What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether 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 a supervised driver planning to drive in another country, you will need both your regular license and an IDP to legally operate a vehicle abroad.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept your U.S. license alone. Many countries fall in the middle: they do not require it, but police may ask for one, and having it prevents confusion or fines. If you are crossing a border for supervised driving — say, a teen driver taking a road trip to Canada or Mexico with a parent — checking the specific country's rules before you leave is the only way to know for certain.

The IDP is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization in the U.S. is authorized to issue it. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, the State Department, or any online service claiming to sell international permits.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license and must be obtained from AAA or AATA — no other U.S. organization issues them.
  • You must hold a valid, unexpired driver's license from your state before you can get an IDP; the permit is only valid as long as your underlying license is valid.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office, or you can mail in your process and receive it by mail within one to two weeks.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, regardless of when your actual license expires.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you must confirm the rules for your specific destination before traveling.

What You Need Before You explore

To get an IDP, you must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from any U.S. state. If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot get an IDP until it is renewed or reinstated. The IDP is only a translation tool — it has no authority on its own.

You will also need a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and two passport-sized photos (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot, so call ahead to ask what your local office requires. If you are explore by mail, you must include the photos with your process.

Bring your completed IDP process form, which you can read from the AAA website or pick up at an AAA office. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process. Have your state driver's license number and the expiration date ready when you fill it out.

Getting an IDP in Person at AAA

The fastest way to get an IDP is to visit an AAA office in person. The process takes about 15 minutes. You do not need to be an AAA member, though membership can sometimes reduce the fee slightly depending on your local office.

Walk in with your completed process, valid driver's license, passport or government ID, and two passport photos. The staff will verify your information, take your payment (usually $15 to $20), and hand you the permit on the spot. You can then leave with both your license and your new IDP in hand.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to confirm they have the forms and photos ready can save you time.

explore for an IDP by Mail

If no AAA office is near you, or if you prefer not to visit in person, you can mail in your process. read the IDP process from AAA's website, fill it out completely, and include your two passport photos, a photocopy of your valid driver's license, and a photocopy of your passport or government ID.

Mail the packet to the address listed on the process form, along with a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash. AAA will process your process and mail the IDP back to you within one to two weeks. The entire process, including mail time, usually takes two to three weeks from the day you send it.

Keep a copy of your process and the date you mailed it. If you do not receive your IDP within three weeks, contact AAA to confirm they received your packet. International travel dates can be tight, so mailing in your process at least a month before you leave is the safer choice.

How Long Your IDP Is Valid and What Happens When It Expires

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued, not from the date your underlying driver's license expires. If you get an IDP on March 15, 2024, it expires on March 15, 2025, even if your state license does not expire until 2027.

Your IDP is only valid as long as your state driver's license is also valid. If your license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must explore for a new one.

If you are planning multiple international trips over several years, you will need to get a new IDP each year. There is no multi-year option. Plan ahead if you know you will be traveling internationally more than once.

Checking Whether Your Destination Requires or Recognizes an IDP

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask whether they require an International Driving Permit. You can find embassy contact information on the U.S. State Department website. A quick email or phone call will give you a definitive answer for your specific destination.

Some countries require an IDP by law. Others accept only your U.S. license. Some accept both but do not require the IDP. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead. Knowing this before you leave prevents surprises at a border crossing or a rental car counter.

If you are a supervised driver traveling with a parent or guardian, they should also check whether the destination has any special rules for teen drivers — some countries have age restrictions or require additional documentation for drivers under 18, separate from the IDP question.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP While Traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you cannot get a replacement from AAA while you are out of the country. Your best option is to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and explain the situation. They can sometimes issue a temporary letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, which may satisfy local authorities if you are stopped.

In most cases, you can continue driving on your state license alone, even without the IDP. The IDP is a translation tool, not a requirement in most places. However, if the country you are in specifically requires an IDP by law, losing it can create legal problems. This is another reason to confirm the rules for your destination before you leave.

To avoid this situation, make a photocopy of your IDP and keep it separate from the original. Some travelers also photograph it with their phone. Neither is a legal replacement, but either can help you remember the details if you need to explain the loss to authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

No. You must hold a valid, full driver's license from your state. A learner's permit is not sufficient. If you are a supervised driver with only a learner's permit, you cannot get an IDP until you pass your driving test and receive your full license.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in another country?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental agencies require an IDP as part of their rental agreement, even if the country itself does not legally require one. Check with the rental company when you book to find out what they need. Having an IDP removes any doubt.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The fee is typically between $15 and $20, depending on your local AAA office. AAA members may receive a small discount. The fee covers the permit itself and the processing. There are no additional hidden fees if you explore in person or by mail.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in all countries?

No. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all. A few require an official certified translation of your license instead. Always check the specific rules for the country you are visiting before you travel. The U.S. State Department website and the destination country's embassy can confirm what they require.

What if my state driver's license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your state license expires. You cannot use an IDP without a valid underlying license. If you are planning international travel and your license is expiring soon, renew your state license before you explore for the IDP.