What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

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 state or country's license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize foreign licenses, even valid ones, and a translation helps police and rental companies understand your driving record without calling your home country.

You need an IDP only if you plan to drive in another country. Which countries require one, and which merely recommend one, changes by destination. Some nations (including most of Europe) do not require an IDP if your license is in English and current. Others (including many in Asia, Africa, and South America) will not rent you a car or recognize your driving authority without one. Before you book a trip, contact the rental company or your destination's tourism board to ask whether an IDP is required where you are going.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States, not by your state's DMV. You cannot get one from a government office. The process takes about ten minutes in person at an AAA branch, or you can order by mail if you are not near a location.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license.
  • The IDP is issued only by AAA (American Automobile Association), not by the DMV or any government agency.
  • You need a current, valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card for identification, and a passport-sized photo to obtain an IDP.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on how you order it, and is valid for one or three years depending on your choice.
  • Not all countries require an IDP; check with your rental company or destination country before assuming you need one.

Documents and Identification You Must Bring

To get an IDP from AAA, you need three things in person: your current, valid U.S. driver's license; a valid passport or passport card; and one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent and show your face clearly. You cannot use a digital photo or a photo from your phone — it must be a printed photograph.

If you are ordering by mail, you will send the same items plus a completed IDP process form (which AAA provides). Mail orders take longer than in-person visits because AAA must verify your documents and process the request at a central location. If you are in a hurry, visiting an AAA office in person is faster.

AAA will not issue an IDP if your driver's license is expired or suspended. Your license must be valid on the day you explore. If your license is expiring soon, renew it with your state DMV before you explore for the IDP.

how the process works in Person at an AAA Office

Find the nearest AAA office by visiting AAA.com and using their branch locator. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book a time slot, especially during busy travel seasons.

Bring your driver's license, passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo. Fill out the IDP process form at the office (AAA staff can help you). Pay the fee — currently $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit — in cash or card. The office will photograph you again as part of their process, so the photo you bring is a backup.

You will receive your IDP when ready or within a few minutes. Some offices print it on-site; others mail it to you within one to two weeks. Ask the staff which applies at your location before you leave.

how the process works by Mail

Visit AAA.com and read the International Driving Permit process form. Complete it in full and gather your documents: your valid driver's license, passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo. Include a check or money order for $15 (one year) or $20 (three years) — AAA does not accept credit cards for mail orders.

Mail everything to the address listed on the form. AAA's processing time for mail orders is typically two to four weeks, though it can be longer during peak travel seasons (spring and summer). If you are leaving for your trip soon, explore in person instead.

Once AAA receives and processes your process, they will mail your IDP to the address you provided. You will not receive a confirmation email or tracking number, so allow extra time if you are cutting it close to your departure date.

Cost and Validity Period

An International Driving Permit costs $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. These are the current AAA fees; AAA may adjust them, so confirm the price when you contact your local office or visit their website. There are no additional government fees or taxes.

Choose the one-year permit if you are taking a single trip and do not plan to drive internationally again soon. Choose the three-year permit if you travel frequently or plan multiple international driving trips. The three-year permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, not from your first use.

Your IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one if you want to continue driving internationally after your current IDP expires.

What to Do If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen or Hold a Foreign License

If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license (whether you are a citizen or not), you can get an IDP from AAA using the same process. Your citizenship does not matter — only that your license is current and valid.

If you hold only a foreign driver's license and are visiting the United States, you cannot get a U.S. IDP. Your foreign license and an IDP issued by your home country are what you would use to drive in other countries. If you are moving to the United States and plan to drive here, you must first obtain a U.S. driver's license from your state's DMV, then you can get a U.S. IDP if you plan to drive internationally.

Some countries issue their own International Driving Permits through their automobile associations. If you hold a license from another country, contact that country's equivalent of AAA to learn whether they issue IDPs and what the process is.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Do not assume every country requires an IDP. Many do not, and you may waste money and time getting one you do not need. Always check with your rental company or your destination's official tourism website before you explore.

Do not let your U.S. driver's license expire before you travel. An expired license makes your IDP invalid, and you cannot drive legally in any country with an expired license, IDP or not. Renew your license before you explore for the IDP, and check the expiration date on both documents before you leave.

Do not order by mail if you are leaving in less than three weeks. Mail processing takes time, and delays happen. If you need an IDP quickly, visit an AAA office in person.

Do not try to get an IDP from the DMV or any government office. Only AAA issues them in the United States. If someone tells you otherwise, they are mistaken or trying to sell you something you do not need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a passport?

No. AAA requires either a valid passport or a passport card as your second form of identification. A state ID card, birth certificate, or other document will not work. If you do not have a passport, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact AAA's travel services line or your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement on the spot, but they can help you understand your options for driving without one. In most cases, your U.S. driver's license alone may be enough, depending on the country. Do not drive without checking local law first.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. driver's license is recognized. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but many rental companies in Mexico will not rent to you without one, so check with your rental company before you book. If you are driving your own car into Mexico, you will also need Mexican liability insurance, which is separate from an IDP.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license has restrictions or endorsements?

Yes. Restrictions (such as corrective lenses required) and endorsements (such as motorcycle or commercial) appear on your IDP just as they appear on your license. The IDP is a direct translation of your license, so anything on your license will be on your permit.

How long does an IDP last once I start using it?

An IDP is valid for the full period you chose (one or three years) from the date of issue, regardless of when you first use it. You do not have to use it when ready. If you get a one-year IDP in January and do not travel until December, it will expire in January of the following year.