International Driving Permit: How to Get One, What It Costs
Planning to drive in another country is exciting until you reach the rental counter and the agent asks for a document you do not have. An international driving permit (IDP) is that document for many destinations, and it is easy to get if you know where to apply.
You will also find a step-by-step application process, a troubleshooting section, and answers to the questions people ask most. Read the quick answers first if you are in a hurry, then use the checklist near the end before you travel.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An international driving permit is a paper booklet that translates your existing driver’s license into several languages and shows that you are licensed to drive at home. It translates your government-issued license into 10 languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, Swedish, and Portuguese. The booklet includes your name, photo, and the categories of vehicles you are allowed to drive. Officials who cannot read your state license can read the translated pages instead. enterprise
The permit is not a license on its own. It has no value unless you carry it together with your valid state driver’s license, and it does not give you any new driving privileges. It also does not replace insurance, vehicle registration, or the local rules of the road in the country you visit.
The permit exists because of international road traffic agreements. The United States participates in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which is the system under which U.S.-issued permits are produced. Other countries issue permits under the same or a newer convention, so a permit from one country is generally recognized in another that follows the same rules.
Permit, License, or Licence: Which Name Is Correct?
The correct official name is “international driving permit,” often shortened to IDP or written as “intl driving permit.” People also search for “international driver’s license,” “international drivers permit,” “international driving licence permit,” or “American international driving license,” and all of them point to the same document. The words “licence” and “license” differ only because of British and American spelling.
An “international driver’s license” does not exist as a separate document. If a website offers an “international license” that works without your home license, it is not an official product. The federal government warns that many sites claiming to issue international licenses or permits are fraudulent and may try to take your money or personal information. usa
The practical takeaway is simple. Ask for an “international driving permit,” apply only through an authorized issuer, and never expect it to work alone.
Who Needs an International Driving Permit?
You need one if your destination requires it, or if you want a smooth experience with rental companies and police. Rules differ by country, and some places ask for a permit by law while others only recommend it. U.S. citizens visiting Canada and Mexico do not need one, but many other countries do require it. usa
Countries that commonly ask for a permit or recommend one include Japan, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Brazil, and many in Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. Policies change, and some rental companies set their own rules even where the law is flexible. The safest source is the country page on the U.S. Department of State website, followed by a call or email to your rental company.
| Situation | Is an IDP a good idea? |
|---|---|
| Driving in Canada or Mexico on a short trip | Usually not needed |
| Renting a car in a country where English is not the main language | Yes, strongly recommended |
| Driving in a country that requires it by law | Required |
| Living abroad temporarily and driving daily | Often required, and you may need a local license later |
| Using taxis, trains, and tours only | No |
If you plan to stay in a country for months, ask the local motor vehicle authority how long a foreign license and permit are valid. Many countries set a time limit before you must convert to a local license.
Who Is Allowed to Issue an International Driving Permit?
In the United States, only two organizations can issue an IDP: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. Department of State, and AAA accepts applications online, in person, or by mail, while AATA takes an online application with a passport photo and a driver’s license. usa
Your state DMV does not issue IDPs. This is a common surprise, since people often assume a motor vehicle office handles every driving document. Your DMV can help with your state license, including a replacement or renewal that you may need before you travel, but the permit itself comes from AAA or AATA.
How to Spot a Fake Provider
Many search results for “international driver’s license” lead to private sites that look professional. Their products may not be accepted anywhere. Warning signs include:
If you already paid a fake site, contact your card issuer to dispute the charge and watch your accounts for strange activity. You can also report the site to the Federal Trade Commission.
Requirements for an International Driving Permit
You must be at least 18, hold a valid license from a U.S. state or territory, and bring a completed application, two photos, and the fee. The requirements are a valid U.S. driver’s license, the permit fee, two original passport-type photos, and the application form. Eligibility is based on your license, so you generally apply in the same country that issued it. enterprise
Check these points before you apply:
Name match
your name on the application should match your license exactly.
Travel dates
apply close enough to your trip that the permit stays valid for the whole stay, but early enough that mail delays do not hurt you.
