FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

International Driving Permits are a recognizable form of identification which can help you communicate with foreign authorities. The IDP provides an official translation of your U.S. driver’s license into 9 foreign languages and is acknowledged as valid identification in 174 countries around the world. IDPs are not a replacement for your U.S. license, but should be used as a supplement to it. Experienced travelers always carry the International Driving Permit while traveling outside the USA.
Although many foreign countries do not recognize U.S. driver licenses when presented alone, most countries do recognize and accept a valid International Driving Permit. While the IDP is not valid or required for driving within the United States, one is needed for travel of more than 50 miles into Canada or 300 miles into Mexico. Whether driving your own car, a rental, or someone else’s vehicle while abroad, it's useful to have the peace of mind an IDP provides.
Issuance of International Driving Permits are restricted to persons 18 years and older who hold a valid U.S. driver's license. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid for at least 6 months past the issuance date of the IDP. We do not issue IDPs for those that carry a foreign driver's license. Please contact the foreign agency that issued your foreign driver's license for more information on how to obtain an IDP. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to apply.
The IDP provides an official translation of your U.S. driver’s license into 9 foreign languages and is acknowledged as valid identification in 174 countries around the world. International Driving Permits are also a recognizable form of identification which help you communicate with foreign authorities (especially in non-English speaking countries) and get you on your way more quickly. Most major car rental companies require that renters have a valid International Driving Permit even if the country does not.
Yes you may, as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid for at least 6 months beyond the issuance date of the International Driving Permit. U.S. Government and military personnel may apply as long as you have a valid U.S. driver's license with the corresponding extension documents of your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
Payment may be made by check or money order in U.S. Currency. Payment for the IDP fee and desired shipping & handling option must be made together and received along with the completed International Driving Permit application and supporting documents.
Regrettably, no because two original color passport photos are required to be submitted with the application (much like applying for a U.S. Passport) and other required documents. Only applications received by mail will be accepted.
If you are traveling in a foreign country and are stopped by a law enforcement officer, you should present both your U.S. driver's license and IDP. If a citation is issued to you, it will not attach to your IDP. Any traffic violation penalties incurred in a foreign country would apply to the country in which you received the citation. Serious traffic violations may result in having your IDP invalidated for use in that country.
International Driving Permits must be issued in the same country as the driver's license of the traveler. For example; if someone from Italy has an Italian driver's license, their IDP must also be issued in Italy. We do not issue IDPs for those that carry a foreign driver's license. Please contact the foreign agency that issued your foreign driver's license for more information on how to obtain an IDP.
The International Driving Permit is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. A new IDP must be applied for each year. The permit is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid U.S. driver's license.
The International Driving Permit fee is $20.00, plus shipping and handling. Payment for the IDP (including applicable shipping & handling fees) must be received along with the completed application and required supporting documents. Payment may be made by check or money order drawn in U.S. Currency. Incomplete or illegible applications, or insufficient payment, may result in processing delays.
Please refer to the application and instructions. Normal processing time is 10 to 15 business days (excluding the shipping time to and from the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) located in San Jose, California). For expedited processing, please select Priority or Express/Courier shipping and handling method on your application. These processing times do not take into account the significant delay caused by submitting incorrect and/or incomplete documents. Please note that the domestic express and international courier shipping options are the only options that include a signature upon delivery, with tracking. Domestic and international priority mail includes tracking only. Domestic and international 1st class mail does not have tracking (or signature). AATA is not responsible for items lost in the mail.
Simply print the International Driving Permit Application , complete and sign the application, enclose two (2) original color passport photos, a signed clear photocopy of the front and back of your U.S. driver's license, and payment. Mail everything together to: American Automobile Touring Alliance or AATA P.O. Box 24980 San Jose, CA 95154. Incomplete or illegible applications, or insufficient payment, may result in significant processing delays.