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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home 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 licenses printed in English or other non-local languages, even if the license itself is legitimate.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body. In the United States, two organizations are authorized to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both produce identical documents that are recognized worldwide. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country. Some nations accept a valid U.S. driver's license on its own, while others require the IDP, and a few require both plus additional documentation. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary — requirements vary by destination and sometimes by region within a country.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license.
  • Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA, depending on your location and preference.
  • An IDP is valid for either one or three years and costs between $15 and $30, depending on the duration and how you obtain it.
  • Not every country requires an IDP — some accept a U.S. license alone, so check your destination's requirements before purchasing one.

When you actually need an International Driving Permit

The IDP is most commonly required in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. Countries that are signatories to the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals recognize the IDP as a valid travel document. However, many countries that are not signatories also accept it as a courtesy.

Some destinations have strict rules: rental car companies in certain countries will refuse to rent to you without an IDP, even if local law does not technically require one. Others have no formal requirement but police may not accept an English-language license during a traffic stop. The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you leave if you plan to drive internationally, since it is inexpensive and takes only a few days to receive.

A few countries — including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — do not require an IDP and will not recognize one. Your U.S. license is sufficient in these places. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and most of Western Europe accept a U.S. license alone, though an IDP can still be useful as a backup if your license is damaged or lost during travel.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA

To obtain an IDP from AAA, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. You will need one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches) and your license. AAA does not require you to be a member, though members may receive a small discount on the fee.

You have three options for obtaining an IDP through AAA. The fastest is in-person at any AAA office — you can walk in, complete the process, and receive your permit the same day. The second option is by mail: you send your process, photo, license copy, and payment to AAA, and they return your IDP within five to seven business days. The third option is online through the AAA website, where you can order an IDP and pick it up at a local office or have it mailed to you.

The one-year IDP costs $20 in person or by mail, and the three-year IDP costs $30. Online ordering may have different pricing depending on your state. Processing times vary: in-person is when ready, mail takes five to seven business days, and online orders typically arrive within one to two weeks if you choose mail delivery.

Getting an International Driving Permit from AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer of IDPs in the United States. AATA does not have physical offices, so you must order by mail or online. The requirements are the same as AAA: you must be 18 or older with a valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo, and payment.

AATA's one-year permit costs $15 and the three-year permit costs $20, making it slightly cheaper than AAA. You can order online at the AATA website and pay by credit card. Mail orders take approximately two to three weeks to arrive. AATA is a good option if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer to order entirely online.

What to bring and how long it takes

For an in-person process at AAA, bring your valid driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment in cash or card. You will fill out a one-page process on the spot. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you leave with your IDP in hand.

For mail or online orders, you will need to submit a photocopy or image of your license, the same passport-style photo, a completed process form, and payment. If ordering by mail, send these to the address provided by AAA or AATA. If ordering online, you will upload the photo and license image through their website. Mail processing takes five to seven business days at AAA and two to three weeks at AATA. Online orders with mail delivery typically arrive within one to two weeks.

Your IDP will be valid for one or three years from the date of issue. Write the date you receive it in the space provided on the cover, as this marks the start of the validity period. The permit does not renew automatically — you must order a new one when it expires if you plan to drive internationally again.

What an International Driving Permit does and does not cover

An IDP translates the information on your license — your name, license number, date of birth, and driving privileges — into ten languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not add any new driving privileges or remove any restrictions. If your U.S. license restricts you to daytime driving or requires corrective lenses, those same restrictions appear on your IDP.

The IDP does not override traffic laws in any country. It straightforward makes your license readable to foreign police and rental agencies. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, the officer will still explore local traffic laws to you. The IDP also does not cover vehicle registration, insurance, or road taxes — you are responsible for those separately in each country you visit.

An IDP cannot be used as proof of identity for non-driving purposes, such as boarding a plane or entering a country. You must carry your passport for those situations. The IDP is a driving document only and works only when paired with your valid U.S. driver's license.

Replacing a lost or damaged International Driving Permit

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you can obtain a replacement through AAA or AATA by mail once you return home. There is no emergency replacement process available abroad. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive using your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may not accept it without the translation. Contact your country's embassy or consulate if you are unsure whether your license alone is sufficient.

To replace an IDP, follow the same process as obtaining a new one: submit your process, photo, and payment to AAA or AATA. There is no additional fee for a replacement — you pay the standard rate for a one-year or three-year permit. Processing times are the same as for a new IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many rental companies require an IDP, even in countries where it is not legally required. Check your rental agreement and contact the rental company before you travel. Having an IDP avoids disputes at the rental counter and is inexpensive insurance against being denied a vehicle.

Can I drive with just my U.S. license and no International Driving Permit?

In some countries, yes — Canada, Australia, and New Zealand accept a U.S. license alone. In others, such as many European nations, your license alone may be accepted but an IDP is recommended. A few countries require the IDP. Check your specific destination's requirements before you travel.

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

In-person at AAA takes 10 to 15 minutes and you receive it the same day. Mail orders through AAA take five to seven business days. AATA mail orders take two to three weeks. Online orders with mail delivery typically arrive within one to two weeks.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. license is valid. If your license expires during your trip, your IDP becomes invalid as well. Renew your license before you travel if it will expire during your time abroad.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your valid U.S. license. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries. The U.S. does not issue international licenses — only IDPs through AAA and AATA.