An International Driving Permit translates your US license into ten languages so you can rent a car or prove you can drive in another country

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that works alongside your regular US driver's license. It contains the same information — your name, photo, license number, driving record — but printed in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Greek, and Turkish. It does not replace your US license and has no legal power on its own. You must carry both documents together, and the IDP is only valid while your US license is valid.

The main reason to get one is that car rental companies in many countries require it, even though your US license is technically legal to drive on in most places. Some countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several others — have made it standard practice for rental agencies to ask for one. Without it, you may find yourself unable to rent a car, or facing a fine if stopped by police who cannot read your US license.

You do not need an IDP for every country. Canada, Mexico, and most Caribbean nations accept a US license alone. But if you are renting a car in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, or parts of Asia, an IDP removes a common barrier at the rental counter.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your US license into ten languages and must be carried with your actual US license at all times.
  • You can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — both are authorized by the US State Department.
  • 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.
  • An IDP does not extend your driving privileges or change traffic laws; it only translates your existing US license so rental companies and police can read it.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document and follow the same rules.

AAA is the easier route for most people because there are AAA offices in most states. You can walk into a local branch, complete the process on the spot, and leave with your IDP the same day. AATA operates by mail only — you send in your process and payment, and they mail the permit back to you, which takes about two weeks.

If you are a AAA member, membership does not lower the cost, but you may find it faster to visit a branch you already know. If you are not a member, you do not need to join to get an IDP; you can straightforward walk in and request one.

What you need to bring or submit

For an in-person process at AAA, bring your current US driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and cash or a card to pay the fee. The photo requirement is strict — it must be recent, in color, and meet passport photo standards (plain background, face clearly visible, taken within the last six months).

If you explore by mail through AATA, you send a completed process form, a copy of your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment. You can read the form from the AATA website or request one by mail.

The process itself is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, license number, and date of birth. It takes about five minutes to fill out. AAA staff will verify that your information matches your license and take your photo if you do not have one, though you may pay an extra fee for that service.

Cost and how long it lasts

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on which organization issues it and whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. AAA typically charges $20 for a three-year permit and $15 for a one-year permit. AATA charges similar amounts. There are no hidden fees or renewal costs — you pay once and the permit is valid for the duration you chose.

A one-year permit makes sense if you are taking a single trip abroad. A three-year permit is worth the extra $5 if you travel internationally more than once every few years, since you will not need to reapply.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on it, not when your US license expires. However, if your US license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — they must both be current to use it.

How to use your International Driving Permit

When you rent a car abroad, present both your US license and your IDP together at the rental counter. The agent will likely scan or photocopy both documents. Some rental companies will ask for the IDP specifically; others will accept just the US license but prefer to see the IDP as well. Having it eliminates any back-and-forth.

If you are stopped by police while driving, hand over both documents. The IDP allows the officer to read your information in their own language, which speeds up the interaction and reduces confusion. In some countries, driving without an IDP when one is required can result in a fine, even if your US license is valid.

Keep your IDP in the same place as your passport — a travel document pouch or hotel safe. Do not leave it in the rental car or unattended. If it is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement from AAA or AATA, though you will need to pay the fee again.

Countries where an IDP is commonly required or recommended

Most European countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland — have rental companies that routinely ask for an IDP. Australia and New Zealand also commonly request one. Some countries in South America and Asia do as well, though requirements vary by rental company and region.

The safest approach is to check with your rental company before you travel. When you book a car online or by phone, ask whether they require an IDP. If they say yes, get one before you leave. If they say no, you still may want to carry one anyway — it costs little and removes any uncertainty at the counter.

Canada, Mexico, and most Caribbean islands do not require an IDP, and US rental companies operating in those countries rarely ask for one. Your US license alone is sufficient.

International Driving Permit versus other travel documents

An IDP is not the same as a travel visa, passport, or travel insurance. It is purely a translation document for your driving license. You still need a valid passport to enter another country, and you still need travel insurance if you want coverage for accidents or medical emergencies abroad. An IDP does none of those things — it only makes your US license readable to people in other countries.

Some travel guides or websites suggest you need an IDP to drive legally abroad. That is not quite accurate. In most countries, a US license alone is legal. What an IDP does is prevent friction with rental companies and police who may not be familiar with US licenses. It is a practical tool, not a legal requirement in most places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my US license and no IDP?

In most countries, yes — your US license is legal to drive on. The problem is that rental companies often will not rent to you without an IDP, and police may have trouble reading a US license. An IDP removes both obstacles, so it is worth getting even if not strictly required by law.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

At AAA in person, you can walk out with it the same day — the whole process takes about 15 minutes. By mail through AATA, it takes roughly two weeks from the time they receive your process. If you are leaving soon, go to AAA in person.

What happens if my US license expires while I am abroad?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your US license expires, even if the IDP itself is not due to expire. You cannot drive legally on an expired license, and the IDP cannot override that. Renew your US license before you travel if it is expiring soon.

Do I need an IDP if I am only driving in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico accept a US license alone, and rental companies in both countries rarely ask for an IDP. Save the money and time unless you are also traveling to another country that requires one.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a learner's permit or restricted license?

No. You must have a valid, unrestricted US driver's license to obtain an IDP. A learner's permit or provisional license does not may have access to. Once you have a full license, you can explore.