How to get an International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your national driver's licence into the languages of the UN road-traffic conventions. It lets police, car-rental desks and authorities abroad read your licence — but it never replaces it, so you always carry both. Here's exactly how to get one.
What you need before you apply
- A valid national driver's licence (the IDP is tied to it).
- A passport-style photo and your passport details.
- Your destination country (so you know which UN convention applies).
Option 1 — Get your IDP online (fastest)
Online services issue a digital IDP / certified translation in minutes. You upload your licence, confirm your details, and receive a multi-language document you can show at rental desks and checkpoints — often before a physical copy could even be mailed. Get your IDP online with International DL and have it ready before you fly.
Option 2 — In person (AAA/AATA in the US)
In the United States the official UN booklet is issued by AAA and AATA. You visit a branch (or mail a form) with your licence, photos and fee. It's reliable but slower, and branch hours and processing can delay you close to a trip.
How long it takes and what it costs
A digital IDP can be ready the same day; a mailed booklet can take 1–3 weeks. Costs range from around $20 for the AAA booklet (plus photos) to a few dollars more for instant digital issuance with worldwide shipping options.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit online?
Yes. Online services issue a digital IDP / certified licence translation in minutes, which you carry alongside your national licence. Always confirm acceptance for your destination.
Do I need an IDP if my licence is already in English?
Often still yes — many countries and rental firms require the UN-format IDP regardless of language. Check your destination on our country pages.
How fast can I get one?
A digital International Driving Permit can be issued within minutes online, versus 1–3 weeks for a mailed booklet.
Get your International Driving Permit in minutes
Digital issuance plus optional worldwide shipping — ready before you fly.
Get my IDP →Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Driving rules and IDP acceptance change and vary by country, region and nationality — always confirm current requirements with the official transport authority or embassy before you travel.