I’ve rented cars in 20+ countries since 2018. I’ve been required to show an International Driving Permit four times, asked about it eleven other times, and never been required to have one in countries that supposedly required it. Here’s how IDPs actually work for Americans.
The TL;DR
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your US driver’s license into 10 languages. It’s NOT a license. It must always be carried with your actual US driver’s license.
Get it from AAA or AATA for $20. It takes 15 minutes in person, 7-10 days by mail. Valid for 12 months. Most US travelers carry one on every international trip even when not strictly required because rental car agents sometimes refuse to rent without one.
What an IDP actually is
An IDP is a document established by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention. It’s basically a piece of paper that says “this person has a valid driver’s license in their home country” in multiple languages.
Key facts:
- Only valid alongside your actual US driver’s license (carry both together)
- Valid for 12 months from issue date
- Issued ONLY by AAA or AATA in the US (anyone else is a scam — see below)
- Costs $20
- You can apply by mail or in person
- Cannot be issued by US embassies abroad
Which countries actually require an IDP for Americans?
This is more complex than most guides admit. There are countries that:
- Officially require an IDP by law (and enforce it)
- Officially require an IDP but rarely enforce
- Don’t officially require one but rental car companies demand it
- Don’t require or care
Countries that strictly require IDP (and enforce)
Asia: Japan, South Korea, Cambodia (occasionally), Mongolia, Bhutan, India (most states)
Middle East: United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Israel, Saudi Arabia
Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa
Europe: Italy (heavily enforced 2023+), Greece, Cyprus, Czech Republic
Americas: Honduras, Costa Rica (for stays over 3 months)
Countries where rental car companies require IDP
Even where IDP isn’t legally required, many car rental companies insist on it. Particularly:
- Hertz, Avis, Sixt in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, France
- European Sixt locations almost always
- Thrifty, Dollar at most international locations
If you don’t bring an IDP, the agent has discretion to refuse the rental. You’ll have already paid; getting refunded is nearly impossible.
Countries where IDP isn’t really needed
Most of the rest. Specifically Mexico, most of Canada, most of Western Europe (UK, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria), most of Eastern Europe outside Czech Republic, Australia, New Zealand for short rentals.
Pro tip: Even if your destination doesn’t technically require IDP, just get one. $20 + 15 minutes vs the risk of being turned away at the rental counter after 14 hours of flying.
How to get an IDP (real process)
Step 1: Pick AAA or AATA
Only two entities can legally issue IDPs in the US:
– AAA (American Automobile Association): aaa.com — has more physical offices, often faster
– AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance): aata.com — smaller, mail-only
Both cost $20. AAA is the more common choice for time-sensitive applications.
Step 2: Gather required documents
For both AAA and AATA:
- Photocopy of your valid US driver’s license (front and back)
- Two original passport-size photos (1.5×1.75 inch)
- Completed IDP application form (download from AAA/AATA website)
- $20 fee (check, money order, or in-person card payment)
The photo requirement trips people up. Walgreens or CVS passport photos work. Standard US passport photos are slightly larger but accepted at AAA offices in my experience.
Step 3: Apply
In person at AAA: Walk in. Most AAA offices issue same-day. Takes 15-30 minutes. Bring all documents above.
By mail (AAA): 4-6 weeks typically. Expedited: 7-10 business days for additional fee.
By mail (AATA): 7-15 business days. Mail-only — no in-person option.
The IDP scams to avoid
Searching “International Driving Permit” online produces dozens of websites claiming to issue them. Most are scams. Only AAA and AATA are legitimate US issuers.
Red flags for scam sites:
- Charges $40-200 (real cost: $20)
- Claims you can get one in 60 seconds online
- Offers “International Driver’s License” (this doesn’t exist — it’s a Permit, not a License)
- Claims it’s valid for 1, 3, or 10 years (real IDPs are valid 12 months max)
- Domains like “internationaldrivingpermit.org” or “ida-permit.com” — not legit issuers
Scam IDPs may look real but are not honored by police or rental agencies. You’re out the money and still don’t have an IDP.
