Drive Abroad Confidently with an AAA International Driving Permit

Article summary:

Planning to drive abroad with a U.S. driver’s license? An International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA is essential. Recognized in over 150 countries, the IDP translates your license into 10 languages and supplements your U.S. license—it does not replace it.

Why you need an IDP:

• Required by law in countries such as Japan, Italy, Austria and Spain
• Recommended in destinations like France, Germany, Australia, Costa Rica and Mexico for smoother rentals and police interactions
• Serves as valid secondary identification overseas
• Helps manage emergencies, accidents and traffic stops quickly

Getting an IDP is quick and affordable: apply in person, online, or by mail for $20. Each permit is valid for one year and can be used multiple times. Avoid rental complications and travel stress with an AAA International Driving Permit.

Imagine landing in Rome and heading to the rental car counter with your U.S. driver’s license and passport. The agent tells you, “I'm sorry, but we can't rent to you without an International Driving Permit (IDP).”

This scenario happens more often than travelers expect. Mini Burt, AAA Travel Agent, has seen it countless times. “One day I got a call from a member in Rome trying to rent a car. He asked me to email him his IDP,” she recalls. “I told him an IDP is a book and cannot be scanned or emailed. When he returned to the U.S., he said the rental company charged him twice for not having an IDP and he had to sign a waiver.”

Do you need an IDP? Requirements vary by country. Some nations legally require one, while others strongly recommend it. As an authorized provider by the U.S. Department of State, AAA makes getting your International Driving Permit easy—so for just $20, you can avoid a mistake that could derail your trip.

What is an International Driving Permit?

Although some people refer to it as an International Driver’s License, the correct term is International Driving Permit or IDP.

“A U.S. driver’s license is an official card to show government identification and has important validation to drive or conduct government activities,” Burt explains. “An International Driving Permit is permission to do activities with conditions.”

An IDP cannot stand alone—it supplements a driver’s license and does not replace it. The permit is an official booklet that translates your name, photo and driver information into 10 languages. It’s valid in more than 150 countries.

Here’s another important point travelers often miss: AAA is one of only two agencies authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue legitimate IDPs. “If you see a company or website offering IDP service, that is definitely a scam,” Burt warns. Fraudulent websites may charge $100 or more, while a legitimate IDP from AAA costs just $20.

And Many travelers also mistakenly believe an IDP serves as insurance. “Some think an IDP is the same as car insurance, but that is incorrect,” Burt clarifies. “Travelers must check with their insurance company about international coverage, which has nothing to do with an IDP.”

Allianz Travel Insurance offers comprehensive international coverage, including rental car protection for accidents or mishaps, emergency medical care and 24/7 assistance to keep you safe and supported while traveling abroad.

Where you need an International Driving Permit and why it matters

While some countries merely recommend an International Driving Permit, others require it by law with costly consequences for travelers who skip this simple step.

Japan takes the toughest stance, levying fines up to 500,000 yen (about $3,500) for drivers caught without a valid IDP. Italy, Austria and Spain also legally mandate the permit, with Italian authorities known to escalate fines and penalties dramatically after accidents, according to travel expert Burt. Austria requires an IDP if your license isn't in German and Spain demands either an IDP or official translation of your domestic license for non-EU drivers — the permit is easier and cheaper.

Even in countries where IDPs aren't legally required, they're often practically necessary. France doesn't always mandate one by law, but most rental companies do. Germany, Australia, Costa Rica and Mexico all benefit from having an IDP to smooth interactions with police and rental agencies. In Costa Rica, lacking an IDP can trigger higher deposit requirements or steeper penalties. Australia's rules vary by state, but most rental companies require the document regardless. Canada and Mexico allow short-term driving without one — you can travel up to 300 miles into Mexico with just a U.S. license — but longer trips warrant the investment. "The benefits of having an IDP usually mean you pay the least expensive cost," Burt said. "The complications of not having one can mean higher costs or being denied a rental." 

Why carrying an IDP is always a smart move

If you’re thinking about driving abroad with a U.S. license, why get an IDP? Beyond legal compliance, an IDP provides practical benefits that can make or break your travel experience.

Rental companies often enforce stricter requirements than local governments. "It depends on the government of that country and rental car business practices," Burt said. "Some businesses are aggressive and some are reluctant to lose customers." Her advice: Buy an IDP for peace of mind before traveling.

Emergency situations also become easier to manage with an IDP. Burt recalls a stressful example: “One client got sick in Athens and had to leave the car when he went in an ambulance to the hospital. The police called the rental company to pick up the car after he showed his IDP.” In medical emergencies, accidents or unexpected situations, an IDP helps local authorities verify your identity and credentials quickly.

Your IDP serves as valid secondary identification recognized in more than 150 countries. “In Asia, some countries may not recognize it, but if you show an IDP with United States of America on the cover, it can ease the process if you get a traffic ticket,” Burt says.

Peace of mind at police checkpoints shouldn’t be underestimated. An IDP allows officers to read your credentials in their language, reducing confusion during traffic stops and helping with violations and fines.

How to get an International Driving Permit

Getting an IDP from AAA is simple, but timing and documentation matter:

• In-person: Apply at a AAA branch for same-day service. “You typically get it in 15-20 minutes and the book will be handwritten,” Burt explains. Bring a completed application form, two passport-sized photos (2 x 2 inches), your U.S. driver’s license and $20.
• Online or mail: Applying online or via mail is another option. Allow one to two weeks to receive your IDP. Burt reminds travelers to sign the book before traveling.

Requirements:

• Your U.S. driver’s license must be valid for at least six months from the IDP issue date. “The most common mistake is not checking expiration dates,” Burt warns. “We asked one client to renew her license first, then come back.”
• IDPs cannot be issued more than six months before travel, but Burt confirms, “We can issue an IDP the day before travel.”
• You must be at least 18 to apply for an IDP.
• Each IDP is valid for one year and can be used multiple times within that year.
• You don’t need to be a AAA Member, though membership provides other benefits. Secondary drivers also need their own IDP.

Some countries do not recognize U.S. IDPs, including Brazil, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Mongolia, Nigeria, North Korea, China, South Sudan and Somalia. Always verify requirements for your specific destination before traveling.

Don’t leave home without it

The bottom line is simple: Whether legally required or recommended, an International Driving Permit is one of the smartest $20 investments before international travel. It prevents rental complications, reduces stress at police checkpoints, provides emergency identification and ensures you’re prepared to drive abroad.

“We offer IDPs even when travelers aren’t planning to rent a car,” Burt explains, “because plans sometimes change overseas.”

Before heading abroad, visit your local AAA branch or apply by mail or online to get your IDP. It’s quick, affordable and gives peace of mind wherever the road takes you. And when you book your rental car through AAA, explore exclusive member discounts for additional savings and benefits.