What an International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

AAA issues IDPs in the United States. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs $20 (as of the last update to this guide; fees may vary). You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo. Some countries require the IDP; others accept it but do not require it; a few accept only your U.S. license. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation booklet that works alongside your U.S. driver's license; you must carry both documents when driving outside the United States.
  • AAA issues IDPs at its local offices and online, and the permit costs $20 and is valid for one year.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
  • Some countries require an IDP to rent a car or drive legally; others do not, so check your destination's rules before you explore.
  • An IDP cannot be renewed — you must explore for a new one each time you travel internationally.

How to get an IDP through AAA in person

Visit a local AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The staff will fill out the process form while you are there, verify your documents, and issue the permit on the spot. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

To find the nearest AAA office, go to AAA.com and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Hours vary by location, so check before you visit. Some offices are open on weekends, but many are not. If you live far from an office or have limited time, the online option may be faster.

How to get an IDP through AAA online

AAA allows you to order an IDP online at AAA.com. You will upload a digital passport-style photo, provide your driver's license number and passport information, and pay the $20 fee by credit card. AAA will mail the permit to your address; delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. This route is useful if you live in a rural area or cannot reach an office during business hours.

When you order online, make sure your passport-style photo meets AAA's requirements: it must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, show your full face with a plain background, and be in color. If your photo does not meet these standards, AAA will reject it and ask you to resubmit. Check the AAA website for the exact photo specifications before you upload.

What documents you need and why

Your valid U.S. driver's license is the foundation of the IDP. The permit is useless without it — you must carry both together. Your license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's DMV before you explore for the IDP.

Your passport or passport card proves your identity and citizenship. AAA will verify the number and expiration date. A passport card is acceptable and costs less than a full passport if you do not already have one, though it is only valid for land and sea travel, not air travel. If you do not have either, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP.

A passport-style photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, show your full face with a plain background, and be in color. You can have a photo taken at AAA offices, Walgreens, CVS, or any professional photography studio. The cost is usually $10 to $15. Do not use a photo from your phone or a selfie — it will not meet the requirements.

Timeline and what to expect after you explore

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP when ready. You can drive internationally the same day. If you order online, expect the permit to arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon — do not wait until the week before your trip.

Once you receive your IDP, check that all the information is correct: your name, license number, and date of birth must match your U.S. driver's license exactly. If there is an error, contact AAA right away. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, not from the date you receive it. After one year, the IDP expires and cannot be renewed — you must explore for a new one if you travel internationally again.

When you actually need an IDP and when you do not

Requirements vary by country and change over time. Some countries — including France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom — officially recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP, though rental car companies may still ask for one. Other countries, such as Italy, Greece, and several in South America and Asia, require an IDP by law. If you drive without one where it is required, you risk a fine or having your car impounded.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit, or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country. Ask specifically whether an IDP is required for driving. Also contact your rental car company — many require an IDP regardless of local law, because it reduces their liability if there is an accident. It is safer to have the IDP even if it is not legally required.

Cost, validity, and what happens if yours expires while you are abroad

An IDP costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue. There is no renewal option — once it expires, you must explore for a new one. If you are traveling for longer than a year or plan multiple international trips over several years, you will need to obtain a new IDP for each trip or each year.

If your IDP expires while you are still traveling, you are no longer legally protected in countries that require it. You should not drive after expiration. If you are renting a car, the rental company will likely refuse to let you take the vehicle. Plan your travel dates carefully and order a new IDP before the old one expires if you will be abroad for an extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip to Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, your rental car company may still require one — check with them before you book. If you are driving your own car, an IDP is not legally required, but it does not hurt to have one.

Can I get an IDP from somewhere other than AAA?

In the United States, AAA is the only organization authorized to issue IDPs. No other company or government office can issue one. If someone else offers to sell you an IDP, it is not legitimate.

What if my passport expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP is still valid, but you will need a current passport to enter most countries. The IDP and passport are separate documents. Renew your passport through the U.S. State Department before it expires, and you can keep using the same IDP until it reaches its one-year expiration date.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must resolve that with your state's DMV first. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works with your U.S. license. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries to their own citizens. You cannot get an international license in the United States — only an IDP.