Can a non-U.S. license holder get a U.S. IDP?
AATA states that it does not issue IDPs for foreign driver licenses. The IDP should generally be issued in the same country as the license.
United States guide · Last verified 2026-07-23
How to Apply for an IDP in the US
How U.S. license holders can apply for a conventional International Driving Permit through official U.S. routes.
Direct Answer
U.S. license holders should use AAA or AATA for a conventional International Driving Permit because official U.S. sources identify those as the authorized U.S. issuers.
Sourced guidance
Official issuer choice
USAGov and the Department of State identify AAA and AATA as the two authorized U.S. organizations for IDPs.
Sourced guidance
Typical documents
AAA and AATA guidance points to a valid U.S. driver license and passport-style photo requirements. Applicants should follow the exact current instructions on the chosen issuer site.
Sourced guidance
Before travel
Check destination-specific driver license rules and carry the IDP together with the original valid driver license.
FAQ
Common questions
Is an IDP renewable?
USAGov states that an IDP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed.
Sources
Official evidence used
- USAGov - International driver's license for U.S. citizens
- U.S. Department of State - Driving and Road Safety Abroad
- AAA - International Driving Permit
- AATA - Steps for Getting Your IDP
- AATA - IDP FAQ
Last verified: 2026-07-23. Unavailable facts are not estimated.
Next step
Check destination requirements before applying
Use the country registry first, then apply only if a private translation-support document fits your situation.
Step by step
The application, in order
- Confirm you are eligible. A valid U.S. state-issued driving licence and a minimum age of 18. The licence must remain valid across the period you intend to drive abroad, because the permit's usefulness is tied to it.
- Choose an authorised issuer. AAA or AATA. Both are authorised by the U.S. Department of State; neither is more official than the other. Our comparison of the two covers where they differ.
- Prepare two passport-style photographs, signed on the reverse.
- Complete the application form and pay the fee — USD 20 per AAA's official IDP page.
- Submit online, by post, or in person. Online processing is about five business days per AAA's published guidance. A participating branch can be same-day.
- Carry it with your licence. The permit translates the licence. It does not replace it, and on its own it grants nothing.
Before you apply
Two checks that save the fee entirely
Check whether your destination requires one. Not every country does. Our country registry gives the position per destination with the official sources we used and the date we checked them. Several popular destinations — the UK, Ireland, Iceland — operate visitor rules rather than a permit requirement.
Check which convention your destination recognises. This is the detail that catches people out: Japan recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention only. A permit issued under the wrong convention is not a substitute. The 1949 and 1968 pages explain the distinction.
WorldIDP is an independent private service operated by WORLDIDP INTERNATIONAL LLC. It prepares a multilingual translation-support document for a valid national driving licence. It is not a government agency, it is not authorised to issue United States International Driving Permits, and the document it prepares is carried alongside the original licence rather than in place of it.
More questions
Questions travellers actually ask
How old do I have to be?
At least 18, with a valid U.S. state-issued driving licence.
How many photographs do I need?
Two passport-style photographs, signed on the reverse.
Does my IDP last longer than my licence?
No. Its usefulness is tied to the underlying licence, so a licence expiring soon limits the permit's practical life.
Do I need one for every country I visit?
No. Requirements differ by destination and by which convention it recognises. Check each destination before assuming.