An International Driving Permit translates your home license into a document other countries recognize

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign police that you hold a valid license at home. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that works alongside your actual license. Most countries that accept it require you to carry both your home license and the IDP together; the permit alone has no legal standing.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize licenses issued by other nations without proof of translation. A police officer in France or Japan cannot easily verify what your U.S. or Canadian license says. The IDP solves that by providing an official translation and a standardized format that border agents and police recognize across borders.

You obtain an IDP through your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not through an international body. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Canada issues them through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). The process is straightforward and takes days, not weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your home license; neither works alone in most countries that recognize the IDP.
  • You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association — in the U.S. through AAA or AATA, in Canada through CAA — not from an international office.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $30 depending on your country and the issuing organization, and is valid for one or three years depending on your age.
  • Not all countries require or recognize an IDP; some accept only your home license with a certified translation, while others accept neither.
  • An IDP does not give you permission to drive in another country — you still need to follow that country's traffic laws and insurance requirements.

Who issues an International Driving Permit and how to get one

In the United States, two organizations issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department. AAA is the larger and more widely available — you can visit a local AAA office or order online. AATA operates primarily through mail. The process is the same with either: you provide your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, and a completed process form.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs at provincial offices. You need your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and proof of your address. Processing takes a few business days in person or up to two weeks by mail.

The cost is modest. In the U.S., AAA charges around $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. AATA charges similarly. In Canada, CAA charges around $25 CAD for a one-year permit. These prices can shift, so confirm with the issuing organization before you explore.

You do not need an IDP before you travel — you can obtain one after you arrive home from a trip. However, if you plan to rent a car abroad, you should get one before you leave, because rental companies often ask for it at the counter and you cannot obtain one while traveling.

Which countries recognize an International Driving Permit

Most countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa recognize an IDP. This includes France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Brazil. However, recognition is not universal, and the rules change. Some countries accept an IDP but also require a certified translation of your home license in the local language. Others accept only your home license with a translation, and do not recognize the IDP at all.

The United Kingdom, Ireland, and several other countries do not recognize the IDP as a standalone document. They accept your home license if it is valid and in English, or they require a certified translation. Before you travel, check the specific rules for the country you plan to visit — contact its embassy or consulate, or check the government tourism website.

Car rental companies often have their own rules separate from the country's law. Some require an IDP even in countries that do not legally require one. Others will not rent to you without one. When you book a rental car, ask the company directly whether they require an IDP for your destination.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts

An IDP is valid for one year or three years, depending on your age and the issuing organization. In the United States, AAA issues one-year permits to anyone and three-year permits to drivers age 18 and older. AATA follows the same rule. In Canada, CAA issues one-year permits to drivers under 18 and three-year permits to drivers 18 and older.

The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. An expired IDP is not recognized by police or rental companies, so check the date before you travel. If your permit has expired and you plan to drive abroad, you will need to obtain a new one before you leave.

Your IDP is valid only while your home driver's license is also valid. If your home license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not reached its expiration date. Renew your home license first, then obtain a new IDP if you need one.

What an International Driving Permit does and does not do

An IDP confirms that you hold a valid driver's license in your home country and translates the key information into ten languages. It does not give you permission to drive in another country, and it does not override that country's traffic laws or insurance requirements. You still must follow local speed limits, traffic signs, and parking rules. You still must carry proof of insurance, which is a separate requirement from the IDP.

Police in another country use the IDP to verify that your license is legitimate and to understand what class of vehicle you are licensed to drive. Without it in countries that recognize it, a police officer cannot easily confirm your license is real, and you may face a fine or be unable to continue driving.

An IDP is not a visa, a work permit, or a residency document. It does not allow you to stay in a country longer than your passport allows, and it does not give you the right to work. It is solely a translation of your driving credentials.

International Driving Permit versus certified translation

Some countries accept a certified translation of your home license instead of an IDP. A certified translation is a document prepared by a professional translator and stamped by a notary or court to confirm accuracy. It is country-specific — a translation into French is useless in Japan — and you must obtain it before you travel.

An IDP is simpler because it is valid in many countries at once and requires no additional translation work. However, it is not accepted everywhere. If you are traveling to multiple countries, an IDP is usually more practical. If you are traveling to one country that does not recognize the IDP, a certified translation may be your only option.

Some travelers carry both: an IDP for countries that recognize it, and a certified translation for countries that do not. This approach covers the most ground, but it is more expensive and requires planning ahead.

What to bring when you drive in another country

Carry your home driver's license and your IDP together — neither is valid without the other in countries that recognize the IDP. Also carry your passport, proof of insurance, and the vehicle registration if you are renting a car. Some countries require an International Certificate of Motor Insurance (also called a Green Card), which proves your insurance is valid across borders. Your insurance company can issue one if you ask.

Keep a copy of your home address and emergency contact information written down, separate from your documents. If you are stopped by police and cannot communicate, this information helps them contact someone who can help you.

Do not laminate your IDP or your license. Many countries' police will not accept laminated documents because they cannot verify the security features. Carry them in a protective sleeve instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Most major rental companies require an IDP or will not rent to you without one, even in countries where the law does not require it. Check with your rental company when you book. If they require one and you do not have it, you will not be able to pick up the car.

Can I drive in the United States with an International Driving Permit from another country?

No. The United States recognizes only driver's licenses issued by U.S. states and territories. An IDP from another country has no legal standing in the U.S. You must have a valid U.S. state license to drive legally.

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

An expired IDP is not recognized by police or rental companies. If your permit expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive or rent a car. Plan your travel dates so your IDP does not expire while you are away, or obtain a new one before you leave.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license to drive in other countries?

No. An IDP is a translation document only. It does not give you permission to drive in another country. You must still follow that country's traffic laws, carry proof of insurance, and meet any other requirements the country sets. The IDP straightforward confirms your home license is valid.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my home license is suspended or expired?

No. Your home license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP. Renew or restore your home license first.