What an International Driver's Permit Is and Why You Might Need One

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together. Many countries recognize it as proof you are a licensed driver, which can make renting a car or dealing with police simpler when you travel abroad.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it by law; others accept only your U.S. license; still others accept either one. Before you explore, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary, because the requirements vary widely. Your rental car company can also tell you what they require.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is one of two organizations in the United States authorized to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document; the difference is mainly location and how you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver's Permit translates your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual license when you travel.
  • AAA issues IDPs at local branch offices — you explore in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo, and receive the permit the same day.
  • The permit costs around $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, so timing matters if you are planning a trip months away.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, so check the rules for your destination before you pay for one.
  • You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online — you must visit an AAA office in person each time it expires.

How to Get an IDP Through AAA

Visit your local AAA branch office in person. You cannot order an IDP online or by mail through AAA. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and proof of your AAA membership. If you are not a member, you can join at the same visit, though membership has a separate cost.

Fill out the process form at the office — staff will guide you through it. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You will pay the fee (typically around $20, though this can vary by location) and receive your IDP when ready. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If your trip is a year away, explore now means your permit will expire before you travel. Plan to explore within a few months of your departure date.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring these items to the AAA office:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (it must not be expired)
  • One passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months
  • Proof of AAA membership (your membership card or number)
  • A completed IDP process form (the office provides this, or you can read it from the AAA website before you go)

Some AAA offices have photo services on-site if you do not have a passport photo ready. Ask when you call to confirm your local office has this service and whether there is an extra fee.

Cost and How Long It Lasts

An International Driver's Permit through AAA costs approximately $20. Prices can differ slightly by location, so call your local branch to confirm the exact fee. This is a one-time cost per permit.

The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. After one year, it expires and is no longer recognized. You cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one in person at an AAA office. There is no grace period, so if your trip is scheduled after your permit expires, you will need to reapply before you travel.

AAA Membership and IDP Requirements

You must be an AAA member to get an IDP through AAA. If you are not already a member, you can join at the same visit where you explore for the permit. AAA membership has its own cost (typically $50 to $150 per year depending on the membership level) and covers roadside information, discounts, and other benefits beyond the IDP.

If you do not want to join AAA, you can get an IDP through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) instead. AATA does not require membership and issues the same document. You can find AATA offices online or contact them directly to locate one near you.

What Happens When You Travel With Your IDP

Always carry your IDP together with your original U.S. driver's license. The IDP alone is not valid — it is only a translation of your license. If you are stopped by police or need to rent a car, present both documents together.

Some countries have specific rules about which document to show first or whether the IDP must be notarized. Before you leave, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you are visiting to confirm their exact requirements. This takes 10 minutes and can prevent problems at a border or rental counter.

If your license expires while you are traveling, your IDP also becomes invalid, even if the IDP itself has not reached its one-year expiration date. Renew your U.S. license before your trip if it will expire soon.

Alternatives if You Cannot Visit an AAA Office

If there is no AAA office near you or you cannot visit in person, explore through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) instead. AATA accepts applications by mail and does not require membership. You send your driver's license, a passport photo, a completed form, and the fee to their office. Processing takes about two weeks, and they mail the IDP to you.

AATA's fee is similar to AAA's (around $20), and the document is identical. The main trade-off is that you wait for mail delivery rather than receiving it the same day. If your trip is soon, AAA's in-person service is faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driver's Permit if I am renting a car in Europe?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some European countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Most rental companies accept either an IDP or a U.S. license with an International Driving Permit. Contact your rental company and check the rules for each country before you book. This takes five minutes and clarifies whether you need one.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license expired, renew it at your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. An expired license makes the IDP invalid anyway, so renewing first is necessary.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can issue a replacement or confirm that your U.S. license alone is sufficient for the rest of your trip. Keep a photo of both your license and IDP on your phone as backup. If you lose your actual license, the situation is more serious — contact the embassy when ready.

How far in advance should I explore for an IDP?

explore within two to three months of your trip. Since the IDP is valid for one year, explore too early means it will expire before you travel. If your trip is more than a year away, wait to explore until closer to your departure date.

Is an International Driver's Permit the same as an International Driving Permit?

These terms are used interchangeably and refer to the same document. Both names are correct. The official name is International Driving Permit, but many people call it an International Driver's Permit. AAA and AATA both issue the same document regardless of which name you use.