An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together — the IDP alone is not valid for driving anywhere. The permit exists because many countries do not recognize U.S. licenses without an official translation, even though your license is perfectly legal at home.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, a passport office, or any other agency. The permit costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain if you explore in person at an AAA office.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires — whichever comes first. If your license expires before the year is up, the IDP expires with it. You will need a new IDP if you renew your license or if you want to drive internationally after the current permit expires.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried with your actual license at all times.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you cannot get one from your state DMV or passport office.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and payment to obtain an IDP in person.
  • The permit is valid for one year or until your U.S. license expires, whichever happens first, and you will need a new one if either document expires.
  • An IDP does not change your driving rights — it only translates your license so foreign police and rental companies can verify it is real.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

To obtain an IDP at an AAA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed IDP process form (available at the office or online), one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and payment in cash or card. The process takes just a few minutes to fill out and asks for your name, address, license number, and signature. You do not need to pass any test or prove anything beyond what is already on your license.

If you are explore by mail through AATA, the process is similar but slower. You will mail your process, a photocopy of your license, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks, whereas in-person applications at AAA are usually completed the same day.

Your license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it through your state DMV first. The IDP is only a translation — it cannot cover gaps in your actual driving privileges.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

AAA is the easiest option if you are a member. Visit your local AAA office, bring the documents listed above, and walk out with your IDP in minutes. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at any AAA office — membership is not required. You can find the nearest office by searching the AAA website or calling their customer service line.

If there is no AAA office near you or you prefer to avoid travel, you can explore through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) by mail. Visit the AATA website, read the process, and mail it with your documents and payment. AATA charges the same fee as AAA and is equally official, but the process takes longer.

Some travel agencies and international driving services advertise IDPs online, but these are usually AAA or AATA applications repackaged with a markup. Ordering directly from AAA or AATA is cheaper and just as fast.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP tells a foreign police officer or car rental company that your U.S. license is genuine and what your driving privileges are. It translates key information — your name, license number, class of license, and any restrictions — into languages that officials in other countries can read. Without it, a police officer in Europe or Asia may not recognize your U.S. license as valid, even though it is.

An IDP does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. If your U.S. license is restricted to daytime driving only, your IDP carries that same restriction. If you are not old enough to drive a motorcycle at home, an IDP will not let you rent one abroad. The permit is purely a translation tool — it does not change what you are allowed to drive or where.

An IDP also does not replace your U.S. license. You must carry both documents together. Driving with only an IDP and no U.S. license is the same as driving with no license at all in the eyes of foreign law enforcement. Some countries may also require your passport in addition to both documents, so check the specific rules for the country you plan to visit.

Countries that recognize U.S. licenses without an IDP

Some countries accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an International Driving Permit, particularly Canada, Mexico, and most of Western Europe. However, the rules vary by country and change periodically. A rental car company in one country might accept your U.S. license alone, while police in the same country might not.

The safest approach is to get an IDP before you travel, even if you think you might not need it. The permit costs $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes to obtain. If you do not need it, you have lost very little. If you do need it and do not have it, you could face a fine, be unable to rent a car, or have your vehicle impounded.

Before traveling, check the specific requirements for the country and any regions within it. Contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States, or visit the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page for that country. These sources will tell you whether an IDP is required, recommended, or optional.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If you renew your U.S. license before the IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid and you will need a new one. You cannot use an old IDP with a new license.

If you plan to drive internationally more than once a year, you may want to renew your IDP each time you renew your license, even if your current permit has not expired yet. This ensures you always have a valid translation document that matches your current license. Some travelers get a new IDP every time they take an international trip, just to be certain.

There is no grace period. Once your IDP expires, it is no longer valid, and you cannot drive legally in countries that require it. If you are traveling and realize your IDP has expired, you cannot renew it while abroad — you would need to return to the United States or contact AAA or AATA to arrange a replacement by mail.

IDP versus a foreign driver's license

An International Driving Permit is not the same as a foreign driver's license. An IDP is temporary, valid for one year, and issued by the United States. A foreign driver's license is issued by another country and is valid for as long as that country's rules allow — often several years. If you plan to live in another country or drive there regularly for an extended period, you will eventually need to get a license from that country, not just an IDP.

Some countries allow you to drive on a U.S. license and IDP for a limited time — often three to six months — before requiring you to convert to a local license. Others require a local license when ready. The rules depend entirely on the country and your immigration status there. An IDP buys you time as a visitor, but it is not a substitute for permanent residency or a local license.

If you are moving to another country, research that country's licensing requirements as soon as possible. You may be able to exchange your U.S. license for a local one, or you may need to take a written test and road test in that country's language. An IDP will not help with this process — it is only for temporary travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

Many European rental companies will rent to you with a valid U.S. license alone, but some require an IDP. The safest approach is to get one before you travel — it costs $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes. If your rental company does not require it, you have lost very little. If they do and you do not have it, you may be unable to complete the rental.

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

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is reinstated. The IDP is a translation of your license — it cannot cover gaps in your driving privileges.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid for driving in countries that require it. You cannot renew it while abroad. If you are traveling for more than a year, you will need to arrange a new IDP by mail through AATA before you leave, or plan to return to the United States to renew it in person at an AAA office.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by the United States and valid for one year. An international license is issued by another country and is valid for as long as that country allows. If you move to another country, you will eventually need a license from that country, not just an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

You cannot complete the entire process online, but you can read the process and mail it to AATA with your documents and payment. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. The fastest way is to visit an AAA office in person, where you can get your IDP the same day.