How to actually use your IDP
At the rental car counter
Hand over: (1) your US driver’s license, (2) your IDP, (3) credit card. The rental agent may or may not look at the IDP — either way, you’ve covered yourself.
If stopped by police abroad
Hand over: (1) US driver’s license, (2) IDP. Police look at both. The IDP translates your license into local language. They process you faster than just with the US license.
If you get a ticket
The ticket goes to your US license. Some countries notify your state DMV automatically (Italy is aggressive about this). Most don’t. Pay the ticket via the issuing country’s process if asked — fighting it from the US is usually pointless.
IDP doesn’t cover everything
Common misconception: IDP makes you legal to drive anywhere. Wrong. The IDP only converts your existing license. If you can only drive automatic transmission in the US, you can only drive automatic abroad (rental agents check).
Things the IDP doesn’t include:
- Doesn’t extend driving privileges (if your US license is suspended, the IDP doesn’t help)
- Doesn’t authorize commercial driving (CDL drivers need different documentation)
- Doesn’t include motorcycles (must have motorcycle endorsement on US license)
- Doesn’t authorize driving rental cars to neighboring countries (need separate insurance documents)
The rental car insurance maze
While we’re on car rentals abroad, here’s the insurance situation:
What your US auto insurance covers abroad
Usually nothing. Most US auto policies don’t cover rentals outside the US (Mexico, Canada partial exception). Verify with your insurance company.
What your credit card covers
Many travel credit cards (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) include primary collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage at most international rental locations. Specifically:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve: Primary CDW at international destinations (except Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, certain other countries)
- Amex Platinum: Pay separately for Premium Car Rental Protection ($24.95/rental)
- Capital One Venture X: Secondary CDW (less valuable than primary)
To use credit card coverage: book the rental WITH that credit card AND decline the rental agency’s CDW at the counter. Save the rental contract.
What the rental company sells (often a scam)
Rental car CDW from Hertz/Avis/etc. at the counter: $20-40 per day. Adds up fast. Usually unnecessary if your credit card has primary coverage.
The exception: some countries require you to buy CDW from the agency regardless of credit card coverage. Italy is the most common example.
FAQs
Do Americans need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on the country. Strictly required: Japan, South Korea, UAE, Israel, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Honduras. Strongly recommended: most of Europe, most of Africa, most of Asia. Not needed: UK, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand for short rentals.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
In-person at AAA: 15-30 minutes (same-day issue). By mail through AAA: 4-6 weeks standard, 7-10 business days expedited. By mail through AATA: 7-15 business days.
Where can I get an International Driving Permit?
Only two entities in the US can issue legitimate IDPs: AAA (American Automobile Association) and AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance). Anyone else online is a scam. Cost is $20 from either organization.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
12 months from the issue date. After that, you need a new one. The IDP cannot be renewed – you apply for a new one each year if needed.
Can I get an IDP if I’m already traveling abroad?
No. The IDP must be obtained in your home country before you depart. US embassies cannot issue IDPs. If you arrive at a destination without one when required, you may need to use public transit or hire drivers until you can return home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on the country. Strictly required: Japan, South Korea, UAE, Israel, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Honduras. Strongly recommended by rental car agencies: most of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Not needed: UK, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand for short rentals.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
In person at AAA: 15-30 minutes (same-day issuance). By mail through AAA: 4-6 weeks standard, 7-10 business days expedited. By mail through AATA: 7-15 business days. Plan ahead – don’t wait until the week of your trip.
Where can I get an International Driving Permit in the US?
Only two entities legally issue IDPs in the US: AAA (American Automobile Association) and AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance). Cost is $20 from either organization. Any other website charging for IDPs is a scam – their permits aren’t honored by police or rental agencies abroad.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
12 months from the issue date. The IDP cannot be renewed – you apply for a new one each year if needed for travel. It must be carried alongside your US driver’s license to be valid – it’s a translation, not a standalone license.
Can I get an IDP if I’m already traveling abroad?
No. The IDP must be obtained in your home country before you depart. US embassies abroad cannot issue IDPs. If you arrive at a destination without one when required, you may need to use public transit, hire drivers, or wait until you can return home to apply.