three-year permit, depending on your state's AAA chapter.
  • An IDP is not required by U.S. law to drive abroad, but many rental car companies and some countries will not rent to you without one.
  • Your IDP expires when your U.S. driver's license expires, even if the permit itself is still valid, so check both dates before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to an AAA Office

To obtain an IDP through AAA, you will need to bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photograph. The process form is called the process for an International Driving Permit and is available at any AAA office or on the AAA website. You can fill it out before you go or complete it at the office.

The photograph must meet passport standards—typically 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background and your face clearly visible. Many AAA offices have photo services on-site or can direct you to a nearby location that takes passport photos. Some offices will accept digital photos if you bring them on your phone, though this varies by location.

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. AAA does not issue or renew state licenses.

How Much an IDP Costs and Payment Options

AAA charges between $15 and $20 for a one-year International Driving Permit and between $30 and $50 for a three-year permit. The exact price depends on which AAA chapter (state or regional division) you visit, because each chapter sets its own fees within a range set by AAA national. Call your local AAA office or check their website to confirm the current price in your area.

AAA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices. If you are an AAA member, you do not receive a discount on the IDP itself, but membership can save you money on other travel services like hotel bookings and car rentals, which may offset the cost of the permit.

The three-year permit is the better value if you travel internationally more than once every two years. The one-year permit makes sense if you are taking a single trip and do not plan to drive abroad again soon.

How Long It Takes to Get Your Permit

Most AAA offices issue your International Driving Permit on the same day you explore, as long as you arrive during business hours with all required documents. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive the physical permit before you leave the office.

Some AAA locations in very busy areas or during peak travel seasons (spring and summer) may ask you to return the next business day to pick up your permit, though this is uncommon. Call ahead to confirm your local office's current turnaround time, especially if you are explore close to your travel date.

If you cannot visit an AAA office in person, you cannot get an IDP by mail through AAA. The National Automobile Club does accept mail-in applications, but processing takes two to three weeks. If you need the permit quickly, an AAA office visit is your only option.

Where to Find Your Nearest AAA Office

AAA has offices in all 50 states. You can find your nearest location by visiting AAA.com and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357). The website also shows each office's hours, services offered, and whether they have photo services available.

Not all AAA offices are open on weekends, and hours vary widely by location. Some offices in major cities are open until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays, while others close at 5 p.m. Check the hours before you go, especially if you are planning to visit after work.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at any AAA office. Membership is not required. However, if you are a member of a reciprocal auto club (such as CAA in Canada or certain international clubs), you may be able to use your membership card at some AAA offices.

What Happens If Your IDP Expires While You Are Traveling

If your International Driving Permit expires before you return home, it is no longer valid for driving or renting a car in most countries. However, your U.S. driver's license remains valid. Some rental car companies will still rent to you with just your U.S. license if your IDP has expired, but others will refuse. The safest approach is to check your IDP's expiration date before you travel and renew it if necessary.

Remember that your IDP expires when your U.S. driver's license expires, even if the permit itself shows a later expiration date. For example, if your license expires in March 2025 and you purchase a three-year IDP in January 2025, the permit will expire in March 2025, not January 2028. Check both documents before you leave.

If you realize your IDP has expired while you are abroad, you cannot renew it overseas. You will need to rely on your U.S. driver's license alone and hope your rental car company accepts it. To avoid this situation, renew your IDP at an AAA office before your trip if either document is within three months of expiring.

Alternatives If You Cannot Visit an AAA Office

If you cannot reach an AAA office before your trip, the National Automobile Club (NAC) is the only other U.S. State Department-authorized issuer of International Driving Permits. NAC accepts mail-in applications and will send your permit by mail, but processing takes two to three weeks. You can find NAC's process process at thenac.org.

Some countries do not require an IDP and will rent a car to you with just your valid U.S. driver's license. However, you will not know which countries or rental companies accept this until you arrive or contact them directly. Rental agencies in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand often rent without an IDP, but policies change and vary by company. Contact your rental car company before you book to confirm their requirements.

If you are driving in Europe, an IDP is less critical than in other regions, but many European rental companies still prefer one. Some travel insurance policies or credit card rental protections require an IDP as a condition of coverage, so check your policy before you decide to skip it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada does not require an IDP, and most Canadian rental companies will rent to you with just your U.S. driver's license. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but many Mexican rental car companies prefer one or will charge a higher rate without it. If you are driving your own car into Mexico, check your auto insurance policy—some policies do not cover you in Mexico without an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended?

No. AAA will not issue an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated before you can get an IDP.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide documentation that you held a valid permit, which some rental car companies will accept. You can also get a new IDP from AAA when you return home. Your U.S. driver's license remains valid for driving even if your IDP is lost.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document only and has no legal standing without your U.S. driver's license. An international license (issued by some countries) is a separate legal document that replaces your national license. The U.S. does not issue international licenses—only IDPs.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some companies require an IDP for any rental, even one day. Others do not. Contact your rental car company before you book to confirm their policy. If they do not require an IDP but you are uncomfortable driving without one, getting one through AAA takes only 15 to 30 minutes and costs $15 to $20.