How to Get an International Driving Permit Before Driving Abroad

Check whether your destination requires an IDP

An International Driving Permit, or IDP, provides a standardized translation of information from your driver's license for use abroad. It does not replace your U.S. driver's license and does not independently give you permission to drive.

Requirements vary by destination. The U.S. Department of State says some countries accept a U.S. driver's license while many others require an IDP. Before traveling, check the Travel and Transportation section of the Department of State guidance for each country where you plan to drive.

USAGov specifically notes that U.S. citizens visiting Canada or Mexico do not need an IDP to drive, although you should still verify applicable license, insurance, vehicle, and rental requirements for your trip.

Use only AAA or AATA for a U.S.-issued IDP

The U.S. Department of State and USAGov identify only American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) as authorized U.S. IDP issuers.

This matters because websites selling unofficial or fake international driver's licenses can produce documents that are not valid for driving abroad. The Department of State warns that using a fraudulent permit can lead to travel problems and possible legal consequences.

You need a valid U.S. driver's license and must be at least 18

AAA's official application and AATA's current eligibility guidance require applicants to be 18 or older and hold a valid U.S. state or territorial driver's license.

AATA confirms that U.S. citizenship is not required. The key requirement is the qualifying U.S. driver's license. If your driver's license was issued by another country, you must obtain the IDP through the appropriate authority or authorized issuer associated with that country's license.

Prepare your license, photo and $20 permit fee

The exact submission format depends on whether you choose AAA or AATA and whether you apply online, in person, or by mail.

For AAA's traditional application, the required items include a completed application, two recent 2-by-2-inch passport-type photographs, a valid U.S. or territorial driver's license, and the $20 permit fee. A mailed AAA application must also include a photocopy of both sides of the driver's license.

AATA's online process requires a valid U.S. driver's license and a digital passport-style photograph. Its current published price is $20 for the permit, with an additional photo-image processing fee and shipping and handling.

The base IDP permit fee is $20

The current base permit fee published by both AAA and AATA is $20. The final amount can be higher depending on how you apply.

AAA may charge separately for passport photos, applicable tax, return mailing, or expedited delivery. AATA currently publishes additional photo-image processing and shipping charges. Because these add-ons vary by issuer and delivery option, the $20 figure should be treated as the permit fee rather than a guaranteed all-inclusive total.

AAA and AATA offer different application routes

Online application

The Department of State confirms that online applications are available through the authorized issuers. AAA currently offers an online process requiring a valid driver's license, a camera-capable device for the required images, and electronic payment. AATA also accepts online IDP applications using digital license images and a passport-style photograph.

The final IDP is a physical document. AATA expressly states that there is no digital version of its IDP and that authorities abroad recognize the physical document.

AAA branch application

Participating full-service AAA branches can issue an IDP in person. AAA states that qualifying branch applications can be completed the same day. IDP service may not be available at every branch, so verify availability before visiting.

AAA application by mail

AAA also accepts mailed applications. You must send the completed application, required passport photos, copies of both sides of your driver's license, the permit fee, and any required return-mailing amount or arrangement. Shipping time must be added to processing time.

Apply early enough for processing and delivery

Processing depends on the issuer and application channel. AAA currently states that online applications typically take five business days to process, excluding mailing time. Participating full-service branches can issue an IDP the same day.

AATA currently states that it generally processes IDPs within one to four days, with shipping transit time added afterward. Incomplete or incorrect documentation can cause additional delays.

Do not leave the application until the last moment if you need the permit for an international trip.

Do not request the permit too early

AAA's current application states that an IDP must have an effective date within six months of the application date. This allows travelers to apply ahead of departure while choosing an effective date reasonably close to the trip.

The permit is valid for one year. USAGov states that an IDP cannot be renewed; if you need another one after it expires, you must apply for a new permit.

Carry the IDP and your original driver's license together

An IDP is not a substitute for your domestic driver's license. USAGov, the Department of State, AAA, and AATA all instruct travelers to use the permit together with their valid U.S. license.

When you drive abroad, carry both your physical IDP and your valid U.S. driver's license. An IDP by itself does not grant driving privileges and is not valid for driving in the United States.

Check insurance and rental-car rules separately

An IDP solves only the driver's-license translation and recognition issue. It does not provide automobile insurance or guarantee that a rental company will rent you a vehicle.

The Department of State warns that U.S. auto insurance generally does not cover driving in other countries, although some policies may provide coverage in Canada or Mexico. Even when a policy applies abroad, it may not meet the destination's minimum coverage requirements.

Check your insurer and rental company's rules before departure, including minimum driver age, local license requirements, insurance, deposits, and any country-specific documents.

Avoid fake International Driving Permits

Do not purchase an alleged U.S. IDP from an issuer other than AAA or AATA. The Department of State specifically warns about websites selling fake permits and expensive so-called international driver's licenses.

A legitimate IDP is tied to your valid driver's license. It is not a replacement license, cannot create driving privileges you do not already have, and should not be represented as a stand-alone international driver's license.

Make sure your U.S. driver's license is current before you leave

Your IDP remains dependent on a valid underlying driver's license. If your state license has been lost or stolen before your trip, follow the appropriate state process to replace a lost or stolen driver's license before relying on an IDP abroad.

Common IDP mistakes to avoid

• Buying an IDP from a company other than AAA or AATA.
• Calling an IDP a replacement international driver's license and leaving the original U.S. license at home.
• Applying without a currently valid U.S. state or territorial driver's license.
• Assuming every country has the same IDP requirement instead of checking the destination's current rules.
• Waiting until immediately before departure and not allowing time for processing and shipping.
• Applying more than six months before the desired effective date under AAA's application rules.
• Assuming an IDP includes automobile insurance.
• Relying on a digital image of an IDP instead of carrying the recognized physical permit.