Learn About Getting an International Driver's License

What an International Driver's License Is and How It Works

An International Driver's License (IDL), also called an International Driving Permit (IDP), is a document that translates your current driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a replacement for your regular driver's license—you must carry both documents together when driving in foreign countries. The IDL contains your name, photo, signature, and driving information translated into ten different languages, making it easier for police officers and rental car companies in other countries to understand your driving credentials.

The International Driver's License was created through an agreement called the Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which most countries recognize. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 150 countries accept the International Driver's License. The document is small, resembles a booklet, and fits easily in a wallet or glove compartment. It typically remains valid for one to three years, depending on which country issues it and your age at the time of issuance.

The purpose of an International Driver's License is to bridge language barriers when you travel. A police officer in France or Japan can read your permit without language confusion. Car rental companies often require or prefer an IDL alongside your domestic license to reduce liability concerns. Some countries legally require you to carry one when renting a vehicle, while others simply recommend it as a precaution.

An International Driver's License does not grant you special driving privileges or exempt you from traffic laws in other countries. You must still follow all local traffic rules, speed limits, and regulations wherever you drive. The document merely confirms that you hold a valid driver's license in your home country and provides translation of that information.

Practical takeaway: Think of an International Driver's License as a translation tool, not a separate license. It must accompany your original domestic license at all times and serves mainly to help foreign authorities understand your driving status.

Where You Can Obtain an International Driver's License

In the United States, you can obtain an International Driver's License through two primary organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two agencies authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. AAA has over 1,000 locations across the country, making it the most accessible option for most Americans.

To get an International Driver's License from AAA, you typically visit a local AAA office in person. You bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed application form, and passport-sized photos (usually two 2x2-inch photos). You pay a processing fee, which as of 2024 ranges from approximately $20 to $30 for a one-year permit or $40 to $50 for a three-year permit. AAA members sometimes receive discounts on these fees. The process usually takes only a few minutes, and you receive your International Driver's License on the spot in most cases.

The AATA offers a similar service but has fewer physical locations than AAA. If you don't have a local AAA office nearby or prefer to handle the process differently, AATA may offer additional options. Some AATA services can be conducted by mail, which means you send your documents to their office and receive your International Driver's License by mail within a certain timeframe.

Outside the United States, procedures vary significantly by country. In Canada, you can obtain an International Driving Permit through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In the United Kingdom, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) issues International Driving Permits. In Australia, you can get one through the state-based roads and transport authorities. In many other countries, you visit your local motor vehicle department or equivalent government agency.

Practical takeaway: In the U.S., start by locating your nearest AAA office or visiting the AAA website to find the office closest to you. In other countries, contact your national motor vehicle authority or automobile association to learn their specific procedures.

Documentation and Requirements You'll Need

Before visiting an office to obtain an International Driver's License, gather the necessary documents. First, you need a current, valid driver's license from your home country. This license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. The International Driver's License is only a translation of your existing license, so if your domestic license has issues, you cannot obtain an International Driver's License until those issues are resolved.

You will need official identification documents, typically your passport. Most organizations require your passport because it provides a universally recognized proof of identity and citizenship. Some organizations may accept other forms of government-issued identification, but a passport is the most widely accepted document. Your passport must also be valid—expired passports usually are not sufficient.

Passport-sized photographs are required. The standard size is 2x2 inches (5x5 centimeters), and you typically need two copies. These photos must meet specific criteria: they should be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly against a light or neutral background, and show you without sunglasses or hats that obscure your face. Some photo studios understand these requirements, but it's worth confirming when you order the photos.

You will need to complete an application form. In the United States, AAA and AATA provide these forms at their offices or online. The form asks for basic information: your full name, date of birth, address, driver's license number, and similar details. You sign and date the form. If you are applying by mail, you complete the form at home before sending it in.

Finally, you need payment for the processing fee. As of 2024, fees in the United States range from $20 to $50, depending on the validity period you choose and any applicable discounts. Payment methods typically include cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some organizations may accept checks, but it's best to confirm accepted payment methods when you contact them.

Practical takeaway: Organize your documents before visiting an office: valid driver's license, valid passport, two recent passport-sized photos, and payment method. This preparation ensures the process moves quickly without delays.

How Long Your International Driver's License Is Valid

The validity period for an International Driver's License depends on your age and which validity option you choose at the time of issuance. In the United States through AAA, you typically have two choices: a one-year permit or a three-year permit. A one-year permit costs less but needs renewal sooner. A three-year permit costs more upfront but covers a longer travel period, making it more economical if you travel internationally regularly over that timeframe.

Age matters for validity. If you are under 18 years old when you obtain the International Driver's License, your permit is typically valid only until your 18th birthday or for a shorter period. If you are 18 or older, the full validity period applies. This age restriction exists because International Driver's Licenses are linked to your domestic driver's license, and many countries have different age requirements for driving.

Your International Driver's License expires on a specific date printed on the document itself. You cannot use it for international driving after that expiration date. The document is only valid when accompanied by your original domestic driver's license. If your domestic driver's license expires before your International Driver's License, the entire set becomes invalid because the translation is tied to the original license.

In countries outside the United States, validity periods vary. Some countries issue International Driving Permits valid for one year, while others offer three-year or even five-year options. A few countries issue permits based on your age and license type, with validity periods ranging from one to five years. Before traveling, check the issuing organization's rules for your specific country.

Planning ahead is important. If you are taking a trip in two years and your International Driver's License expires in 18 months, you should renew it before your trip. Renewal typically follows the same process as the initial issuance: you gather your documents, complete a form, provide new photos, and pay the fee. Many people renew their permits a few months before the expiration date to avoid any timing issues with international travel plans.

Practical takeaway: Check the expiration date on your International Driver's License and plan renewals accordingly. If you travel internationally several times per year, a three-year permit often provides better value than repeatedly renewing annual permits.

What Information the International Driver's License Contains

An International Driver's License contains specific information designed to verify your identity and driving status to foreign