{"id":231395,"date":"2026-04-10T21:42:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T21:42:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/?p=231395"},"modified":"2026-04-10T21:43:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T21:43:48","slug":"how-to-get-idp-in-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/blog\/how-to-get-idp-in-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get an IDP in the USA | A Complete 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How to Get an IDP in the USA: Everything You Need to Know<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Quick Answer: <\/strong>To get an international driving permit IDP in the United States, you need a valid U.S. drivers license, two passport photos, a completed application, and a $20 fee. Apply through AAA online, in person, or by mail. Planning to drive abroad? Apply at least two weeks before your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is an IDP and Why Do You Need One?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An international driving permit IDP is an official travel document that translates your U.S. drivers license into 10 languages. Recognized in more than 150 countries, it allows you to drive legally wherever you go without sitting additional tests or applying for a foreign licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not a standalone licence \u2014 you must always carry your IDP alongside your valid state-issued U.S. drivers license. Think of it as a passport for your driving credentials: it speaks the local language even when you cannot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond legal compliance, having an IDP to rent a car is often mandatory. Most international rental companies will ask for one before they hand you the keys, even in countries where local law does not strictly require an IDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Can Issue IDPs in the USA?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue IDPs to American drivers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Official<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

AAA (American Automobile Association)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The primary and most accessible option. Apply online, in person at any AAA branch, or by mail. Fee: $20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Official<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The secondary authorized issuer. Contact AATA directly for application details and office locations.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Important<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only U.S.-issued driver licenses qualify. If you hold a foreign licence and visit the United States, you cannot obtain an IDP here \u2014 you must apply in the country that issued your domestic licence. An IDP accompanying a U.S. drivers license can only be issued inside the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Requirements to Apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you apply, make sure you have everything ready. The requirements are straightforward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • A valid, state-issued U.S. drivers license (not expired, temporary, or provisional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Be at least 18 years of age<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Two original passport-sized photos (color or black and white \u2014 scanned or photocopied images are not accepted)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • A completed IDP application form<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • A $20 permit fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • A U.S. home address \u2014 the same address shown on your drivers license<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Note: An IDP may not be issued more than six months in advance of your desired effective date, so do not apply too early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Get an IDP in the USA: Three Ways to Apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \u00a0Apply online<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Visit the AAA IDP website, create an account, and pay the $20 fee. Upload a digital photo and scans of both sides of your U.S. drivers license. Sign your application electronically. Your IDP will be mailed to you \u2014 allow up to 5 business days for processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Apply in person at a AAA branch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Walk into your nearest AAA office with your valid U.S. drivers license, two original passport photos, and $20. This is the fastest option \u2014 you may be able to walk out with your IDP the same day. Passport photos can be taken at most AAA offices if you do not have them ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Apply by mail<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Mail two original passport photos (each signed on the back), a photocopy of both sides of your U.S. drivers license, and a $20 payment to the AAA office nearest to you. Add funds for expedited return shipping if you need it quickly.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Which Countries Require an IDP?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Not all countries require an IDP, but many do \u2014 and the rules vary widely. U.S. citizens visiting Canada and Mexico generally do not need an IDP to drive. However, a large number of destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa will ask for one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Situation<\/td>IDP needed?<\/td><\/tr>
    Driving in Canada or Mexico as a U.S. citizen<\/td>Generally not required<\/td><\/tr>
    Driving in most of Europe, Asia, Middle East<\/td>Yes \u2014 many countries require an IDP<\/td><\/tr>
    Renting a car internationally<\/td>Yes \u2014 most rental companies require an IDP even if local law does not<\/td><\/tr>
    Living permanently in a foreign country<\/td>IDP is temporary \u2014 local licence required after residency\/employment begins<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Always check the U.S. Department of State’s country-specific pages before you travel. Some countries, like Spain, honor a U.S. drivers license but require a local language translation \u2014 which is exactly what an IDP provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Validity and Important Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A U.S.-issued IDP based on the 1949 Convention is valid for one year from the date of issue. Its validity can never exceed the expiry date of your underlying U.S. drivers license \u2014 if your licence expires, so does your IDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For South America, the 1949 IDP covers most countries, with the exception of Brazil and Uruguay where an IADP or 1968-convention permit is needed for longer stays. Always verify the correct permit type for your specific destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Carry your IDP and U.S. drivers license together at all times<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Apply at least 2 weeks before departure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Check which convention version your destination accepts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Renew your domestic licence before applying if it is close to expiry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Don’t<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Apply with a temporary or provisional licence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Apply more than 6 months before your trip start date<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Assume an IDP overrides local driving laws<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Travel without verifying your destination’s specific IDP rules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Tips for US Drivers Heading Abroad<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Before you go<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Always get an IDP even if not legally required.<\/strong> International rental companies<\/strong> almost universally ask for one \u2014 especially if planning to drive<\/strong> in countries where English is not an official language.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Use the Department of State website<\/strong> to confirm driver’s licence rules for every country on your itinerary. Rules differ significantly between destinations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • If living permanently abroad,<\/strong> remember that an IDP is a temporary solution. Most countries will require you to obtain a local drivers licence once you establish residency or take up employment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Military personnel with expiring licences<\/strong> should check their state DMV for active-duty extensions and renew before applying for an IDP where possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Keep a photocopy of your IDP<\/strong> separate from the original, in case it is lost or stolen while abroad.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Knowing how to get an IDP in the USA puts you in control before you leave home. The process is quick, the cost is low, and the document opens up driving access across 150+ countries. Get your international driving permits sorted well ahead of your departure, and your road trip abroad can start without a hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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          How to Get an IDP in the USA: Everything You Need to Know Quick Answer: To get an international driving permit IDP in the United States, you need a valid U.S. drivers license, two passport photos, a completed application, and a $20 fee. Apply through AAA online, in person, or by mail. Planning to drive […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":231396,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-231395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=231395"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231395\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":231399,"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231395\/revisions\/231399"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/231396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=231395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=231395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-idpa.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=231395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}