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URLhttps://www.tripsavvy.com/international-drivers-permit-468481
Last Crawled2026-04-13 05:52:36 (23 hours ago)
First Indexed2017-05-31 19:29:03 (8 years ago)
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Meta TitleHow to Get an International Drivers' License
Meta DescriptionIf you're planning on driving in another country, you will most likely need an International Driving Permit, which you can get in the U.S. from AAA.
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An International Driver's Permit (IDP) allows you to drive a vehicle in another country, as long as you also have a valid driver's license issued by your state. It is also recognized as a proper form of identification in over 175 countries and by many major car rental companies internationally. How long it takes to get an International Driver's Permit (sometimes incorrectly called an international driver's license) ranges from a day to a few weeks, depending on how you apply, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to drive on your international trip . In the United States, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues these permits.  TripSavvy Where to Get An International Driver Permit In the United States, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are issued only by the American Automobile Association . IDPs can be issued to anyone over 18 who has had a valid driver's license for six months or longer. They typically remain valid for one year or the expiration of your existing state driving license. It's essential to investigate an IDP before your trip and make sure you know the requirements. Go to AAA's site , print out the International Driving Permit application, complete all applicable fields, and submit it. Once you have the application completed, you can send it in via the mail or visit a local office; you'll also need two original passport-sized photos and a signed copy of your valid U.S. driver's license as well as $20 for the fee; ask about payment options. Tips to Getting and Using Your Permit AAA offices can process IDPs during your visit, but processing generally takes 10 to 15 business days if you send the application in. However, expedited services may be available to get your license within one or two business days for an additional fee. When applying, you'll need a computer and printer, a completed application, a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, two passport photos, and a check, money order, or credit card to complete the process. Remember to bring these with you if you're applying in person or enclose everything in an envelope if applying by mail. Do I Need an International Driving Permit? No, not every country requires an international driving permit. If you're only going to France, for example, you can rent a car with your U.S. license. In Spain, however, you need your U.S. license and your IDP. Always make sure to carry your valid U.S. driver's license when driving internationally, as your IDP is invalid without this accompanying proof of eligibility to drive. IDPs only translate government-issued licenses that are accepted in the U.S. You should also check the driving requirements and laws for the countries you will be driving in on your vacation, so you'll know what will be required in the event you get stopped by local authorities. Frequently Asked Questions You can obtain an International Driving Permit from the American Automobile Association (AAA). You must fill out an application and submit it alongside two original passport-sized photos, a signed copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, and an enclosed check for the fee. Getting an International Driving Permit at AAA can be done same-day; however, if you mail in your application, it can take 10-15 days to receive your permit. The IDP is recognized as a proper form of identification in over 175 countries, but must be carried alongside your valid driver's license.
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Kelly is a business travel writer, member of the American Society of Travel Writers, and author of two children's book series. [Travel's editorial guidelines](https://www.tripsavvy.com/about-us-4777100#toc-editorial-guidelines) Updated on November 7, 2024 ![Chapman Peak Pass, Cape Town](https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/PJSV_DICdOksK4zqtFiNPwL8VJY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/ChapmansPeakPass.CapePeninsulaSouthAfrica-5c40114dc9e77c00010a882a.jpg) ![Chapman Peak Pass, Cape Town](https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/PJSV_DICdOksK4zqtFiNPwL8VJY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/ChapmansPeakPass.CapePeninsulaSouthAfrica-5c40114dc9e77c00010a882a.jpg) Photo: Hougaard Malan / Getty Images An International Driver's Permit (IDP) allows you to drive a vehicle in another country, as long as you also have a valid driver's license issued by your state. It is also recognized as a proper form of identification in over 175 countries and by many major car rental companies internationally. How long it takes to get an International Driver's Permit (sometimes incorrectly called an international driver's license) ranges from a day to a few weeks, depending on how you apply, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to drive on your [international trip](https://www.tripsavvy.com/international-trip-preparation-tips-54499). In the United States, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues these permits. ![International Drivers Permit](https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/OJIQZ68qTpkCHFgo1mbAvswj0Ck=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/international-drivers-permit-468481-FINAL-5c3df8e7c9e77c00014ff7f8.png) ![International Drivers Permit](https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/OJIQZ68qTpkCHFgo1mbAvswj0Ck=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/international-drivers-permit-468481-FINAL-5c3df8e7c9e77c00014ff7f8.png) TripSavvy ## Where to Get An International Driver Permit In the United States, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are issued *only* by the [American Automobile Association](https://www.aaa.com/International/). IDPs can be issued to anyone over 18 who has had a valid driver's license for six months or longer. They typically remain valid for one year or the expiration of your existing state driving license. It's essential to investigate an IDP before your trip and make sure you know the requirements. [Go to AAA's site](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html), print out the International Driving Permit application, complete all applicable fields, and submit it. Once you have the application completed, you can send it in via the mail or visit a local office; you'll also need two original passport-sized photos and a signed copy of your valid U.S. driver's license as well as \$20 for the fee; ask about payment options. ## Tips to Getting and Using Your Permit AAA offices can process IDPs during your visit, but processing generally takes 10 to 15 business days if you send the application in. However, expedited services may be available to get your license within one or two business days for an additional fee. When applying, you'll need a computer and printer, a completed application, a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, two passport photos, and a check, money order, or credit card to complete the process. Remember to bring these with you if you're applying in person or enclose everything in an envelope if applying by mail. ## Do I Need an International Driving Permit? No, not every country requires an international driving permit. If you're only going to France, for example, you can rent a car with your U.S. license. In Spain, however, you need your U.S. license and your IDP. Always make sure to carry your valid U.S. driver's license when driving internationally, as your IDP is invalid without this accompanying proof of eligibility to drive. IDPs only translate government-issued licenses that are accepted in the U.S. You should also check the driving requirements and laws for the countries you will be driving in on your vacation, so you'll know what will be required in the event you get stopped by local authorities. ## Frequently Asked Questions - How do I get an International Driving Permit? You can obtain an International Driving Permit from the American Automobile Association (AAA). You must fill out an application and submit it alongside two original passport-sized photos, a signed copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, and an enclosed check for the fee. - How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit? Getting an International Driving Permit at AAA can be done same-day; however, if you mail in your application, it can take 10-15 days to receive your permit. - What countries accept the International Driving Permit? The IDP is recognized as a proper form of identification in over 175 countries, but must be carried alongside your valid driver's license. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! Tell us why\! Other ## Related Articles [![Amsterdam skyline with traditional Dutch houses during sunset, Holland, Netherlands](https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/hi2z82Kbi71pDfDPMedoyj-4YbQ=/282x188/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/amsterdam-skyline-with-traditional-dutch-houses-during-sunset--holland--netherlands-963914264-f42136b2ce074310a0d54ffa6f60dc05.jpg) ![Amsterdam skyline with traditional Dutch houses during sunset, Holland, Netherlands](https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/hi2z82Kbi71pDfDPMedoyj-4YbQ=/282x188/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/amsterdam-skyline-with-traditional-dutch-houses-during-sunset--holland--netherlands-963914264-f42136b2ce074310a0d54ffa6f60dc05.jpg) How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport?](https://www.tripsavvy.com/time-it-takes-to-recieve-a-passport-3150651) [![An RV heads down the George Parks Highway in Alaska on a fall 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Readable Markdown
An International Driver's Permit (IDP) allows you to drive a vehicle in another country, as long as you also have a valid driver's license issued by your state. It is also recognized as a proper form of identification in over 175 countries and by many major car rental companies internationally. How long it takes to get an International Driver's Permit (sometimes incorrectly called an international driver's license) ranges from a day to a few weeks, depending on how you apply, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to drive on your [international trip](https://www.tripsavvy.com/international-trip-preparation-tips-54499). In the United States, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues these permits. TripSavvy ## Where to Get An International Driver Permit In the United States, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are issued *only* by the [American Automobile Association](https://www.aaa.com/International/). IDPs can be issued to anyone over 18 who has had a valid driver's license for six months or longer. They typically remain valid for one year or the expiration of your existing state driving license. It's essential to investigate an IDP before your trip and make sure you know the requirements. [Go to AAA's site](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html), print out the International Driving Permit application, complete all applicable fields, and submit it. Once you have the application completed, you can send it in via the mail or visit a local office; you'll also need two original passport-sized photos and a signed copy of your valid U.S. driver's license as well as \$20 for the fee; ask about payment options. ## Tips to Getting and Using Your Permit AAA offices can process IDPs during your visit, but processing generally takes 10 to 15 business days if you send the application in. However, expedited services may be available to get your license within one or two business days for an additional fee. When applying, you'll need a computer and printer, a completed application, a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, two passport photos, and a check, money order, or credit card to complete the process. Remember to bring these with you if you're applying in person or enclose everything in an envelope if applying by mail. ## Do I Need an International Driving Permit? No, not every country requires an international driving permit. If you're only going to France, for example, you can rent a car with your U.S. license. In Spain, however, you need your U.S. license and your IDP. Always make sure to carry your valid U.S. driver's license when driving internationally, as your IDP is invalid without this accompanying proof of eligibility to drive. IDPs only translate government-issued licenses that are accepted in the U.S. You should also check the driving requirements and laws for the countries you will be driving in on your vacation, so you'll know what will be required in the event you get stopped by local authorities. ## Frequently Asked Questions - You can obtain an International Driving Permit from the American Automobile Association (AAA). You must fill out an application and submit it alongside two original passport-sized photos, a signed copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, and an enclosed check for the fee. - Getting an International Driving Permit at AAA can be done same-day; however, if you mail in your application, it can take 10-15 days to receive your permit. - The IDP is recognized as a proper form of identification in over 175 countries, but must be carried alongside your valid driver's license.
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