What an International Driver's Permit Is and Who Needs 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 plan to rent a car or drive outside the United States, some car rental companies and a few countries require you to carry one.

You do not need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico, and most European countries no longer require one if your U.S. license is valid. However, rental car companies in some countries — particularly in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa — will refuse to rent to you without one. The IDP proves to a foreign police officer or rental agent that your U.S. license is legitimate and current.

The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you get. It expires on the date printed on it, not on the date your actual license expires. You must carry both documents together — the IDP alone has no legal value.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet that must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license and is required by some rental car companies and countries.
  • You obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through your state's DMV.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office, or you can order by mail and receive it in one to two weeks.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, depending on which organization issues it.
  • You must present a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo to obtain an IDP.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source. If you are a AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person or order by mail. If you are not a member, you can still purchase an IDP at an AAA office, though some offices may charge a small non-member fee on top of the permit cost.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second official issuer. AATA does not have physical offices, so you must order by mail. Send your process, documents, and payment to their address, and they will mail the permit to you. This route typically takes one to two weeks.

Do not purchase an IDP from a travel agency, online third-party service, or international website. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs recognized by the United Nations convention that most countries follow. Permits from other sources will not be accepted.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Gather these items before you visit AAA or mail your process to AATA:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (it must not be expired)
  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • One passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches), taken within the last six months
  • Your full name, date of birth, and current address

If you are explore by mail to AATA, you will also need to complete their process form, which you can read from their website or request by phone. Include a check or money order for the permit fee — AATA does not accept credit cards by mail.

If you are explore in person at AAA, bring the same documents and be prepared to pay by cash, check, or card, depending on the office's payment methods.

Getting an IDP in Person at AAA

Visit any AAA office during business hours with your documents. The staff will verify your driver's license and passport, take a new photo if yours does not meet their standards, and complete the process form with you. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.

You will receive your IDP when ready if you are explore for a one-year permit. Some offices can issue a three-year permit on the spot as well, though a few may need to mail it to you. Ask when you arrive whether your office issues three-year permits in person.

Bring cash or a card, as payment methods vary by location. Call ahead to confirm your nearest AAA office is open and whether they have any current delays.

Getting an IDP by Mail Through AATA

read the process form from the American Automobile Touring Alliance website or call them to request one. Complete the form with your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number.

Enclose the completed form, a copy of your driver's license (front and back), a copy of your passport photo page, one new passport-sized photograph, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the AATA address listed on their form.

AATA will process your process and mail the permit to you within one to two weeks. If you need it faster, visit an AAA office instead — that is the only way to receive an IDP the same day.

Cost and Validity Period

AAA charges $15 for a one-year IDP and $30 for a three-year IDP. AATA charges $20 for a one-year permit and $35 for a three-year permit. Prices may vary slightly by location or change over time, so confirm the current fee when you contact them.

The one-year permit is sufficient if you are taking a single trip abroad. The three-year permit makes sense if you travel internationally multiple times or plan to rent cars in different countries over several years.

The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. Once it expires, it is no longer valid, even if your U.S. driver's license is still current. You will need to obtain a new IDP if you travel again after expiration.

What to Do When You Travel

Carry your IDP and your valid U.S. driver's license together at all times when driving abroad. Do not separate them — a rental car company or police officer will not accept the IDP without the original license.

When you rent a car, present both documents to the rental agent. Some companies will ask for the IDP; others will not. Either way, having it prevents delays or refusals to rent.

If you are stopped by police while driving, present your U.S. license first. If the officer does not speak English or questions whether your license is valid, show the IDP as proof that your license is legitimate and current.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may request one anyway, so it does not hurt to have it if you already own one.

What if my passport expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP remains valid as long as it has not expired, even if your passport has. However, you still need a valid passport to travel internationally, so renew your passport before your IDP expires if you plan to travel again.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored or renewed.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document only. It is not a license itself and does not grant you permission to drive. Your U.S. driver's license is what permits you to drive; the IDP straightforward translates it into other languages so foreign authorities can verify it is real.

What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA to report it lost. You can continue to drive using your U.S. license alone, though rental car companies may refuse to rent to you if they require an IDP. When you return home, you can obtain a replacement IDP by visiting AAA or mailing a new process to AATA.