An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your US driver's license into several languages, recognized under international road traffic conventions. In the United States, the State Department authorizes only two organizations to issue it: AAA (the American Automobile Association) and AATA (the American Automobile Touring Alliance). An IDP is valid for one year, cannot be renewed, and never replaces your license: you must carry both. US embassies and consulates do not issue IDPs, and many countries (Japan among them) cannot issue one to you on arrival, so get it from AAA or AATA before you leave.
What an IDP is, and what it is not
An IDP is a small booklet that repeats the details of your license (your name, photo and the classes of vehicle you may drive) in a standard format and in multiple languages. Police and rental companies abroad use it to read a license they would otherwise not understand.
It is not a license by itself. On its own it lets you drive nothing; with your valid US license it shows you are licensed. It is also not something a US driver can use at home: it is for driving outside the country that issued your license.
Who can issue one in the US
The State Department has designated AAA and AATA as the only authorized distributors of IDPs for US license holders.
- AAA accepts applications at AAA offices, online and by mail.
- AATA takes applications online, with a passport photo and a copy of your US driver's license.
Both charge a fee for the permit; check the current amount on their own sites. If you apply by mail or online, allow time for processing and shipping, and longer if you live overseas.
Watch out for fake "international driver's licenses"
The State Department and USA.gov both warn that many websites sell fake international driving documents. Signs of a scam:
- The seller is not AAA or AATA.
- It offers an "international driver's license" valid for several years. A genuine IDP issued in the US lasts one year.
- It says the document replaces a license, or that you do not need a license to get one.
- It offers a printable or digital-only version.
A fake permit can leave you uninsured after an accident, fined, or refused a rental car. Some countries are explicit: the US Embassy in Japan says permits from internet sellers or organizations other than AAA and AATA are not valid in Japan.
Which countries require an IDP
There is no single global list. Some countries accept a US license on its own for visitors, some require an IDP alongside it, and rules can differ again for rental companies and insurers. The State Department's advice is to check the "Travel and Transportation" section of each country's page on travel.state.gov, and the destination's embassy.
Examples from official US sources:
- Japan: the US Embassy in Japan says visitors need both a valid US license and an IDP, a US license alone is not enough, and the IDP must be obtained in the US before you arrive. Only permits from AAA or AATA are accepted. See our Japan entry requirements guide for the rest of your pre-trip checklist.
- Greece: the State Department notes that insurers may require both a valid US license and an IDP for your cover to be valid.
- Canada and Mexico: USA.gov says US citizens do not need an IDP to drive in either country. Our Mexico entry requirements guide covers what you do need.
Even where the law does not require one, a rental company may still ask for it at the counter, and having it can make a police stop much simpler. Because it is inexpensive and quick to get, many travelers carry one for any country where English is not the main language.
How to apply
- Check your license. You need a valid US driver's license. If your license expires during the trip, renew it first, because the IDP is only valid while your license is.
- Get passport-style photos as the issuer specifies (AATA asks for a passport photo with the online application).
- Fill in the application from AAA or AATA, signed, with a copy of the front and back of your license.
- Pay the fee and submit in person, by mail or online.
- Check the dates. The permit runs for one year from its start date, and issuers generally will not date it more than about six months ahead. Pick a start date that covers your whole trip.
Driving abroad: a few practical points
- Carry both documents every time you drive, plus your passport where local police expect ID.
- Know which side of the road traffic drives on. Japan, the UK, Ireland and Australia drive on the left.
- Check your insurance. Your US auto policy may not cover you abroad; ask your insurer. Read the rental company's cover and your credit card's rental benefit, and see our guide to travel insurance for international trips.
- Long stays are different. An IDP is for visitors. If you move abroad, most countries expect you to get a local license within a set period; in Japan, for example, foreign residents must get a Japanese license after 12 months.
Planning the trip
If you are flying in and driving out of the city, compare airports carefully: renting at a large hub usually gives you more choice of companies and car sizes. You can browse destinations or start from flights to Tokyo Narita, and our carry-on packing guide helps if you want to skip the bag carousel and get to the rental desk sooner.
