How to Get an International Driving Permit 2026: Complete Application Guide for US Drivers

If you are planning to drive abroadâ€"whether for a European road trip, a business trip to Japan, or a vacation through the Italian countrysideâ€"you have likely encountered the term International Driving Permit. Despite how the phrase sounds, an IDP is not a driver license, not an international license, and not something you can get at the DMV. Confusion about what an IDP actually is, who issues it, and which countries require it leads many US travelers to show up at rental car counters unprepared, only to be turned away. This guide clears up every misconception, walks you through the application process step by step, and answers the most common questions American drivers have about driving abroad. All information is current as of 2026.

What an International Driving Permit Actually Is (and What It Is Not)

The most important thing to understand about an International Driving Permit is what it is not. Misunderstanding this single point is the source of nearly every IDP-related problem US travelers encounter.

What an IDP Is

• A translation document that converts your US driver license information into 10 languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, and Swedish.
• A supplement to your US license. You must carry both the IDP and your physical US driver license. The IDP alone has no legal standing.
• Recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
• Issued exclusively by AAA and AATA in the United States, as authorized by the US Department of State.
• A booklet roughly the size of a passport, containing your photo, personal details, and translations of your driving credentials.
• Valid for one year from the date of issue (not from the date you start traveling).

What an IDP Is NOT

• NOT a driver license. It does not grant you driving privileges. It only translates the privileges you already have through your US state-issued license.
• NOT a replacement for your US license. If your US license is suspended, revoked, or expired, the IDP is void.
• NOT issued by the DMV. The Department of Motor Vehicles in any US state cannot issue an IDP. Walking into a DMV office and asking for one will be met with confused looks.
• NOT an "international driver's license." This term is a misnomer. Any company advertising an "international driver's license" online is selling something unofficial and likely fraudulent.
• NOT renewable. When your IDP expires after one year, you must submit an entirely new application. There is no renewal process.
• NOT valid in the country where your underlying license was issued (meaning you cannot use an IDP for driving within the United States).

Countries That Require an IDP for US Drivers

Whether you need an IDP depends entirely on where you are going. Some countries explicitly require an IDP for US drivers, some strongly recommend one, and others accept a US license on its own. The table below covers the most common destinations for American travelers.

Important: Even in countries where an IDP is not legally required, rental car companies may impose their own IDP requirements. Hertz in Italy, for example, requires an IDP regardless of what Italian law technically permits. Always check with your specific rental agency before booking.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step IDP Application Process

Applying for an International Driving Permit is straightforward. There is no test, no interview, and no appointment required. Here is everything you need to do, organized step by step.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You are eligible for a US-issued IDP if you meet all of these criteria:

• You hold a valid, unexpired US driver license issued by any US state or territory.
• Your US license is not suspended, revoked, or restricted in a way that would prevent you from driving.
• You are at least 18 years old.
• You are a permanent resident of the United States (the IDP system is designed for US license holders).

If you hold a foreign driver license and are currently in the United States, you cannot obtain a US-issued IDP. You must apply for an IDP in the country that issued your license.

Step 2: Download and Complete the Application Form

Both AAA and AATA provide the application form on their websites. You can either download and print it at home or pick up a physical form at any AAA branch office. The form asks for basic information: your full name, address, date of birth, country or countries you plan to visit, and your US driver license number. The form is a single page and takes about five minutes to complete.

Step 3: Get Two Passport-Sized Photos

You must submit two identical, recent passport-type photographs. The specifications are the same as a US passport photo:

• 2 inches by 2 inches in size.
• Color photograph with a plain white or off-white background.
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
• Full face, front view with a neutral expression.
• No glasses (as of 2016, the US State Department no longer allows glasses in passport photos, and this applies to IDP photos as well).
• No hats, head coverings, or uniforms (religious head coverings are permitted with proper documentation).

You can get passport photos at AAA offices themselves (many branches offer photo services for a fee of approximately $10–$15 for members and $15–$20 for non-members), as well as at Walgreens, CVS, FedEx Office, UPS Stores, and the post office.

Step 4: Prepare the $20 Fee

The IDP application fee is $20. This is a fixed amount set by the issuing organizations under their agreement with the US Department of State. AAA accepts cash, check, money order, and major credit cards at branch offices. AATA accepts payment by check or money order if applying by mail. Some AAA offices may waive the fee for AAA Premier members, though this varies by regional club.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

You have two submission options, depending on which organization you use:

AAA (American Automobile Association):

• In person at a AAA branch: Bring your completed application, two passport photos, your valid US driver license, and the $20 fee. The IDP is issued on the spot, typically within 15 to 30 minutes. This is the fastest method and is available at most AAA full-service branches. You do not need to be a AAA member to apply, although members may receive faster service or fee waivers at some locations.
• By mail: Mail your completed application, two passport photos, a photocopy of both sides of your US driver license, and a $20 check or money order to your local AAA club. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return delivery. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing by mail, though in practice many AAA offices process mail applications within 10 to 14 business days.

AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance):

• By mail only: AATA does not have walk-in offices. Mail your completed application, two passport photos, a photocopy of both sides of your US driver license, and a $20 check or money order payable to AATA to their processing address. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return delivery. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing.

Step 6: Receive Your IDP

If you applied in person at AAA, you walk out with your IDP the same day. If you applied by mail through either AAA or AATA, the IDP arrives by mail in the return envelope you provided. It is a small paper booklet (slightly larger than a passport) with a laminated cover, containing pages of translations and your photo and personal details.

AAA vs. AATA: Which Should You Choose?

Both AAA and AATA are authorized by the US Department of State to issue International Driving Permits. Either one produces a legally identical, internationally recognized IDP. The differences come down to convenience and processing speed.

