AAA issues International Driving Permits, but they're not licenses — they're translation documents that work alongside your valid U.S. driver's license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA is a booklet that translates your name, address, and driving record into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your U.S. driver's license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued under the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic, which means it follows a standardized format that border officials and police recognize worldwide.

AAA is one of two organizations in the United States authorized to issue IDPs — the other is the American Automobile Association's affiliated offices. AAA has local branches in most states, and you can obtain an IDP in person at any AAA office that offers the service. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you walk out with the permit the same day.

The IDP costs between $15 and $20, depending on your state's AAA chapter. It is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your U.S. license expires before the year is up, your IDP becomes invalid even if the booklet itself is still within its one-year window.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and you must carry your valid U.S. driver's license with it at all times when driving abroad.
  • AAA issues IDPs in person at local offices, and the permit is ready the same day for a fee of $15 to $20.
  • The IDP is valid for one year or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever happens first.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it as optional but useful; a few do not recognize it, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.
  • An IDP does not change your insurance coverage or driving record and does not override local traffic laws in the country where you are driving.

What an IDP actually covers and what it doesn't

The IDP translates only your basic driving information: your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the classes of vehicles you are licensed to drive, and any restrictions on your U.S. license (such as corrective lenses required). It does not translate your driving history, violations, or insurance information. A police officer in another country can see that you hold a valid U.S. license, but they cannot see your record of speeding tickets or accidents.

The IDP does not change your insurance coverage. Your U.S. auto insurance policy may or may not cover you when you drive abroad, and that depends entirely on your policy and your insurer — not on whether you carry an IDP. Before you travel, contact your insurance company to ask whether your coverage extends to the country where you will be driving, and for how long. Some policies cover you for a few weeks; others do not cover you outside the United States at all. An IDP cannot override those limits.

The IDP also does not override local traffic laws or vehicle requirements. If the country you are visiting requires a different type of license, an emissions test, or a vehicle registration document, the IDP does not substitute for those. It is a translation aid, not a universal pass.

How to get an IDP from AAA

To obtain an IDP from AAA, you need to visit a local AAA office in person. You cannot order one online or by mail. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and the IDP process form. AAA provides the form at the office, or you can read it from the AAA website before you go. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and the classes of vehicles you drive.

The fee is typically $15 to $20, though some state chapters charge slightly different amounts. Payment is usually cash or card. The permit is printed and issued on the spot, so you leave with it the same day. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP. AAA does not require membership to issue one, though some local offices may offer a small discount to members. Call your nearest AAA office to confirm whether they issue IDPs and whether they have any membership-related pricing.

Which countries require an IDP and which don't

Requirements vary widely. Some countries — including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy — legally require an IDP if you are driving a rental car or your own vehicle. Other countries, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, do not require an IDP but accept it as a helpful document if you are stopped by police. A third group of countries does not recognize the IDP at all, though this is rare among popular tourist destinations.

The safest approach is to check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you book your trip. The U.S. State Department website lists driving requirements by country, and most national tourism boards provide this information as well. If an IDP is required and you do not have one, you may be fined or refused permission to drive.

Even if an IDP is not required, carrying one is often a good idea. It reduces confusion at a traffic stop and can speed up the process if a police officer does not speak English. It also serves as a backup form of identification if your passport is lost or stolen.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. This means if your U.S. license expires in six months, your IDP will also expire in six months, even though the IDP booklet itself might not expire for another year.

To renew an IDP, you follow the same process: visit an AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a new passport-style photo, and the process form. You pay the fee again and receive a new permit on the same day. If your U.S. license is expiring soon, it is often worth renewing your license first, then obtaining a new IDP, so that both documents expire at the same time.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad. You can only obtain a new one from an AAA office in the United States. If you lose it before your trip, visit an AAA office as soon as you can and request a replacement. There is usually no additional fee beyond the standard IDP cost.

IDP vs. other documents you might need for international driving

An IDP is not the same as an international license or a foreign driver's license. Some countries issue their own "international" licenses that are valid in multiple countries, but these are issued by that country's licensing authority, not by AAA or any U.S. organization. If you plan to move abroad or work as a driver in another country, you may need to obtain a license from that country's transportation department.

You may also need other documents depending on where you are driving. A vehicle registration document (often called a "registration certificate" or "logbook") proves you own or have permission to drive the car. A proof of insurance document shows that the vehicle is insured in that country. Some countries require a Green Card, which is an international insurance certificate, not a U.S. immigration document. An IDP does none of these things — it only translates your driving information.

If you are renting a car abroad, the rental company will provide the registration and insurance documents. You are responsible for bringing your U.S. driver's license and IDP. If you are driving your own car across a border, check the requirements for each country you will enter, because they vary significantly.

What happens if you drive without an IDP when one is required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be fined. The amount varies by country and by the local officer's discretion. In some places, the fine is small; in others, it can be substantial. You might also be prohibited from continuing to drive until you obtain one, which is impossible if you are already in the country.

In rare cases, driving without a required IDP can result in your vehicle being impounded or your U.S. license being flagged by your home state's licensing authority. More commonly, you will straightforward receive a citation and be required to pay a fine. The best protection is to obtain an IDP before you leave the United States if there is any chance you will need one.

If you are unsure whether a country requires an IDP, it is better to have one than not to have one. The cost is low, the process is quick, and it eliminates the risk of being stopped and fined for a missing document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I'm only driving in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP, though it accepts one. Mexico does not require an IDP for most tourists, but some rental car companies ask for one anyway. Check with your rental company and the specific state or province where you will be driving. If you are unsure, obtaining one is inexpensive and takes one visit to an AAA office.

Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally in the United States or abroad, and AAA will not issue an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it first at your state's DMV, then visit AAA to obtain the IDP.

What if I'm an international student or temporary resident with a foreign license?

If you hold a valid driver's license from another country, you can drive in the United States with that license for a limited time, depending on your visa status and state law. An IDP from AAA is designed for U.S. license holders. If you hold a foreign license, check your state's DMV website for rules about driving with a foreign license, or consider obtaining a U.S. license if you plan to stay longer.

Does an IDP help if I get into an accident abroad?

An IDP proves you were licensed to drive, which can help with police reports and insurance claims. However, it does not change your liability or your insurance coverage. Your U.S. auto insurance policy determines what is covered. Contact your insurer before you travel to understand what happens if you have an accident abroad, and whether you need additional coverage.

How do I know if my IDP is still valid?

Check the expiration date printed on the front of your IDP booklet. Remember that your IDP expires when your U.S. driver's license expires, even if the IDP booklet itself shows a later date. If either document is expired, you should not drive. Renew your U.S. license first, then obtain a new IDP.