An AAA International Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries

It is not a license itself — it is a companion document that works alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. When you drive in another country, you carry both documents together. The permit translates your license information (name, address, license number, driving restrictions) into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and Japanese.

You obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) through the American Automobile Association (AAA), not through your state's DMV. You do not need one to drive in most countries, but some nations require it, and many car rental companies abroad will not rent to you without one. It costs around $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.

The permit is useful if you are transferring to another country for work, school, or relocation and plan to drive there. It is also practical if you are taking a long trip and want to rent a car abroad. If you are moving to a new state within the U.S., you do not need an IDP — your U.S. license is sufficient everywhere in the country.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA that you carry with your valid U.S. driver's license when driving outside the United States.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law, while others do not, so you should check the specific rules for the country where you plan to drive before you travel.
  • Car rental companies in many countries will not rent to you without an IDP, even if the country does not legally require one.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP; the permit cannot be used alone.
  • An IDP costs approximately $20, takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office, and is valid for one year.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA

You must be a AAA member or become one to obtain an IDP. If you are not already a member, you can join at any AAA office or online; membership costs vary by region but typically runs $50 to $150 per year depending on the level of coverage you choose.

Once you are a member, visit a local AAA office in person. You will need to bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and the process fee (around $20). AAA does not issue IDPs by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you receive the permit when ready.

Some AAA offices allow you to submit your process online and pick it up in person a few days later, which can save time if you are busy. Call your local AAA office to ask whether they offer this option.

Countries that require an International Driving Permit

Several countries legally require an IDP, including Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. However, this list changes, and some countries enforce the requirement more strictly than others.

Even if a country does not legally require an IDP, local police may not recognize a U.S. license without one, and you could face fines or delays. The safest approach is to check the current rules for the specific country and region where you will be driving. Your country's embassy website or the U.S. State Department travel advisory for that country usually lists driving requirements.

Car rental companies are often stricter than the law. Many will refuse to rent to you without an IDP, regardless of whether the country requires one. Always confirm the rental company's policy before you book.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts

An IDP is valid for one year from the date AAA issues it. If you are moving abroad for longer than one year, you will need to renew it before it expires. You can renew it in person at any AAA office in the United States, or in some cases through AAA's online renewal process if you are still a member.

If you are living outside the U.S. and your IDP is about to expire, you have a few options. You can travel back to the U.S. and renew it at a AAA office, ask a family member or friend in the U.S. to renew it on your behalf, or contact AAA to ask about mail renewal from abroad (availability varies by location).

International Driving Permit versus a foreign driver's license

An IDP is temporary and works only with your U.S. license. If you are relocating to another country permanently or for several years, you will eventually need to obtain a driver's license in that country. The process, cost, and requirements vary widely by nation.

Some countries allow you to convert your U.S. license to a local one without taking a test, while others require you to pass a written exam, a driving test, or both. A few countries recognize U.S. licenses for a limited time (often one year) before you must convert. An IDP does not count toward this conversion — it straightforward buys you time to understand the local licensing system and prepare for the conversion process.

If you are moving abroad, research your destination country's licensing rules early. Some countries have long waiting lists for driving tests, and you may need to plan several months ahead.

What happens if you drive without an International Driving Permit when one is required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can face fines, vehicle impoundment, or both. In some countries, driving without the required documents can result in criminal charges, not just a traffic violation. The consequences vary by country and by how strictly local authorities enforce the rule.

If you are in a car accident and do not have an IDP when one is required, your insurance may not cover the damage. Many international car rental insurance policies include a clause that voids coverage if you are driving without required documents. This can leave you personally liable for repair costs, which can be thousands of dollars.

The cost and inconvenience of obtaining an IDP before you travel is far smaller than the risk of driving without one in a country that requires it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit without my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when you carry it together with your valid U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, you must present both documents. The IDP alone is not a legal driving document.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require one either, but many car rental companies in Mexico will not rent to you without one. If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, check with the rental company before you book, and consider obtaining an IDP to avoid problems at pickup.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I am abroad?

Your IDP becomes invalid if your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP itself has not reached its one-year expiration date. You must renew your U.S. license before you can drive legally. If you are living abroad, you can renew your U.S. license by mail through your state's DMV or by traveling back to the U.S. to renew in person.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is reinstated and valid again.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International License does not exist as an official document. Some websites and services fraudulently sell fake "international licenses" that have no legal standing anywhere. The only legitimate document is the International Driving Permit issued by AAA. Do not purchase an international license from any other source.