How to Obtain anInternational Driving Permit
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Why Get an International Driving Permit?
Driving Overseas?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) or an Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) allows the holder to drive a vehicle in any country or jurisdiction which recognizes the document and is held in conjunction with your U.S. driver's license. An IDP is an official translation of your US license.
Planning on Renting a Car?
An International Driving Permit is a requirement for renting a motor vehicle at many car rental locations. If stopped by the police, this recognizable form of identification can help you get on your way more quickly and can be helpful if you find yourself in need of identification or assistance. Valid in over 150 countries, the permit contains your name, photo, and driver information translated into ten languages.
Applicant Qualifications
- Must be 18 years or older
- Hold a valid US driver's license
- This service is open the public
What You Will Need
- Completion of an International / Inter-American Driving Permit application
- Two original passport pictures. For your convenience passport photo service is available at our AAA office locations. (Fees may apply.)
- A valid U.S. driver's license
Application Cost
- AAA Members/Non-Members: $20.00
- Permits are valid for one full year. Permits cannot be renewed, but you may reapply for a new permit.
Appointments recommended.Schedule an appointment today.
Processing Your Application: AAA Hoosier will process your application while you wait during normal business hours -- appointments encouraged. Simply print out the application, fill in the information requested and bring it with you to the AAA Hoosier location nearest you.
AAA is one of only two private entities in the U.S. authorized by the U.S. Department of State to officially issue an IDP. AAA issues IDP's to the public, you don't need to be a member to get an International Driving Permit from AAA.
Visit one of our 11 AAA Indiana branch locations.
- Avon
- Bloomington
- Carmel
- Clarksville
- Fishers
- Indianapolis: Allisonville Road, College Park, Greenwood/Southport
- Lafayette
- Muncie
- Terre Haute
If you prefer to secure your International Driving Permit through the mail, enclose your completed application form, two ORIGINAL passport-type photos each signed on the back, a $20 permit fee, and a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license, then mail them to the AAA office nearest you. Include additional U.S. funds for expedited return mail service, if desired. Visit USPS.com or DHL.com for rates.
NOTE: If you are currently overseas you can mail your completed application to the following address:
AAA/IDP
Attn: Mailstop #28
1000 AAA Dr.
Heathrow, FL 32746
*Funds must be in U.S. dollars. Acceptable forms of payment are U.S. personal check payable to AAA and these major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
How Do I Use My International Driving Permit? Your IDP must be used within six (6) months of the desired effective date. An IDP allows you to drive legally in 174 countries. It will not be recognized without your valid US driver's license. An IDP is not proof of driving knowledge or skill, which is why you must also have your driver's license with you. Your IDP does not entitle you to any additional benefits, discounts, privileges, or rights.
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International Driving Permit FAQs
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that provides important information from your driver’s license in eleven different languages, including English. This document came into existence by virtue of a treaty signed in 1949 by the United States and other foreign countries. As an official document, the IDP is recognized in over 150 countries today. Carried in conjunction with a regular drivers license, the IDP can help break down language barriers when traveling in non-English speaking countries. In addition, the IDP provides an additional source of identification. The $20 charge for an IDP is a small price to pay for such peace of mind.
There are some countries that do not recognize a drivers license from the United States, but officially recognize an IDP (e.g. Hungary). There are other countries that honor a United States drivers license, but require a local language translation (e.g. Spain). The IDP can satisfy these types of situations. Keep in mind, however, that while a certain country’s government may not require an IDP, car rental companies located in that country, such as Hertz, may require an IDP to rent a car. Purchasing an IDP prior to departure can save a lot of potential hassles.
NOTE: If you are living permanently in a foreign country, even though you may still hold a U.S. state issued driver's license, you must abide by local driver's licensing laws. Many countries require that you obtain a local license once you take up employment and/or residency.
The IDP does not hold any powers of its own apart from your drivers license, and therefore, you do not have a separate driving record with an IDP. The IDP is valid only when carried in conjunction with and acts as a translation of a drivers license. If you are traveling in a foreign country and were to be stopped by a law enforcement officer, your U.S. drivers license and IDP should be presented to the officer. If a citation is issued to you, it will be reflected on the driving record that is with your drivers license.
Does possession of the IDP/IADP along with my U. S. issued driver’s license override any local laws?
No, even though the IDP/IADP is valid for one year you must adhere to all local laws. For example, in many countries if you take up residence or employment you need to obtain a local license.
An IDP must be issued in the same country as the driver’s license of the traveler. Therefore, if someone from the United Kingdom has a U.K. driver’s license, their IDP must also be issued in the United Kingdom.
I have a U.S. driver’s license, but I am a citizen of another country. Where should I obtain an IDP?
The IDP must be issued in the same country as the driver’s license. In the case of a driver’s license being issued in the United States, the IDP must also be issued in the United States. Contact your nearest AAA office to obtain an IDP.
Each state has its own provisions for extending the validity of state driving licenses for active duty military. Though valid in a home state, an expired U.S. license held by active duty military may not be valid or acceptable in a foreign country per that country’s driving requirements. See DMV.org for state information on renewals, keeping in mind that an IDP is only a translation of the license, not a license to drive. Military applicants must understand the conditions under which an IDP is valid if insisting upon issuance of a permit against an expired U.S. license that may be considered valid in their home state until discharged from active duty.
NOTE: If a state DMV allows renewal online or by mail for active duty military personnel stationed out of state, applicants should renew their license prior to issuance of an IDP. Some states will issue a DL236 card to be presented with an expired license to extend the validity.
If you are overseas and have a valid U.S. drivers license, mail your application and passport photos to:
AA/IDP
1000 AAA Dr.
Heathrow, FL 32746
Attn: Mailstop #28
An IDP must be issued in the same country as the driver’s license of the traveler. Therefore, if someone from the United Kingdom has a U.K. driver’s license, their IDP must also be issued in the United Kingdom.
The International Driving Permit is valid for South America, EXCEPT Brazil and Uruguay. The Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) must be issued for those two countries.
Do Americans need an IDP in Canada or Mexico?
The short answer, is no. A U.S. driver’s license is considered valid by Canada and Mexico for visitors on short-term tourist trips.
U.S. auto insurance is also valid in Canada as long as you’re only visiting, but if you are driving your own vehicle into Mexico, you will need to buy Mexico liability auto insurance. The U.S. liability insurance you already have is invalid in Mexico.