What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

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 legitimate, because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their borders, even if they are valid at home.

You get an IDP from an authorized issuing organization in your home country, not from an international body. In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from a government office, and you cannot get one online — you must explore in person.

An IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It expires on a fixed date, not on the anniversary of when you received it. Many countries require your IDP to be valid for the entire duration of your stay, so check the rules for each country you plan to visit before you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state before you can get an IDP.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person at one of their offices.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain on the day you explore.
  • You must carry your IDP and your original driver's license together at all times when driving in another country.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so research the specific requirements for each destination before you travel.

What You Need Before You Go to AAA or AATA

Gather these items before you visit an AAA or AATA office. You will need your valid, unexpired driver's license — the one issued by your home state. The license must be in your name and must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you explore for an IDP.

Bring a form of identification that matches the name on your driver's license. A passport works, as does a state ID card. You will also need to bring a completed process form, which AAA and AATA both provide at their offices or on their websites. Some offices let you fill it out on arrival, but calling ahead to confirm saves time.

Have a recent passport-style photo ready if the office requires one. Not all locations ask for a photo, so check with your local AAA or AATA branch before you go. You will also need to pay the fee in cash or card — bring both if you are unsure what the office accepts.

How to Find an AAA or AATA Office Near You

AAA has local clubs in most states, and each club has physical offices where you can explore for an IDP. Visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest branch. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you addresses, hours, and phone numbers. Call ahead to confirm that the office issues IDPs and to ask about wait times, especially if you are visiting during a busy season.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA, and they are concentrated in certain regions. You can find AATA offices through their website or by calling their main number. If neither organization has an office within reasonable distance of you, some AAA offices can mail you an IDP process kit, though this takes longer than explore in person.

Many AAA offices are open on weekends, which can be convenient if you work during the week. Hours vary by location, so check before you make the trip. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment — asking when you call prevents a wasted visit.

The process Process at the Office

When you arrive at the AAA or AATA office, you will fill out an process form if you have not already done so. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the countries you plan to visit. Be accurate — errors on the form can delay your IDP or make it invalid in certain countries.

Hand the completed form, your driver's license, and your identification to the staff member. They will verify that your license is valid and that your identification matches the name on the process. This verification usually takes a few minutes. You will then choose whether you want a one-year or three-year IDP. A three-year permit costs more but is useful if you travel internationally more than once during that period.

Pay the fee, and the staff will issue your IDP on the spot. The entire process typically takes 15 minutes or less. You will receive your IDP as a booklet that you must keep with your driver's license whenever you drive in another country. Do not separate them — border officials and police expect to see both documents together.

Countries That Recognize IDPs and Those That Do Not

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize IDPs. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and many countries in Asia and South America. However, some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, and a few require additional documents even if they do accept them.

China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries do not recognize U.S. IDPs. If you plan to drive in these countries, you will need to obtain an official translation of your driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or hire a certified translator. Some countries, like Japan and South Korea, accept IDPs but also require an International Driving Permit issued by their own motor vehicle authority — check with the embassy of each country you plan to visit.

Even in countries that recognize IDPs, rental car companies sometimes have their own rules. Some require an IDP plus a credit card in your name, while others ask for an IDP plus a passport. Call the rental company before you book to confirm what documents they need. This prevents surprises when you arrive at the rental counter.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

A one-year IDP expires exactly one year from the date of issue, regardless of when you use it. A three-year IDP expires three years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the cover of the booklet. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid, so plan your travel dates around the expiration date.

If you need an IDP for a trip that falls after your current IDP expires, you must get a new one before you travel. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one at an AAA or AATA office. This means if you travel frequently, a three-year IDP may be more convenient and cost-effective than buying a new one-year permit each time.

Keep your IDP in a safe place during your travels. If it is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement from AAA or AATA, but this takes time and may not be possible while you are abroad. Some travelers keep a photocopy of the IDP in a separate location as backup, though a photocopy is not a legal substitute for the original.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP in a Country That Requires One

Driving without an IDP in a country that requires one can result in a fine, confiscation of your vehicle, or both. Police may also refuse to recognize your U.S. driver's license as valid identification. In some countries, driving without proper documentation can lead to arrest or detention, especially if you are involved in an accident.

Rental car companies may also refuse to let you drive their vehicle if you do not have an IDP, even if the country technically does not require one. Insurance may not cover accidents if you were driving without the required documents. The cost of an IDP is small compared to the potential fines, legal fees, or loss of a rental deposit.

If you are unsure whether a specific country requires an IDP, contact the country's embassy or consulate before you travel. They can tell you exactly what documents you need to drive legally. This takes a few minutes and prevents costly mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must resolve that with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car, not driving across borders?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Many countries require an IDP for any driving, even within the country. Some rental companies will not rent to you without one. Check the rental company's website and the country's driving rules before you book.

How much does an IDP cost?

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 at AAA or AATA, depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. There are no additional fees or hidden charges. Some AAA offices may charge slightly different amounts, so call ahead to confirm the exact price.

Can I explore for an IDP online or by mail?

You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. Some offices offer mail-in kits, but you still need to visit in person to have your process processed and receive your IDP. Online applications are not available.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA to request a replacement, though this may take time and may not be possible while you are abroad. Some travelers photocopy their IDP and keep the copy in a separate location, though a photocopy is not a legal substitute. If you lose it, you may not be able to drive legally until you return home and get a new one.