You need an International Driving Permit only if you are renting a car or driving in certain countries outside the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license. It is a translation document that shows your valid U.S. driver's license information in ten languages. Most countries do not require it. Many countries do not recognize it. You need one only in specific situations, and even then, only as a companion to your actual U.S. license — you cannot drive on an IDP alone.

The real rule: check the specific country's requirements before you book your trip. Some countries demand an IDP by law. Some car rental companies demand one regardless of what the country requires. Some countries ignore it entirely. Showing up with an IDP when you do not need one wastes money and time. Showing up without one when a rental company requires it can mean losing your reservation and your deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation of your U.S. driver's license, not a separate license, and you must carry both documents together to drive legally.
  • Most European countries do not require an IDP, but many car rental companies in Europe demand one anyway as a condition of the rental.
  • Some countries — including Mexico, Costa Rica, and several Asian nations — legally require an IDP even if you have a valid U.S. license.
  • You obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through your state DMV.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, so order it before your trip, not after you book your rental car.

When car rental companies require an IDP, regardless of local law

Many international car rental agencies — including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar — list an IDP as a required document in their rental terms, even in countries where the government does not legally require one. This is a company policy, not a law. If you arrive without an IDP and the rental company demands one, they can refuse to rent to you, and you will lose your reservation and any deposit you paid.

The safest approach: check the rental company's website for your specific country and vehicle class before you book. Search for "driver's license requirements" or "required documents" on their site. If an IDP is listed, order one. If it is not listed but the country is outside North America, call the rental company directly — policies change and vary by location. Do not assume that because a country does not legally require an IDP, your rental company will not demand one.

Countries that legally require an International Driving Permit

These countries have laws that state you must carry an IDP along with your U.S. license to drive legally. Driving without one can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or both:

  • Mexico
  • Costa Rica
  • Venezuela
  • China
  • Taiwan
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • India
  • Egypt
  • South Africa

This list is not exhaustive and changes. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to confirm current driving requirements. Many countries update their rules without notice to U.S. travelers, and an outdated guide can leave you stranded or fined.

Countries where an IDP is not required but rental companies often demand one

Most of Western Europe — including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands — does not legally require an IDP. Your U.S. license is sufficient to drive. However, major rental companies operating in these countries frequently list an IDP as a required document in their terms anyway. This is a business choice, not a legal requirement.

Canada and Australia also do not require an IDP by law. Your U.S. license is valid. But again, check your rental company's specific policy before you book, because some companies impose their own rules.

How to obtain an International Driving Permit

You cannot get an IDP from your state DMV. You must obtain it through one of two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.

Through AAA: Visit an AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and two passport-sized photos (2 by 2 inches). The fee is $20. You can also order by mail if you are not near an AAA office — read the process from AAA's website, include the required documents and photos, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail.

Through AATA: Visit the AATA website, complete the online process, upload a digital copy of your driver's license and passport, and submit a digital photo. The fee is $15. AATA will mail the IDP to you, typically within one to two weeks. AATA does not have physical offices, so this is the only option if you do not have access to AAA.

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It is not renewed through your state DMV — you must order a new one from AAA or AATA when it expires.

What to bring when you drive internationally with an IDP

An IDP is not a standalone document. You must carry it together with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times while driving. Police in any country can ask to see both. Carrying only the IDP and not your license is the same as carrying no license at all.

You should also carry your passport or passport card, your vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Some countries require an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance (also called a "green card"), which your U.S. auto insurance company can issue. Ask your insurer before you travel whether your policy is valid in your destination country and whether you need a green card.

Common mistakes that leave travelers stranded

Ordering an IDP after you have already booked your rental car is the most common mistake. If you order by mail, processing takes one to two weeks. If your trip is in ten days and you order today, your IDP will not arrive in time. Order it as soon as you know you are traveling internationally, not after you have paid for the rental.

Assuming that because a country does not legally require an IDP, your rental company will not demand one is the second mistake. Rental company policies are separate from national laws. Check the rental agreement before you book, not the day you arrive.

Carrying only the IDP and leaving your U.S. license at home is the third mistake. An IDP without a U.S. license is worthless. Both documents must travel together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Canada or Mexico with just my U.S. driver's license?

Yes, in Canada. Your U.S. license is valid. In Mexico, you must carry an IDP along with your U.S. license by law. Some car rental companies in Mexico also require an IDP as a condition of the rental. Order one before your trip to avoid losing your reservation.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can direct you to a local office of AAA or AATA if one exists, or advise you on whether you can drive without it under local law. Your U.S. license alone may be sufficient depending on the country.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Hawaii or U.S. territories?

No. Hawaii is a U.S. state, and your U.S. driver's license is valid. U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam also recognize U.S. licenses. An IDP is not needed.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I order online through AATA?

AATA typically mails the IDP within one to two weeks of receiving your process. If your trip is sooner than that, you will not receive it in time. AAA may be faster if you can visit an office in person and pay the fee same-day, but call ahead to confirm they have the document in stock.

Is an IDP valid in all countries?

No. An IDP is recognized under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Most countries that are signatories to these conventions recognize an IDP. Some countries do not recognize it at all. Always check your specific destination's requirements before you travel.