Photos
you need two identical passport-style photos, and many applicants get them at a pharmacy or shipping store.
Learner’s permits and restricted licenses can create trouble. If your license has conditions, ask AAA or AATA before you apply and confirm whether the destination country accepts it.
How to Apply: Step by Step
The process takes about 10 minutes of paperwork once you have your photos. The details vary slightly depending on where you apply, but the core steps are the same.
Option 1: Apply in Person at AAA
- Find a nearby AAA branch. Use the AAA locator and confirm that the branch handles IDPs, since not every office does.
- Complete the application. Download the form from the AAA site or fill it in at the branch.
- Bring your documents. Take your valid driver’s license, two passport-style photos, and your payment method.
- Submit and pay. The staff check your details and take the fee.
- Receive your permit. Many branches can print the booklet while you wait, though this depends on the office.
Option 2: Apply by Mail Through AAA
Mail works well if no branch is nearby. You complete the form, include a clear photocopy of the front and back of your license, add two photos, and send everything with the payment to the address on the AAA application. Use a trackable mail option so you can confirm delivery, and keep copies of what you send. Plan on roughly two weeks to receive the permit. enterprise
Option 3: Apply Online Through AATA
AATA offers an online process. You complete the application, upload a passport photo and a copy of your license, pay the fee, and choose a delivery method. This is useful if you live far from any AAA office or want to avoid mailing paper. Check the AATA site for the current fee, shipping options, and delivery times before you order.
Passport Photos for Your IDP
Photos are the most common reason applications are delayed. AAA asks for two original passport-type photos. Copies and scanned prints are often rejected, and so are photos with shadows, hats, or glasses glare.
Take photos against a plain background, with your full face visible and a neutral expression. Many pharmacy photo counters and shipping stores take passport photos for a small fee. Sign the back of the photos if the instructions ask for it, and avoid staples or tape that can damage them.
If you apply online with AATA, a clear digital photo is usually required. Use good lighting, keep your head straight, and follow the size rules on the application page.
How Much Does an International Driving Permit Cost?
The permit itself is commonly quoted at $20, but your total cost can be higher. AAA-related sources list $20 as the permit fee. You may also pay for passport photos, postage, and optional rush shipping. enterprise
| Cost item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Permit fee | About $20, confirm on the AAA or AATA site |
| Passport photos | Varies by store, often a few dollars each set |
| Shipping or mailing | Depends on method; rush options cost more |
| License renewal (if needed first) | Set by your state DMV |
Be careful with sites that charge much more. A high price does not mean a faster or better permit, and an unofficial site may sell something that is not valid anywhere. Fees can change, so check the current amount before you apply.
How Long Does It Take to Get an IDP?
It takes 5 to 10 minutes to fill out the form, and delivery by mail is commonly about two weeks. In-person service at AAA can be much faster at branches that issue the booklet on site. If you apply by mail or online, add time for postage and processing.
Apply at least three to four weeks before your trip. That gives you a buffer for photo problems, mail delays, or a request for more information. If your trip is soon, an in-person AAA visit or paid expedited shipping may help, and you should confirm timing before you pay.
Do not leave it until the week of departure. A missing permit at the rental counter can mean a canceled booking, a higher rate, or having to use taxis instead.
How Long Is an International Driving Permit Valid?
An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, and it cannot be renewed. It lasts one year and cannot be extended. When it expires, you apply for a new one with a new application, photos, and fee. usa
The permit is only useful while your home license is valid. If your license expires during your trip, the permit does not save you. Check your license expiration date before you apply, and renew early at your state DMV if the date is close.
If you travel often, keep a record of when your permit was issued. Applying a few weeks before each trip is easier than carrying an expired booklet.
Using Your IDP Abroad
Carry your IDP together with your original driver’s license, your passport, and your rental papers. You should have both the permit and your license with you while visiting another country. Keep them in a safe but reachable place, since police checks often ask for them together. usa
At the rental counter, show your license, the permit, a credit card, and your passport. Ask whether the agency requires the permit, whether it must be issued in your name only, and what insurance is included. Take photos of the vehicle before you drive away and keep all paperwork until you return it.
