An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license replacement

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by AAA is a booklet that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license, and it does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together when driving outside the United States — the IDP alone has no legal standing in any country.

The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize U.S. licenses on their own. Border agents, police, and rental car companies in certain nations will ask to see the IDP alongside your U.S. license to confirm you are a licensed driver. Without it, you may be turned away at a rental counter or stopped by local police, even though your U.S. license is valid.

AAA is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Association's competitor, but AAA is the most widely available source. You cannot get an IDP from your state's DMV or from any government office — only from AAA or its authorized partner.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried with your actual license when driving abroad.
  • The IDP is issued by AAA only and costs between $15 and $20, with a validity period of one or three years depending on which you purchase.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of U.S. residency to obtain an IDP from AAA.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not, so check your destination country's requirements before you travel.
  • An IDP does not change your driving record, insurance status, or any legal standing in the United States — it is purely for use outside U.S. borders.

Which countries actually require an International Driving Permit

Not every country requires an IDP, and requirements change. Some nations accept a U.S. license with a certified English translation; others accept the U.S. license alone. A few demand an IDP by law. Before you book a rental car or cross a border, check the specific rules for your destination country on the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page or contact the country's embassy or consulate directly.

Countries that commonly require or strongly recommend an IDP include much of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), Mexico, Costa Rica, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. If you are renting a car, call the rental company in your destination country — they will tell you exactly what documents they need. Many rental companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandated, because it simplifies their liability if you are stopped.

If you are unsure whether you need one, getting an IDP is inexpensive insurance. The cost is low enough that most travelers obtain one before any international trip involving driving, even if it turns out not to be required.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA

You can obtain an IDP from AAA in person at any AAA office or by mail. In person is faster — you can walk out with the permit the same day. By mail takes about two weeks.

To explore, bring or mail the following: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2x2 inches), proof of U.S. residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and the process form, which AAA provides. You do not need to be an AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount. The cost is typically $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by location.

If you explore in person, bring all documents and a completed process form (available at the AAA office). If you explore by mail, read the process from AAA's website, include a check or money order, and mail everything to your nearest AAA office. Call ahead to confirm the address and current processing time.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which term you purchase. The one-year permit costs less upfront but requires renewal sooner; the three-year permit costs more but covers longer trips and multiple years of travel.

Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel. If it has expired, you will need to obtain a new one before crossing the border. Some countries will not accept an expired IDP, and rental companies will refuse to rent to you. Renewal is the same process as the initial process — bring your current license, a new photo, proof of residency, and payment to an AAA office or explore by mail.

What happens if your U.S. license expires or is suspended

Your IDP is only valid if your underlying U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired. You cannot use an IDP to drive if your U.S. license is not current.

If you renew your U.S. license while you have an active IDP, you do not automatically get a new IDP. Your old IDP remains valid as long as both it and your U.S. license are current. However, if your license number changes during renewal, some countries or rental companies may ask for a new IDP that matches your new license number. Call AAA to ask whether you need to reapply.

International Driving Permits versus other translation options

Some countries accept a certified English translation of your U.S. license instead of an IDP. A certified translation is a document prepared by a professional translator and stamped as accurate. This option is cheaper than an IDP and can be obtained from translation services in your home country or sometimes from your destination country's consulate.

However, a certified translation is not standardized across countries the way an IDP is. Some nations will not accept it; others will accept it only if it is certified by a specific authority. An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is the safer choice if you are traveling to multiple countries or are unsure of local requirements. For a single destination, a certified translation may be sufficient — but verify this with the country's consulate or your rental company before you travel.

How an International Driving Permit affects your driving record and insurance

An IDP has no effect on your U.S. driving record, insurance rates, or legal status in the United States. It is purely a translation document for use outside U.S. borders. If you receive a traffic ticket or are in an accident while driving abroad, the incident may or may not be reported to your U.S. insurance company or state DMV, depending on the country and the severity of the incident. Check with your insurance company before you travel to understand what they cover internationally and whether foreign incidents affect your U.S. policy.

Your U.S. auto insurance may or may not cover you when driving in another country. Some policies extend coverage to Canada and Mexico but not beyond. Others have no international coverage at all. Before you travel, contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers driving in your destination country. If not, you may need to purchase temporary international coverage or a separate policy from a company that specializes in international auto insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my U.S. license and no International Driving Permit?

It depends on the country. Some nations accept a U.S. license alone; others require an IDP by law or by rental company policy. Check your destination country's requirements before you travel. If you are renting a car, the rental company's requirements may be stricter than the country's legal requirements.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit from AAA?

In-person applications are processed the same day at most AAA offices. Mail applications typically take two to three weeks. If you are traveling soon, explore in person at a nearby AAA office to avoid delays.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting a country and not driving?

No. An IDP is only needed if you plan to drive a vehicle. If you are using public transportation or hiring a driver, you do not need one.

What if my passport-style photo is old or I look different now?

AAA will accept a photo that is reasonably current. If your photo is more than a few years old or you look significantly different, bring a new one. The photo must be 2x2 inches and meet standard passport photo requirements (plain background, clear face, no sunglasses).

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a learner's permit or restricted license?

No. You must have a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP. Learner's permits and restricted licenses do not may have access to.