What an International Driver's License Actually Is
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 does not replace your home license, and you cannot drive on it alone. You must carry both your actual license and the IDP together. The permit tells police and rental agencies in other countries that your home license is legitimate and that you have a valid driving record.
The IDP is issued under the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Most countries recognize it, though a few do not—notably Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom prefer your original license plus a certified translation. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements, because an IDP alone will not satisfy every destination.
The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It costs between $15 and $30 in most U.S. states and takes about 15 minutes to obtain if you go in person. You cannot get one by mail or online through an official channel, though private companies will offer to obtain one for you for a markup—usually $50 to $100 extra.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit must be obtained in person from your state's AAA office or your local DMV, and you must bring your valid driver's license and proof of citizenship or residency.
- The permit is valid for one or three years and costs $15 to $30 through official channels, but private services charge $50 to $100 extra for the same document.
- You must carry both your home license and the IDP together when driving abroad—the permit alone is not a valid license.
- Some countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, do not recognize the IDP and instead require your original license plus a certified English translation.
- The IDP is issued on the spot at AAA or the DMV; you do not need to wait for mail delivery.
Where to Get an International Driving Permit
In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the official issuing body for International Driving Permits. You must visit a physical AAA office in person—there is no online or mail option through AAA. If you are not a AAA member, you can still get an IDP at any AAA office; membership is not required. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though calling ahead to confirm hours is wise.
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the second official source. Not all states issue IDPs through the DMV, but many do. Call your local DMV or check your state's DMV website to see whether they offer this service. If they do, you can usually get the permit on the same day you visit, though some locations require an appointment.
Private companies advertise International Driving Permits online and promise fast delivery by mail. These services are legitimate—they obtain the permit from AAA or your DMV on your behalf—but they charge a processing fee of $50 to $100 on top of the official cost. Unless you cannot reach an AAA office or DMV, the official route is faster and cheaper.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring your valid U.S. driver's license. The license must not be expired; if it is, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it. Bring the physical card, not a photo or a digital copy.
Bring proof of citizenship or residency. A U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or state ID works. If you are not a U.S. citizen but hold a valid U.S. driver's license, bring your visa, green card, or other proof of legal residency. The AAA or DMV staff will tell you on the phone which documents they accept in your state.
Bring a completed process form. AAA and most DMVs have the form on-site, so you can fill it out when you arrive. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years). If you want to fill it out beforehand, read it from the AAA website or your state DMV website.
Bring payment in cash or card. The cost is $15 to $30 depending on your state and the validity period. Most AAA offices and DMVs accept both cash and card, but calling ahead to confirm is safe.
The process Process at AAA or DMV
Arrive at your nearest AAA office or DMV with your documents. Hand your license and proof of citizenship to the staff member. They will verify that your license is valid and that you are who you say you are. This takes about two minutes.
Fill out the process form if you have not already. It is a single page and takes about five minutes. You will choose whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. The one-year permit costs less; the three-year permit is better value if you travel internationally more than once in that window.
Pay the fee. The staff member will process your payment and hand you the IDP when ready. You do not wait for it to be mailed; you walk out with it in hand. The entire visit takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Check the permit before you leave. Make sure your name, license number, and validity dates are correct. If there is an error, ask the staff to correct it on the spot. Once you leave, corrections are harder to obtain.
What to Do If Your Country Does Not Recognize the IDP
Before you travel, look up the specific country's driving requirements. The U.S. State Department website lists requirements by country, or you can contact the country's embassy or consulate. Some nations, particularly in Europe and Asia, accept the IDP without question. Others require additional documents.
If your destination does not recognize the IDP, you will need a certified English translation of your driver's license. You can obtain this through a professional translation service—search online for "certified translation services" in your area. The translation costs $20 to $50 and takes a few days. Some countries also accept an International Driving Permit issued by your home country instead of the U.S. version; if you hold a license from another country, check whether that country's IDP is recognized where you are going.
Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are the most common English-speaking destinations that do not recognize the U.S. IDP. In these countries, bring your original U.S. license plus a certified English translation. Some rental agencies in these countries will also accept a notarized photocopy of your license, though the translation is safer.
Renewing or Replacing Your International Driving Permit
When your IDP expires, you must obtain a new one. The process is identical to the first time: visit AAA or your DMV in person with your valid driver's license and proof of citizenship. You do not need to bring the expired IDP, though you can if you want to. The staff will issue a new permit on the spot.
If your IDP is lost or damaged before it expires, visit AAA or the DMV and request a replacement. Bring your valid driver's license and proof of citizenship. You will pay the full fee again—there is no discount for a replacement. The new permit will have the same expiration date as the original, so you do not lose time.
If your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date. You cannot renew the IDP until your home license is valid again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume the IDP is a license. You cannot drive on it alone. Always carry both your home license and the IDP together. If you are stopped by police and have only the IDP, you will be treated as an unlicensed driver.
Do not wait until the day before your trip to get an IDP. Although the permit is issued on the spot, AAA offices and DMVs can have long wait times, especially during peak travel seasons. Visit at least a week before you leave.
Do not rely on a private service unless you have no other option. The markup is steep, and the permit arrives by mail, which adds delay. If you are traveling soon, go directly to AAA or the DMV.
Do not assume every country recognizes the IDP. Check your destination's requirements before you travel. If the country does not recognize it, you will need a certified translation of your license, which takes time to obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my license is suspended or expired?
No. Your home license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. The IDP is a translation of your license, not a separate document that bypasses your home state's rules.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get an IDP?
No. You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license and proof of legal residency. A visa, green card, or other proof of lawful presence is sufficient. Non-citizens with valid U.S. licenses can get an IDP at AAA or the DMV using the same process as citizens.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
If you visit AAA or the DMV in person, you receive the permit the same day—usually within 15 to 20 minutes. If you use a private service, the permit is mailed to you, which takes 5 to 10 business days plus shipping time. Going in person is always faster.
What is the difference between a one-year and three-year IDP?
A one-year permit is cheaper but expires sooner. A three-year permit costs more upfront but lasts longer and is better value if you travel internationally more than once. Choose based on how often you expect to drive abroad in the next few years.
Can I use my IDP to rent a car in another country?
Most rental agencies will accept your IDP along with your home license. Some agencies, particularly in Europe, prefer an International Driving Permit from your home country or a certified translation of your license. Call the rental agency before you book to confirm what documents they need. Bring all three—your home license, IDP, and a certified translation if possible—to be safe.