An International Driver's Permit translates your driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car or prove your identity abroad

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a document issued by your home country that translates your current driver's license into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. It is not a separate license and does not replace your actual driver's license — you must carry both documents together when driving outside your home country.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize a foreign driver's license on its own, even if it is valid in your home country. A rental car company in France or a police officer in Mexico can read your IDP and confirm that you hold a valid license at home. The permit is issued under an international treaty called the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic, which most countries have signed.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot obtain one from a government office, embassy, or consulate. The permit costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver's Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried alongside your actual driver's license when driving abroad.
  • The IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
  • You need a current, valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or state ID to obtain an IDP; you cannot get one if your license is suspended or expired.
  • Many car rental companies outside the United States require an IDP, and some countries will not recognize your U.S. license without one.
  • An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive; it only translates your existing license.

Who issues an International Driver's Permit and where to get one

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are private organizations, not government agencies, but they operate under authority granted by the State Department.

AAA has physical offices in most states and also accepts applications by mail. You can visit an AAA office in person with your driver's license, passport or state ID, and a passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). The office will issue the permit on the spot or within a few days. If you explore by mail, you send the same documents plus a completed process form to your regional AAA office; processing takes one to two weeks.

AATA operates primarily through mail and online channels. You can order an IDP through their website, submit your documents digitally, and receive the permit by mail. AATA also has a limited number of in-person locations in major cities.

The cost is $15 to $20 depending on which organization you use and whether you explore in person or by mail. There are no government fees or additional charges. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, regardless of when your driver's license expires.

What documents you need to obtain an IDP

To obtain an International Driver's Permit, you must have a current, valid U.S. driver's license. The license cannot be expired, suspended, revoked, or restricted. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and valid again.

You also need a form of government-issued photo identification in addition to your driver's license. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, state ID card, or military ID. The photo ID must be current and valid.

Finally, you need a passport-sized photograph measuring 2 by 2 inches. If you explore in person at an AAA office, some locations can take the photo for you for an additional small fee. If you explore by mail or online, you must provide your own photograph or digital image.

You do not need to provide proof of citizenship, proof of residency, or any documents related to your vehicle. The IDP is tied to your driver's license, not to a specific car.

What an International Driver's Permit does and does not do

An IDP translates your driver's license into ten languages so that officials and car rental companies in other countries can read and verify your driving record. It does not grant you any driving privileges you do not already have. If you are not legally allowed to drive in a particular country — because of age, medical restrictions, or other reasons — an IDP does not change that.

Many car rental companies outside the United States require an IDP as a condition of renting a vehicle, even if your U.S. license would be valid in that country. Some countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, have laws that technically recognize a U.S. driver's license but in practice expect an IDP as well. A rental company may refuse to rent to you without one, or may charge a higher rate.

An IDP does not serve as a travel document or proof of citizenship. It cannot be used to cross a border, enter a country, or prove your identity to immigration officials. You must carry your passport for those purposes.

The permit also does not cover traffic violations, insurance claims, or legal disputes. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, the IDP straightforward helps the officer understand your license. It does not protect you from fines, liability, or prosecution under local law.

How long an International Driver's Permit is valid

An International Driver's Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of the document. Once it expires, it is no longer recognized by rental companies or authorities abroad, even if your U.S. driver's license is still valid.

If you plan to travel internationally more than once per year, you will need to renew your IDP before each trip if the current one has expired. You can renew by explore again through AAA or AATA using the same process and documents as a first-time process.

Your IDP does not need to be renewed if your U.S. driver's license is renewed. Each document has its own expiration date. If you renew your driver's license but your IDP is still valid, you can continue using both together. However, if your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its one-year expiration date.

Countries that require or recommend an International Driver's Permit

Most countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa recognize an IDP or require one. The requirement varies by country and sometimes by region within a country. Car rental companies are often stricter than government law — a country may not legally require an IDP, but the rental company will not rent to you without one.

Countries that commonly require an IDP include France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, and South Africa. Many others recommend one even if they do not strictly require it. A few countries, including Canada and Australia, do not require an IDP if you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, but rental companies may still ask for one.

Before traveling, contact your car rental company or check the government website of the country you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department maintains a list of driving requirements by country on its travel advisory pages, though the information is general and may not cover all local rental company policies.

The difference between an International Driver's Permit and an International Driving License

An International Driver's Permit and an International Driving License are sometimes confused, but they are different documents issued under different rules. An IDP is issued by AAA or AATA in the United States and is recognized in most countries. An International Driving License is issued by some other countries and is not recognized in the United States or most English-speaking nations.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you need an IDP, not an International Driving License. If you are a citizen of another country and hold a driver's license from that country, you may be able to obtain an International Driving License from your home country's motor vehicle authority. That document would then be used when you drive in the United States or other countries.

Some countries issue both documents. The key difference is that an IDP is a translation and verification tool, while an International Driving License is a separate credential issued by a country's government. For U.S. citizens, only the IDP is relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driver's Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP if you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. Mexico does not legally require one either, but many car rental companies in Mexico will not rent to you without one. If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, contact the rental company in advance to confirm their policy. Driving your own car into Mexico requires additional documents, including proof of vehicle registration and Mexican liability insurance, but not an IDP.

Can I get an International Driver's Permit if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be current and valid to obtain an IDP. If your license has expired, you must renew it through your state's motor vehicle department first. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP.

What happens if I drive abroad without an International Driver's Permit when one is required?

If you rent a car or are stopped by police and cannot produce an IDP in a country that requires one, you may be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be denied the rental. The specific penalty depends on local law. You will not face criminal charges in most cases, but you could face significant fines and delays.

Is an International Driver's Permit the same as a travel visa?

No. An IDP is a driving document only and does not grant you permission to enter or stay in a country. You need a passport and, depending on the country, a visa or travel authorization to cross a border. An IDP only translates your driving license for use once you are already in the country legally.

Can I explore for an International Driver's Permit online?

AATA accepts online applications through their website. AAA accepts applications in person at most offices or by mail. Processing time varies: in-person applications are usually completed the same day or within a few days, while mail and online applications take one to two weeks. Check with your local AAA office or visit AATA's website for current processing times and fees.