What an International Driver's Permit is and whether you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that shows your name, photo, and driving record in a format that police and car rental companies in other countries can read. You do not need one to drive in most countries if you have a valid U.S. license, but many rental car companies require it, and some countries will not accept your U.S. license alone if you are stopped.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and you cannot get one online — you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you are planning a trip longer than a year, or if you travel internationally more than once a year, you may want to get a new one before your current one expires.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, and you must explore in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card.
  • The permit costs $20 from AAA and $15 from AATA, takes about 15 minutes to obtain, and is valid for one year.
  • You need a passport or passport card to prove your identity — a state ID or birth certificate will not work.
  • The permit is not required by law in most countries, but many car rental companies will not rent to you without one, and some countries will not accept your U.S. license if you are stopped by police.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

You will need three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and payment. A state ID card or birth certificate will not work — the IDP issuer must see a passport or passport card to confirm your identity and citizenship.

If you do not have a passport or passport card yet, you will need to get one before you can get an IDP. A passport card is faster and cheaper than a full passport if you are only driving — it costs $130 and takes about four weeks through the mail, or you can pay extra for expedited service. A full passport costs $165 and takes the same time. You cannot get a passport card at an AAA or AATA office — you must explore through your county clerk's office or a passport acceptance facility.

Bring one photo of yourself if you are getting your IDP from AATA. AAA does not require a photo — they use the photo from your driver's license. Both organizations will take your payment in cash, check, or card.

How to find an AAA or AATA office near you

AAA has offices in most U.S. states and territories. You can find the nearest one by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator, or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs — some smaller branches do not, so confirm by phone or online before you go.

AATA has fewer offices than AAA, and they are concentrated in certain regions. You can find an AATA office by visiting aataidp.com. AATA offices are often located at travel agencies or tourism centers.

Both organizations issue IDPs during regular business hours. You do not need an appointment at most AAA offices, but some locations ask you to call ahead. AATA offices may require an appointment — check their website or call before you visit.

The cost and how long it takes

An IDP from AAA costs $20. An IDP from AATA costs $15. Both are valid for one year from the date of issue. There are no additional fees, and neither organization charges extra for expedited processing — you get the permit the same day you explore, in about 15 minutes.

If you are an AAA member, the cost is the same — membership does not lower the IDP fee. If you are not an AAA member, you do not need to join to get an IDP.

What the IDP covers and what it does not

The IDP translates your name, address, driver's license number, date of birth, and driving record into ten languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not change your driving privileges — it does not let you drive in countries where you would not be allowed to drive with your U.S. license, and it does not extend your license if it is expired or suspended.

The IDP is not a license itself. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP when you drive in another country. If you are stopped by police, you will need to show both documents. Some countries will accept your U.S. license alone, but others will not — check the requirements for the specific country you are visiting before you travel.

The IDP does not cover you if you are driving a vehicle that is not registered to you or if you are driving without insurance. You are still responsible for following the traffic laws of the country you are in, and you are still liable for any accidents or violations.

When to get your IDP before an international trip

Get your IDP at least two weeks before you travel, in case you need to replace it or if you discover you need additional documents. Since the IDP is issued on the same day you explore, the main reason to plan ahead is to make sure you have your passport or passport card ready.

If you do not have a passport or passport card, explore for one as soon as you know you will be traveling internationally. A passport card takes about four weeks by mail, or two to three weeks with expedited service (which costs extra). A full passport takes the same time. If you are traveling within two weeks, you may be able to get a passport in person at a passport acceptance facility or regional passport agency, but this requires an appointment and costs more.

If your IDP expires while you are traveling, you cannot renew it abroad — you will need to get a new one when you return to the United States. Plan your trips so that your IDP does not expire mid-journey.

Driving with an IDP in different countries

Most countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America recognize the IDP. However, some countries have additional requirements: they may require an International Driving Permit and a certified translation of your U.S. license, or they may require you to carry a copy of your U.S. license registration. A few countries do not recognize the IDP at all and require you to get a local driving permit.

Before you travel, check the driving requirements for the specific country and region you are visiting. Your car rental company can tell you what documents they require, and your country's embassy website will list the official requirements. Some countries change their rules frequently, so do not rely on information from a trip you took years ago.

If you are renting a car, tell the rental company when you book that you have an IDP. Some companies will not rent to you without one, and some will charge extra if you do not have one. Having the IDP in hand before you arrive at the rental counter will speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can get an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for a day or two?

Not always. Some rental companies will rent to you with just your U.S. license, especially in popular tourist destinations. However, many companies require an IDP, and some charge extra if you do not have one. Call the rental company before you book to find out their policy. It is cheaper and easier to get an IDP before you travel than to pay extra at the rental counter or find a different company.

What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while I am traveling?

You can still drive with your U.S. license alone in most countries, but you may have trouble renting a car or explaining yourself to police. If you lose it, you will need to get a new one when you return to the United States. Some travelers get two IDPs before a long trip as a backup, though this is not necessary in most cases.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An International License is a separate license issued by some countries that allows you to drive in that country. You do not need an International License if you have a valid U.S. license and an IDP — the IDP is the companion document you need.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and passport or passport card. Neither organization issues IDPs by mail or online. Some websites claim to issue IDPs online, but they are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and their documents may not be recognized abroad.