What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your actual license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your license is valid, because they can read what it says.

You get an IDP from an authorized issuer in your home country, not from the country you are visiting. If you hold a US driver's license, you get your IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). If you hold a Canadian license, you get it from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.

An IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which type you request. It does not extend the validity of your actual driver's license — when your home license expires, your IDP expires too, even if it was issued more recently.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by an authorized organization in your home country, such as AAA in the United States or CAA in Canada, not by the country where you plan to drive.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your valid home country driver's license at all times; the IDP alone is not sufficient.
  • The process requires your current driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form, all submitted in person or by mail to the issuing organization.
  • Processing takes three to ten business days for in-person applications and one to two weeks for mail applications, though expedited options may be available for an additional fee.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $30 depending on the issuing organization and whether you choose the one-year or three-year version.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you contact the issuing organization. You will need your current, valid driver's license from your home country — it cannot be expired or suspended. You will also need a passport or government-issued photo ID to prove your identity, and one passport-style photograph, usually 2 by 2 inches.

The photograph must meet specific rules: a plain background (usually white or off-white), your face taking up most of the frame, both eyes open and looking at the camera, and no sunglasses or hats. Some issuing organizations accept digital photos you print yourself; others require photos from a professional photographer. Check the organization's website before you have photos taken.

You will also need to complete an process form, which the issuing organization provides. In the United States, AAA and AATA both have forms available on their websites. In Canada, CAA has forms on its provincial chapter websites. You can usually read and print the form, or pick one up in person at an office.

how the process works in Person at an AAA or CAA Office

If you are in the United States, find your nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com and using the office locator. If you are in Canada, find your provincial CAA chapter on the CAA website. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and that they have IDP applications in stock — some smaller offices do not issue them.

Bring your driver's license, passport or government ID, the completed process form, and your passport-style photograph. The staff member will review your documents, take payment (usually $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $20 to $30 for a three-year permit), and process your process on the spot. You will receive your IDP when ready or within a few days, depending on whether the office prints it there or sends it to a central location.

In-person applications are the fastest option. You walk out with your IDP the same day in many cases, or you receive it by mail within three to ten business days if the office needs to send it elsewhere for printing.

how the process works by Mail

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your process to AAA or CAA. read the process form from the organization's website, fill it out completely, and gather your documents: your driver's license (a photocopy is usually acceptable), a photocopy of your passport or government ID, and your passport-style photograph.

Include a check or money order for the fee — do not send cash. Write your name and phone number on the check. Place everything in an envelope and mail it to the address listed on the process form. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Mail applications take one to two weeks to process after the organization receives them, plus the time for mail to travel both ways. If you need your IDP quickly, ask whether the organization offers expedited processing for an additional fee — some do, and it can cut the timeline in half.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

The issuing organization will review your process to make sure all documents are present and correct. If something is missing or wrong — for example, your photo does not meet the requirements or your process form is incomplete — they will contact you and ask you to resubmit. This can add several days to the process.

Once your process is approved, your IDP is printed and mailed to the address you provided. You will receive it in a standard envelope, usually within one to two weeks of approval. Some organizations send a confirmation email or postcard when your IDP ships.

When your IDP arrives, check it when ready. Verify that your name, license number, and date of birth are correct. If there is an error, contact the issuing organization right away — they can issue a corrected version, though this may take additional time.

How Long Your IDP Is Valid and What to Do When It Expires

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date it is issued, depending on which version you requested when you applied. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. Your IDP is only valid if your home country driver's license is also valid — if your license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid on the same date your license expires.

If you plan to drive internationally more than once, the three-year IDP is usually better value than buying a one-year permit twice. However, if your driver's license will expire within three years, a one-year IDP may be the better choice, because you will need to renew your license anyway.

When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one. Start the process process at least two weeks before your trip if your current IDP is expiring soon, to allow time for processing and delivery.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP or Need a Replacement

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the issuing organization and request a replacement. You will need to provide proof of your original process — usually your driver's license and a new process form. Some organizations charge a replacement fee, typically $5 to $10, though a few issue replacements at no charge.

Replacement IDPs usually take the same amount of time as a new process: three to ten business days for in-person requests, or one to two weeks for mail requests. If you are leaving for your trip soon, visit an office in person to speed up the process.

If your IDP was stolen, consider reporting it to the police and keeping a copy of the report. This protects you if someone tries to use your IDP fraudulently, though this is rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most car rental companies in Europe, Asia, and other regions require an IDP along with your home country license. Some rental companies will rent to you with only your home license, but they may charge extra or refuse certain vehicle types. It is safer to have an IDP before you book, because requirements vary by company and by country.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my home country license?

No. You must carry both documents together. The IDP is a translation and does not replace your actual license. Police and rental companies will ask to see both. If you lose your home license, your IDP becomes useless.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

A one-year IDP costs between $15 and $20 in most cases. A three-year IDP costs between $20 and $30. Fees vary slightly by organization and location. Expedited processing, if available, usually adds $5 to $10 to the cost.

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

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your home license expires, even if you are in another country. Before you travel, make sure your home license will not expire during your trip. If it will, renew it before you leave.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to get an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.