For most US travelers, AAA is the practical choice. With over 1,000 branch offices across the country, there is likely a AAA location within driving distance. The ability to walk in and leave with a completed IDP in under an hour makes AAA the go-to option, especially if your departure date is approaching.

Common Mistakes When Applying for an IDP

Avoid these frequent errors that delay or derail IDP applications.

1. Going to the DMV. This is the single most common mistake. The DMV does not issue International Driving Permits. Only AAA and AATA do. Every year, countless travelers waste hours at DMV offices only to learn this.
2. Forgetting passport photos. Your application will be rejected without two proper passport-style photos. Selfies, cropped driver license photos, and photos printed on regular paper will not be accepted. The photos must meet official passport photo specifications.
3. Applying too early. The IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, not from the date you start traveling. If you apply six months before your trip, your IDP will have only six months of validity remaining during your travels. For extended trips or multiple trips within a year, aim to apply 2 to 4 weeks before your first departure date, or use in-person AAA service if you need it faster.
4. Applying too late. If you apply by mail four days before your flight, you will not receive your IDP in time. Use in-person AAA service for last-minute applications, or apply by mail at least a month before you leave.
5. Believing you can get an IDP overseas. A US-issued IDP must be obtained before you leave the United States. You cannot apply for a US IDP once you are abroad. If you arrive in a country that requires an IDP without one, you will not be able to rent a car or drive legally until you return to the US to obtain one.
6. Falling for "International Driver's License" scams. Websites offering to sell you an "International Driver's License" online for inflated prices (often $50–$200) are selling unofficial documents with no legal validity. These unauthorized sellers exploit the confusion between an IDP and a driver license. Only AAA and AATA issue legitimate IDPs in the United States.
7. Assuming your US license is enough everywhere. In countries that legally require an IDP (such as Japan, Italy, Spain, and South Korea), driving with only a US license is considered driving without a valid license. This can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and denial of insurance coverage in an accident.

Driving Abroad: Essential Tips for IDP Holders

Once you have your International Driving Permit in hand, follow these practical tips to ensure a smooth experience on the road abroad.

• Always carry both documents. Keep your IDP and your US driver license together at all times when driving. If a police officer or rental agent asks for your license, present both. The IDP on its own is not valid without the underlying license.
• Check country-specific driving laws. The IDP handles the translation of your license, but it does not exempt you from local driving laws. Many countries have rules US drivers are not used to: mandatory reflective vests and warning triangles in your vehicle (required throughout most of Europe), low-emission zone stickers in cities like London and Paris, winter tire requirements in Germany and Austria during certain months, different blood-alcohol limits (often lower than US limits), and toll vignette requirements on highways in Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
• Understand your rental car insurance. Your US auto insurance policy and credit card rental coverage may not extend to all countries. Verify coverage before you leave. Consider purchasing a separate international rental car insurance policy if your existing coverage has gaps. In many countries, rental rates include basic liability insurance by law, but collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage is often an add-on.
• Research road signs and rules. While the IDP translates your driver credentials, it does not translate road signs or teach you local driving customs. Study international road sign conventions before your trip. Most countries follow either the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals or a similar system that differs considerably from US signage.
• Check if you need a translation beyond the IDP. A few countries (including China, Vietnam, and some Middle Eastern nations) do not recognize the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. Instead, they may require a locally issued temporary driving permit or a certified translation of your US license processed through their own system. Research your specific destination thoroughly.
• Carry your passport too. When driving abroad, you should have your passport with you in addition to your IDP and license. Many countries require foreign visitors to carry identification at all times, and your driver license is not accepted as a form of ID outside the US.
• Photocopy everything. Make copies of your US driver license (front and back), your IDP, your passport data page, and your rental agreement. Store the copies separately from the originals—ideally in your luggage or hotel safe, with digital copies in a secure cloud folder.

IDP Validity and Expiration Rules

An International Driving Permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issuance. The expiration date is printed on the IDP itself. There are several important rules to understand about this validity period:

• The one-year countdown starts on the issue date, not on your travel date. If you apply on June 1, 2026, your IDP is valid until May 31, 2027. If your trip runs from August 1 to August 21, 2026, you do not get a full year starting in August. You get only the time remaining from the original June issue date.
• IDPs are not renewable. When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it. You must submit a brand-new application with fresh photos, a new fee, and your still-valid US driver license. The process is identical to your original application.
• Your IDP is only valid as long as your US license is valid. If your underlying US driver license expires, is suspended, or is revoked during the IDP's validity period, the IDP becomes void immediately, even if the IDP's printed expiration date has not yet passed.
• Some countries impose their own time limits. Even though the IDP itself is valid for one year, individual countries may limit how long a foreign visitor can drive. For example, Italy allows US visitors to drive on an IDP for up to one year, while some other EU countries may limit foreign driving privileges to 6 months from the date of entry. Check country-specific rules for longer stays.

What About the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP?

The world has two competing international driving permit treaties: the 1949 Geneva Convention (the one the United States recognizes and issues under) and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which updated the standards. The United States is not a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, which means the US does not issue Vienna-format IDPs. However, all countries that are parties to the Vienna Convention also recognize the older 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, so the US-issued IDP is accepted worldwide in practice. The main difference is that a Vienna IDP is valid for three years, whereas the Geneva IDP is valid for one year.

A small number of countries (notably Brazil and several African nations) are parties only to the 1968 Vienna Convention and technically do not recognize the 1949 Geneva IDP. In practice, US travelers report being able to drive in these countries with a US license and AAA-issued IDP, but the legal situation is ambiguous. If you plan to drive in a country that only recognizes the Vienna Convention, consult with the country's embassy or consulate for current guidance before departing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: AAA (American Automobile Association, aaa.com), AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance), US Department of State travel guidance, 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. All information reflects 2026 regulations and requirements.