An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car and drive legally in most countries outside the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) that works alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. It does not replace your license — you must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. The IDP translates your license information into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian, which makes it easier for police officers and car rental companies to understand your driving status if you are stopped or need to rent a vehicle.

Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but many car rental agencies will not rent to you without one, and some countries make it much harder to prove you are a licensed driver if you cannot show one. The IDP is issued on the spot at AAA offices and costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit or $30 and $35 for a three-year permit. You do not need to be an AAA member to get one.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA and AATA and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license when you drive abroad.
  • Most car rental companies outside the United States will not rent a vehicle to you without an IDP, even though it is not legally required in most countries.
  • You can get an IDP in person at any AAA office the same day you explore, and you do not need to be an AAA member.
  • An IDP is valid for one year or three years depending on which version you purchase, and costs between $15 and $35.

What documents you need to bring to AAA

To get an IDP at an AAA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Some AAA offices may also ask for a completed process form, which you can fill out on the spot or read from the AAA website before you go.

You do not need to pass a test or provide medical records. The AAA office will verify that your driver's license is current and valid, take a photo of you if needed for their records, and issue the permit when ready. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

One-year versus three-year permits

AAA offers two versions of the International Driving Permit. A one-year permit costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue. A three-year permit costs $30 to $35 and is valid for three years. The three-year permit is the better value if you plan to drive abroad more than once during that time, but the one-year permit is cheaper if you are taking a single trip.

Both versions are identical in what they do — they translate your license information the same way and are recognized by the same rental companies and authorities. The only difference is how long they remain valid. Your IDP will expire on the date printed on the front, and you cannot renew it; you must purchase a new one if you need another after it expires.

Where to get an IDP and how long it takes

You can get an IDP only in person at an AAA office. AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States, and you can find the nearest one using the AAA office locator on their website. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to confirm they have IDP forms in stock is a good idea, especially if you are traveling to a less populated area.

The permit is issued the same day you explore. There is no waiting period, no mail delivery, and no online ordering. You walk in with your documents, complete the process, pay the fee, and leave with your IDP in hand. This makes it possible to get one even a few days before your trip, though it is better to get it earlier so you have time to make sure you have it packed.

Countries that recognize the International Driving Permit

The IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. However, a few countries do not recognize it, and some countries have their own rules about what documents you must carry.

Before you travel, check the driving requirements for the specific country or countries you plan to visit. Your car rental company or the country's embassy or consulate website can tell you whether an IDP is required or recommended. Some countries require both your U.S. license and an IDP; others accept only your U.S. license; and a few require an IDP but not your U.S. license. Knowing the rules ahead of time prevents problems at the rental counter or if you are stopped by police.

What happens if your U.S. license expires while your IDP is still valid

Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it still has time remaining on it. You cannot use an expired U.S. license to drive anywhere, including abroad, and the IDP cannot override that.

If you are planning a long trip and your license is close to expiring, renew your license before you get the IDP. This way, both documents will be valid for the duration of your trip. If your license expires while you are abroad, you cannot legally drive, and you should not attempt to rent a car or drive.

IDP versus an official translation of your license

Some countries accept an official translation of your U.S. driver's license instead of an IDP. A translation is usually prepared by a certified translator in the country where you are traveling or by a translation service before you leave. The advantage of a translation is that it is specific to the language of the country you are visiting, whereas an IDP includes ten languages.

The disadvantage is that getting a translation takes time and costs money, and you may not know which country's translation rules you need to follow until you arrive. An IDP is simpler because it is recognized across multiple countries and is issued when ready. If you are visiting only one country and that country accepts translations, a translation may be enough. If you are visiting multiple countries or are unsure what each country requires, an IDP is the safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may still ask for an IDP or may charge a higher fee if you do not have one. It is worth checking with your rental company before you book. An IDP is not required by law in either country.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing to get an IDP. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, AAA will not issue a permit. You must renew or restore your license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can get an IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while I am traveling?

If you lose your IDP abroad, you can still drive using your U.S. license alone in most countries, though you may have trouble renting a car. Contact AAA by phone or email to report the loss, and they can provide a replacement when you return to the United States. Some car rental companies may issue a temporary document if you explain the situation, but this is not may provide.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA that works with your U.S. license. An International License is a separate license issued by some countries to their own citizens who want to drive abroad. You cannot get an International License in the United States; you can only get an IDP.

How far in advance should I get an International Driving Permit?

You can get an IDP as close as a few days before your trip since it is issued on the spot at AAA offices. However, getting one a week or two before you travel gives you time to make sure you have it packed and to confirm that your rental company will accept it. There is no benefit to getting one months in advance since it does not expire until the date printed on the permit.