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

An AAA International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your U.S. license, extend your driving privileges, or allow you to drive in countries where you are not legally permitted. You must carry both documents together — your U.S. license and the IDP — and the IDP is only useful in countries that recognize it.

The permit exists because some countries require proof that your U.S. license is legitimate and current. A police officer in another country may not be able to read English or verify that your license is real. The IDP serves as a companion document that confirms your license status in their language.

AAA issues these permits in the United States, but the IDP itself is governed by an international treaty called the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic. About 150 countries recognize it, but not all do — and recognition does not mean you are automatically allowed to drive there. You still need to meet that country's age requirements, insurance rules, and visa conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • An AAA International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages, not a separate license or permit.
  • You must carry your valid U.S. driver's license and the IDP together; neither document works alone.
  • The IDP is recognized by about 150 countries, but you should check the specific country's requirements before you travel.
  • AAA charges a fee to issue the permit, and it is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • You cannot obtain an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked.

Who can get an AAA International Driving Permit

To get an IDP from AAA, you must hold a valid, current U.S. driver's license. Your license cannot be expired, suspended, revoked, or restricted in a way that prevents you from driving. If your license is valid and you are at least 18 years old, you can request one.

You do not need to be an AAA member to purchase an IDP, though AAA members sometimes receive a small discount. Non-members pay the same base fee as members but may not receive the member rate. Check with your local AAA office or their website for current pricing and any membership discounts available in your state.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you can still get an IDP, but it will translate only the non-commercial portions of your license. Some countries have separate rules for commercial driving, so confirm with your destination country whether an IDP based on a CDL meets their requirements.

How to get an IDP from AAA

Visit your local AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or other government-issued photo ID. Bring a completed process form — AAA provides this at the office or online. You will also need a passport-style photo (2x2 inches) if you are requesting a three-year permit; the one-year permit does not require a photo.

Tell the AAA representative whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. The one-year version costs less but expires sooner. The three-year version costs more but lasts longer and requires a photo. AAA will issue the permit on the spot or within a few days, depending on your location.

Some AAA offices allow you to request an IDP by mail, but you will need to send your original license and a completed process. This process takes longer and carries the risk of your license being lost in transit, so most people prefer to explore in person. Call your local AAA office to ask whether mail applications are available in your area.

What information the IDP contains

The IDP booklet includes your name, date of birth, license number, and the date your U.S. license was issued and expires. It also lists the vehicle classes you are licensed to drive — for example, passenger cars, motorcycles, or commercial vehicles. The permit translates this information into Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish.

The IDP does not include your address, medical restrictions, or endorsements (such as air brake certification on a CDL). If a foreign police officer needs to verify restrictions or special conditions, they will need to examine your actual U.S. license, which is why you must carry both documents together.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

An AAA International Driving Permit is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchased. It expires on a specific date printed in the booklet. The permit is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is also valid — if your U.S. license expires or is suspended, the IDP becomes invalid even if the expiration date on the permit has not passed.

If you are planning another international trip after your IDP expires, you will need to purchase a new one. AAA does not renew permits; you must explore for a fresh IDP each time. If your U.S. license is renewed, your old IDP is no longer valid, and you will need a new IDP based on your new license.

Countries that recognize AAA International Driving Permits

About 150 countries and territories recognize the IDP under the 1926 Convention, including most of Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. However, recognition varies by region and changes over time. Some countries recognize the IDP but have additional requirements — for example, they may require an International Driving Permit and a certified translation of your license, or they may require you to register your vehicle with local authorities.

A few countries do not recognize the IDP at all, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In these places, your U.S. license alone may be sufficient, or you may need to obtain a separate permit or license from that country. Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country to confirm what documents they require.

Even in countries that recognize the IDP, the permit does not override local driving laws, age restrictions, or insurance requirements. You are still subject to that country's traffic rules, speed limits, and vehicle safety standards. The IDP is a translation tool, not a license to drive under different rules.

What the IDP does not do

The IDP does not extend your driving privileges, allow you to drive in countries where you are not legally permitted, or override visa or residency requirements. It does not give you permission to work as a driver in another country or to drive a commercial vehicle internationally. If you plan to work as a driver abroad, you will need to meet that country's employment and licensing laws separately.

The IDP also does not cover vehicle registration, insurance, or customs documentation. You are responsible for obtaining international vehicle insurance, registering your vehicle in the country where you are driving, and carrying any required customs paperwork. Some countries require an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration (also called a carnet de passage) for temporary vehicle import; the IDP does not replace this document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car abroad?

Many car rental companies in Europe and other regions request an IDP along with your U.S. license, even though it is not always legally required. Having one can make the rental process smoother and may help if you are stopped by police. Check with your rental company before you travel to see whether they require one.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current at the time you request the IDP. If your license has expired, you must renew it with your state's DMV before you can get an International Driving Permit from AAA.

What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide documentation confirming that you hold a valid U.S. license. In most cases, your U.S. license alone is sufficient to drive legally, and the IDP is a convenience rather than a requirement.

Is an AAA International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA. An International License is a separate license issued by some countries to their residents who plan to drive abroad. The IDP is what U.S. citizens use; you cannot get an "International License" from the United States.

How much does an AAA International Driving Permit cost?

Pricing varies by location and membership status. AAA members typically pay less than non-members, and the one-year permit costs less than the three-year version. Contact your local AAA office or visit their website for current fees in your state.