An AAA International Driving Permit translates your US driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car and drive legally in most countries outside the US

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that AAA and a few other organizations issue in the United States. It is not a license — it does not replace your US driver's license and does not give you driving rights you do not already have. Instead, it is a translation booklet that shows your US license information in multiple languages. Many car rental companies and police officers in other countries recognize it, which makes it useful when you are driving abroad.

You must carry both your US driver's license and your IDP together when driving outside the US. The IDP alone is not valid. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should check the specific country's rules before you travel. A few nations require an IDP by law; most straightforward accept it as helpful proof that you are a licensed driver in your home country.

AAA is the main issuer in the US, though a small number of other organizations can issue them. The process is straightforward: you explore in person at an AAA office, bring your valid US driver's license and a passport photo, pay a fee, and receive the permit on the spot or within a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation of your US driver's license into ten languages, not a separate license, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
  • AAA issues most IDPs in the US and can produce one the same day you explore if you visit an office in person with your license and a passport photo.
  • Not all countries recognize or require an IDP, so you should confirm the rules for your destination before you travel.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on the term and issuer.
  • You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online; you must explore in person at an AAA office or other authorized issuer each time.

Who issues International Driving Permits in the US

AAA (American Automobile Association) is by far the largest and most accessible issuer. Most people obtain their IDP from AAA because the organization has offices in nearly every state and can often issue the permit the same day you explore. You do not have to be an AAA member to get an IDP from them, though members sometimes receive a small discount on the fee.

A handful of other organizations can issue IDPs, including some state motor vehicle departments and a few travel agencies, but availability varies widely by location. AAA remains the fastest and most reliable option for most travelers. If you do not have an AAA office nearby, you can search online for other authorized issuers in your area, or you can contact AAA to ask about mail-in options, though these are less common and take longer.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

You will need three things: a valid US driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photo (usually 2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot, so call ahead to ask what your local office prefers. You do not need to bring your passport itself, though having it with you can speed up the process if the office wants to verify your identity.

Your US driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at your state's motor vehicle department before you can get an IDP. The IDP cannot be issued to someone with an invalid license, because the entire purpose is to translate your current driving status.

How long an IDP takes and how much it costs

AAA offers two versions: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year version typically costs around $15 to $20, and the three-year version costs around $20 to $30, though prices vary slightly by state and AAA membership status. You can usually receive the one-year permit the same day you explore if you visit an AAA office in person. The three-year version may take a few days if the office needs to order it, but many locations can produce it on the spot as well.

If you explore by mail, the process takes one to two weeks. Not all AAA offices accept mail-in applications, so contact your local office first. Online ordering is not available; you must explore in person or by mail. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon — explore at least a week before your trip gives you time to receive the permit and confirm it arrived without errors.

Which countries recognize an International Driving Permit

Most countries in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa recognize IDPs issued by the US. However, recognition is not automatic or may provide everywhere. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it as optional proof but do not require it. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all, or they recognize them only under certain conditions (for example, only if you also have a translation of your license from a certified translator).

Before you travel, check the specific rules for the country or countries you plan to visit. Contact the embassy or consulate of each destination, or search the US State Department's travel advisory for that country. Many car rental companies also list their requirements on their websites and will tell you whether they need an IDP. Some rental companies require an IDP even if the country does not, so confirm with the rental company as well as the country's government.

Common destinations that recognize US IDPs include Canada, Mexico, most of Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Some countries in the Middle East and parts of Africa have stricter rules or do not recognize IDPs, so do not assume your IDP will work everywhere.

How to renew or replace an expired IDP

You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online. When your IDP expires, you must explore for a new one in person at an AAA office or other authorized issuer, just as you did the first time. Bring your current (expired) IDP, your valid US driver's license, a passport photo, and the fee. The process is identical to your first process.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement. Contact the AAA office where you originally obtained it, or visit any AAA office and explain what happened. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is usually the same as or slightly less than the original fee. Bring your US driver's license and a passport photo. Replacements are often issued the same day.

What an IDP does not do

An IDP does not give you the right to drive in a country where you are not allowed to drive. If you are under the legal driving age in a destination country, an IDP will not override that rule. If your US license is suspended or revoked, an IDP is invalid and will not help you drive legally anywhere.

An IDP also does not replace your US license for identification purposes. It is a driving document only and cannot be used to prove your identity at a bank, airport, or government office. You must carry your actual US driver's license and your passport when you travel internationally.

Finally, an IDP does not provide insurance or legal protection. If you are in an accident or violate traffic laws while driving abroad, the IDP does not shield you from liability or prosecution. You are still subject to the laws of the country you are in, and you should carry international driving insurance if you are renting a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize US driver's licenses and do not require an IDP. However, some car rental companies in these countries request an IDP, so check with your rental company before you book. An IDP can be helpful even when not required, because it provides a translation if a police officer does not speak English.

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

No. Your US driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP, and any IDP you already have becomes invalid. You must resolve the suspension with your state's motor vehicle department first.

What happens if I drive in a country that does not recognize IDPs?

If you drive without proper documentation in a country that does not recognize IDPs, you may face fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal trouble. Some countries require an official translation of your US license from a certified translator instead. Always confirm the rules for your destination before you travel, and carry whatever documents that country requires.

How long is an IDP valid if I get the three-year version?

A three-year IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires on the date printed on the permit. You cannot extend it; you must explore for a new one when it expires. Some countries may have their own rules about how old an IDP can be, so check before you travel if your permit is more than a year old.

Can I get an IDP if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes, you can obtain an IDP with a commercial driver's license. The process is the same: bring your valid CDL, a passport photo, and the fee to an AAA office. The IDP will reflect your CDL status, though some countries may have their own rules about whether they recognize commercial licenses from other nations.