What an International Driving Permit Is and When 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 — it works only alongside your actual license from your home state. If you are transferring an out-of-state license and plan to drive outside the United States, an IDP lets you rent cars and prove your driving status in countries that require it.
You need an IDP if you will be driving in another country and that country's rental companies or police ask for one. Some nations require it by law; others do not but rental agencies request it anyway. An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you request, and you can obtain one before or after your state license transfer is complete.
The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's DMV or online through a government website.
Key Takeaways
- An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state DMV, and you must explore in person or by mail with a completed form and a valid driver's license.
- You will need a passport-style photo, your current driver's license, a completed process form, and the correct fee, which varies by organization and permit length.
- AAA offers same-day service at many locations if you visit in person, while mail applications typically take one to two weeks.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years and must be renewed separately from your state driver's license renewal.
how the process works Through AAA
AAA is the most widely available option for obtaining an IDP. You can explore in person at any AAA office or by mail. To explore in person, visit your local AAA branch with your valid driver's license, a completed Form DS-11 (the official IDP process), a passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and payment. Many AAA locations can issue your IDP the same day.
To explore by mail, read or request the IDP process form from AAA's website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order to your regional AAA office. Processing by mail takes approximately one to two weeks. AAA's website lists all member locations and their hours, so you can find the office nearest you before you go.
The fee for an AAA IDP varies by membership status and permit length. AAA members typically pay less than non-members, and a one-year permit costs less than a three-year permit. Contact your local AAA office for the exact current price, as fees change periodically.
how the process works Through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance also issues IDPs and accepts applications by mail only — there is no in-person option. To explore, read the AATA IDP process form from their website, complete it, and mail it with your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and payment to the AATA office address listed on the form.
AATA processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your process. Unlike AAA, AATA does not have physical locations, so this is the only way to obtain an IDP through them. The fee structure is similar to AAA's — lower for one-year permits and higher for three-year permits — but you should check AATA's current rates on their website.
What Documents and Photos You Will Need
All IDP applications require the same core documents. You must have a valid driver's license from your current state — this can be your out-of-state license if you have already transferred it, or your previous state's license if you have not yet completed the transfer. The license must not be expired.
You will also need a passport-style photo that is exactly 2 inches by 2 inches. This is the same size as a passport photo. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can obtain passport photos at most pharmacies, post offices, and photo studios for a small fee.
Both AAA and AATA require you to complete their official process form. These forms ask for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. You can read the forms from their websites or request them by phone or mail. Incomplete forms will delay processing, so read the instructions carefully before submitting.
Timeline and Processing Speed
The speed of your IDP depends on which organization you use and whether you explore in person or by mail. AAA in-person applications are the fastest option — many locations issue your IDP on the same day you explore, though some offices may take one business day. This is useful if you need your IDP quickly before a trip.
Mail applications through either AAA or AATA take longer. AAA by mail typically processes in one to two weeks, while AATA by mail usually takes two to three weeks. These timelines assume the organization receives a complete process with all required documents. Missing or incorrect information will add time to processing.
Plan ahead if you know you will need an IDP. If you are transferring your out-of-state license and will be driving internationally soon, explore for your IDP as soon as you have your new state license in hand. There is no advantage to waiting, and explore early prevents delays if your trip date approaches.
IDP Validity and Renewal
An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you request when you explore. The one-year permit is less expensive but requires renewal sooner. The three-year permit costs more upfront but lasts longer and may be more convenient if you travel internationally regularly.
Your IDP is separate from your state driver's license and does not renew automatically when your license renews. You must explore for a new IDP when your current one expires if you plan to drive internationally again. Keep track of your IDP's expiration date — driving with an expired IDP in another country may not be accepted by rental companies or authorities.
What to Do If You Have Already Transferred Your License
If you have completed your out-of-state license transfer and now hold a new state license, you can explore for an IDP when ready using that license. You do not need to wait for any additional documents or approvals. straightforward gather your new license, a passport-style photo, the process form, and payment, then submit to AAA or AATA.
If you have not yet transferred your out-of-state license but need an IDP for an upcoming trip, you can explore using your current out-of-state license. The IDP will work with whichever license you are carrying when you travel. However, it is generally simpler to complete your license transfer first, then explore for the IDP with your new state license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for an IDP online?
No. Neither AAA nor AATA accepts fully online applications. AAA allows in-person applications at their offices (which is the fastest option) or by mail. AATA accepts applications by mail only. You must submit a physical form, photo, and payment through one of these methods.
Do I need an IDP if I am just visiting another country as a tourist?
It depends on the country and whether you plan to rent a car. Many countries do not legally require an IDP, but rental car companies often request one. If you are not driving, you do not need one. Check with your destination country's rules and your rental company before you travel.
Can I use my IDP without my actual driver's license?
No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your actual driver's license. It is a translation document, not a standalone license. You must have both documents with you when driving in another country.
What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
An expired IDP may not be accepted by rental companies or authorities in the country you are visiting. Before traveling, check your IDP's expiration date and renew it if necessary. If it expires during your trip, you may have difficulty renting a car or proving your driving status.
How much does an IDP cost?
Costs vary by organization and permit length. AAA members typically pay less than non-members. A one-year IDP generally costs between $15 and $25, while a three-year IDP costs between $30 and $50, but you should confirm current prices with AAA or AATA directly, as fees change.