Read the local rules before you drive. Speed limits, right-of-way rules, alcohol limits, toll systems, and road signs can differ from what you know at home. Use the same care you would use at home, and avoid driving when you are very tired after a long flight.
IDP and Car Insurance
An IDP does not provide insurance. Your rental contract, travel policy, or credit card benefits are what cover accidents, so read those terms before you travel. Some policies may deny a claim if you drive without a required permit, which is another reason to get one when the destination asks for it.
If you plan to drive your own vehicle abroad, you will need local insurance, registration papers, and sometimes other documents. Check with the destination country’s embassy or motor vehicle authority well in advance.
Visitors Driving in the United States
If you are visiting from another country, get your IDP from your home country before you arrive. An IDP is issued by the country that issued your license, so a U.S. organization cannot issue one for a foreign license. Many states accept a valid foreign license for a limited stay, and an IDP can help officers and rental agents read it.
Rules differ by state, and some states want an IDP or a certified translation if your license is not in English. Check the DMV website of the state you will visit, and ask your rental company what they require. If you move to the United States, you will usually need to get a state license within a set period, and your home license will not be enough forever.
Common Mistakes When Getting an IDP
Most problems come from timing, photos, and the wrong provider. These are the mistakes that cause the most trouble.
Applying through an unofficial site. Private websites may look like AAA but are not authorized. Always start from AAA or AATA, or from a government page that links to them.
Waiting until the last week. Mail delays and photo problems can push the permit past your departure date. Apply a month ahead when you can.
Sending the wrong photos. Photocopies, selfies, and photos with a colored background are often rejected. Use real passport photos.
Letting your license expire. The permit depends on your home license. If your license expires during the trip, you may be unable to drive legally.
Leaving the license at home. The permit alone does not work. Carry both documents together.
Assuming one permit covers everything. It does not apply to every vehicle class, and it does not cover insurance. Check your destination and your rental terms.
Trying to renew an old permit. An IDP cannot be renewed, so you need a new application each time.
Troubleshooting IDP Problems
Most issues have a simple fix. Here are the problems people report most often.
Your Application Was Rejected or Returned
Read the note that came with it. The usual causes are unclear photos, a missing signature, or an unreadable copy of the license. Fix the problem and resubmit, and ask AAA or AATA if you are unsure.
The Permit Has Not Arrived
Check the shipping method and tracking number first. If it has been more than two weeks, contact the issuer with your name and the date you applied. Keep copies of your application so you can show what you sent.
Your License Is About to Expire
Renew it at your state DMV first, then apply for the permit. If you must travel before the new card arrives, ask AAA or AATA what they accept as proof. The permit does not extend your license.
Your Name Changed
Use the name on your current license. If your name differs across documents, bring proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Fix your records before you travel so rental companies see matching names.
Pre-Trip Checklist and Tips
A short checklist saves money and stress. Use this list a month before you travel.
A few tips help in practice. Keep the permit in the same place as your license so you do not leave it behind. Consider driving a shorter distance on your first day abroad, since road rules and signs may feel unfamiliar. If you are traveling with another driver, each person needs their own license and their own permit.
International Driving Permit Terms Explained
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IDP | International driving permit, a translation of your license for use abroad |
| AAA | American Automobile Association, an authorized issuer |
| AATA | American Automobile Touring Alliance, an authorized issuer |
| 1949 Geneva Convention | A road traffic agreement under which U.S.-issued permits are produced |
| Home license | The state driver’s license that your permit depends on |
| Translation | The multi-language pages that explain your license details |
| Vehicle category | The type of vehicle your license allows, such as a car or motorcycle |
| Rental counter requirement | A company rule that may be stricter than the law |
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
An international driving permit is a simple, low-cost document that can save a trip when you plan to drive abroad. Start with the destination’s rules, ask your rental company what it needs, and apply only through AAA or AATA. Bring a valid license, two real passport photos, and the fee, and give yourself at least a month before departure.
Most problems come from late applications, unofficial websites, and forgetting that the permit works only alongside your home license. Use the checklist on this page, carry both documents, and you will be ready at the rental counter and on the road.
