Can I use AAA if my licence is not from the United States?
AAA's application materials focus on U.S. or territorial licenses. Confirm eligibility directly with AAA if unsure.
Eligibility guide · Last verified 2026-07-23
IDP for Non-US Licence Holders
What non-U.S. licence holders should know about conventional U.S. IDPs and private translation-support documents.
Direct Answer
AAA and AATA U.S. IDP routes are for eligible U.S. driver license holders. Non-U.S. licence holders should check the issuing-country rules for their original licence.
Sourced guidance
Official U.S. limitation
AATA states that it does not issue IDPs for foreign driver licenses. AAA materials focus on valid U.S. or territorial driver licenses.
Sourced guidance
What travelers should do
Check the authority in the country that issued the original license, then check destination rules before driving.
Sourced guidance
Where WorldIDP fits
WorldIDP may provide private multilingual translation support for a valid national licence, but it does not replace the original licence or a conventional IDP where one is legally required.
FAQ
Common questions
Can WorldIDP grant driving rights?
No. WorldIDP does not grant driving rights and must be used with the original valid license.
Sources
Official evidence used
- USAGov - International driver's license for U.S. citizens
- AAA - International Driving Permit
- 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.
Information gain
Where to go if your licence is not American
AAA and AATA issue permits to holders of a valid U.S. state licence. If your licence was issued elsewhere, neither is open to you — and that is the point most pages on this topic skip.
Under the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions, each contracting state authorises bodies within its own territory to issue permits to its own licence holders. The practical consequence is a simple rule:
The authorised issuer for your International Driving Permit is in the country that issued your driving licence — not in the country you are travelling to, and not in the United States.
In most countries that body is the national automobile club or the licensing authority itself. Our country registry records the relevant authority for each destination we have researched, along with the sources used.
Common situation
Driving in the United States on a foreign licence
This is the reverse question and it has a different answer. Driving privileges for visitors to the U.S. are set at state level rather than federally, and rental company policy is often the binding constraint in practice. Several major providers require a translation for a licence not written in English regardless of what the state requires.
Our United States page covers what varies and what to confirm, with sources.
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
Can I get a US IDP if I hold a European licence?
No. AAA and AATA issue U.S. IDPs to U.S. licence holders. The authorised issuer for your permit is in the country that issued your licence.
Which organisation issues IDPs in my country?
Usually the national automobile club or the licensing authority. Our country registry records the relevant authority for each destination we have researched.
Do I need an IDP to drive in the United States?
It depends on the state and on your rental provider. A licence not written in English is where a translation becomes practically useful.