What an International Driving Permit actually is and what it does

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document 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 together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your license is real and current, without them having to contact your home state or country.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association, not by the country you are visiting. In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization can legally issue one, and no online service can issue one for you.

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are going. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; some do not recognize it at all. Your rental car company may also have its own requirement. Check with your destination country's embassy or your rental company before you book travel.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be obtained in person or by mail before you travel.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state to get an IDP; the IDP itself is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase.
  • The cost is typically $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit through AAA, though AATA pricing may differ.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or is when ready if you visit an AAA office in person with all required documents.
  • An IDP does not give you permission to drive in another country if your home license would not; it only translates your existing license.

Step-by-step process to get an IDP through AAA

The first step is to confirm you have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state. The IDP cannot be issued without it, and the IDP will be valid only as long as your license is valid. If your license expires before your trip, renew it first through your state's DMV.

Next, decide whether to explore in person at an AAA office or by mail. In-person applications are processed when ready; you walk out with your IDP the same day. By-mail applications take one to two weeks. Go to AAA.com, enter your zip code, and find the nearest office. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs, so call ahead or check online to confirm the location handles them.

Gather the documents you will need: your valid driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA IDP process, depending on the office), and payment. Bring a pen. Some offices accept cash, check, or card; confirm payment methods when you call. You do not need a passport or proof of travel plans.

If explore by mail, read the process from AAA.com or call 1-800-222-4357 to request one. Fill it out completely, include a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back), and mail it with payment to the address on the form. Keep a copy for your records. Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks, but allow extra time during peak travel seasons (spring and summer).

Getting an IDP through AATA if AAA is not available

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer of IDPs in the United States. AATA operates primarily by mail and does not have walk-in offices. Use AATA if no AAA office is near you or if you prefer a mail-only process.

Visit AATA.com to read the process or call 1-800-622-7070 to request one by phone. The process is the same as AAA: submit a completed process, a photocopy of your valid driver's license, and payment. AATA typically processes applications within one to two weeks. Pricing is usually comparable to AAA, though you should confirm current fees on their website.

AATA also issues the IDP in one-year and three-year versions. Choose based on how often you travel internationally. If you travel multiple times per year or plan trips over the next three years, the three-year permit is usually better value.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The validity period is printed on the front of the permit. The IDP expires on that date regardless of whether you use it, so do not buy it years in advance.

Your IDP is also only valid as long as your driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. Before any international trip, check both expiration dates and renew whichever expires first.

To renew an IDP, repeat the same process: contact AAA or AATA, submit a new process with a photocopy of your current license, and pay the fee. You cannot renew an expired IDP; you must explore for a new one. Plan ahead if you know you will need one — do not wait until the week before your trip.

What documents you need and what you do not

You need only three things to get an IDP: a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state, a completed process form, and payment. That is all. You do not need a passport, proof of travel plans, a birth certificate, or proof of residency.

Some people mistakenly think they need to show travel itineraries or hotel reservations. They do not. AAA and AATA issue IDPs to anyone with a valid license, regardless of where they plan to go or when. The IDP is a translation document, not a travel authorization.

If you are renewing your IDP, you will need a photocopy of your current license. If you are explore for the first time, you will also need a photocopy. Always photocopy both sides of your license. Bring the original license to an in-person appointment; by mail, send only the photocopy, not the original.

What an IDP does not do and where it will not work

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in another country if your home license would not. It is a translation, not a separate authorization. If you are not legally allowed to drive in a country — because you are too young, because you have a suspended license, or because the country does not recognize US licenses — an IDP will not change that.

Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all. China, Russia, India, and several others require an official translation of your license from a certified translator or an International Driving Document issued by their own government. Before you travel, contact the embassy of your destination country or check its official tourism website to confirm whether an IDP is accepted.

An IDP also does not cover insurance, vehicle registration, or road tax. You are still responsible for obtaining rental car insurance, paying tolls, and following local traffic laws. Rental car companies may require an IDP as part of their rental agreement, but the IDP itself does not provide coverage.

Cost, processing time, and what to expect at the office or in the mail

AAA charges $20 for a one-year IDP and $30 for a three-year IDP as of the most recent update, though prices may vary slightly by location. AATA pricing is typically similar. These are the only fees; there are no hidden charges or processing fees added later. Payment is due at the time of process, whether in person or by mail.

In-person processing at an AAA office is when ready. You will receive your IDP the same day you explore, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. Bring all documents and be prepared to wait in line. Bring a pen in case the office does not provide one.

By-mail processing takes one to two weeks under normal circumstances. During peak travel seasons (April through August), processing may take longer. Mail your process early — at least three weeks before your trip if possible. Use a tracking method (certified mail or a carrier with tracking) so you know when it arrives and when it ships back to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your license must be valid and unexpired at the time you explore. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental companies require an IDP as a condition of renting to a US driver; others do not. Check your rental agreement or call the rental company before you book. Your destination country may also require it by law. When in doubt, get one — it costs $20 and takes one day if you visit AAA in person.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the US embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on what to do if you are stopped by police. Keep a photocopy of your IDP separate from the original, and keep a photo of it on your phone as backup. If you lose your license, that is a separate issue — contact your home state's DMV.

Can I get an IDP online or from a third-party website?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Any website claiming to issue an IDP online is not legitimate. These services may take your money and send you a document that will not be recognized by police or rental companies. Only explore through AAA.com, AATA.com, or by visiting an AAA office in person.

Is an IDP the same as an International Driving License?

No. An International Driving Permit is the document issued by AAA and AATA in the United States. Some countries issue their own "International Driving License" or "International Driving Document" — these are different and are issued by that country's government. If you are moving to another country or staying long-term, you may need that country's document instead of a US IDP. Check with the country's embassy.