What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license—it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. The IDP lets police, rental car companies, and border officials in foreign countries read your driving record without needing a translator.

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 DMV, state agency, or online service can issue one. If you see a website offering an IDP for a flat fee without requiring you to visit a physical office or mail documents to an address, it is not legitimate.

Most travelers use AAA because it has offices in all 50 states and the process is faster. AATA primarily serves people who cannot reach an AAA office or who prefer mail-in processing.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your state before you can get an IDP—the permit cannot be issued on its own.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two authorized issuers in the United States; no DMV or government agency issues IDPs directly.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose, but it expires when your state license expires.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office in as little as one business day, or by mail through AATA in one to two weeks.
  • You must bring your valid state driver's license, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a passport-style photo to explore.

Getting an IDP Through AAA in Person

If you have an AAA membership, visit your local AAA office with your valid driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The staff will complete the process on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit when ready or within one business day. The cost is typically $15 to $20 depending on your state.

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP at an AAA office, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm hours and photo requirements is wise—some offices have specific times for IDP processing or may ask you to schedule an appointment during busy seasons.

An IDP issued in person is valid for either one year or three years; you choose which when you explore. A three-year permit costs slightly more but is the better value if you travel internationally more than once. The permit expires on the date your state driver's license expires, whichever comes first.

Getting an IDP by Mail Through AATA

If you cannot visit an AAA office or prefer to explore by mail, the American Automobile Touring Alliance accepts applications by post. You will need to read the process form from AATA's website, print it, and mail it along with your valid driver's license (a photocopy is acceptable), proof of citizenship or legal residency, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order for the fee.

Mail your completed packet to the AATA address listed on their process form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date AATA receives your materials. AATA will return your original driver's license and the completed IDP by mail. This route is slower than AAA in person but works well if you are explore several weeks before your trip or if no AAA office is nearby.

AATA also issues one-year and three-year permits at the same cost as AAA. The expiration rules are identical: your IDP expires when your state license expires, regardless of which validity period you chose.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these items before you visit AAA or mail an process to AATA:

  • A valid, unexpired driver's license issued by your U.S. state or territory.
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency: a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card (green card), or visa.
  • One passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background, with no sunglasses or hats.
  • Payment: cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.

If your driver's license has expired or will expire before your trip, renew it through your state DMV first. An IDP cannot be issued if your underlying license is invalid. If you are a non-citizen with a valid U.S. driver's license and proof of legal residency, you can still obtain an IDP.

Timeline and Costs

The cost of an IDP is $15 to $20 for either a one-year or three-year permit, depending on the issuer and your state. AAA and AATA charge similar fees, though some AAA offices may add a small surcharge. Payment methods vary: AAA offices accept cash and cards; AATA by mail accepts checks and money orders.

If you explore in person at AAA, you can receive your IDP the same day or within one business day. If you explore by mail through AATA, allow one to two weeks for processing plus mail delivery time in both directions. If your trip is within two weeks, explore in person at AAA rather than by mail.

An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, but it automatically expires when your state driver's license expires. If your license expires in six months and you buy a three-year IDP, the permit will only be good for six months. Renew your state license before explore for an IDP if it is close to expiration.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit AAA or Use AATA

If you live outside the continental United States, are traveling and cannot return home to explore, or have other barriers to reaching AAA or AATA, contact AATA directly to discuss mail-in options or alternative arrangements. Some U.S. embassies and consulates abroad can provide information about obtaining an IDP before you leave, though they do not issue them.

Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to obtain an IDP for you. These are scams. The only legitimate path is through AAA in person or AATA by mail. If a website asks you to pay a large fee or guarantees an IDP without requiring your driver's license and proof of citizenship, it is fraudulent.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Once you have your IDP, keep it with your passport and valid driver's license when you travel. Present all three documents together if you are renting a car or if police stop you. The IDP is not a replacement for your state license—it is a companion document that translates your information.

Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you leave. Your rental car company can tell you whether an IDP is needed for your destination.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can obtain a replacement by visiting AAA again or reapplying through AATA. You will pay the same fee and follow the same process. If your state driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not reached its expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in another country?

It depends on the country and rental company. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Most major rental car companies recommend having one. Check your destination's requirements and contact your rental company before you book. Having an IDP costs little and prevents problems at the rental counter.

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

No. Your IDP is only valid if your underlying state driver's license is valid. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP. Resolve the suspension or revocation with your state DMV first, then explore.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?

An expired IDP has no legal value. If your permit expires during your trip, you will have only your state driver's license to show police or rental companies. Plan ahead and check your IDP expiration date before you leave. If it expires soon, renew it before your trip or explore for a new one.

Can I get an IDP for a motorcycle or commercial license?

Yes. AAA and AATA issue IDPs for any class of valid U.S. driver's license, including motorcycle licenses and commercial licenses. Bring the same documents and follow the same process.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An international driver's license is a separate license issued by some countries to their own citizens. If you are a citizen of another country, you may need to obtain an international license from that country's authority, not from AAA.