International Driving Permits

Although many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, most countries accept an international driving permit (IDPs). IDPs are honored in more than 150 countries outside the U.S. (See AAA’s application form for the list of countries. They function as an official translation of a U.S. driver's license into 10 foreign languages. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949) authorizes the U.S. Department of State to empower certain organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses.  These licenses are not intended to replace valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid license. IDPs are not valid in an individual’s country of residence. Before departure, you can obtain one from an automobile association authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs.

The Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) is issued in accordance with the Organization of American States Convention on Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Trffice (Washington, 1943).  The IADP is issued for a one-year period. It is valid for one year from the efective date provided the state license is still valid throughout that period.  It is not valid for driving in the United States or its territories. IADP must be carried along with the applicant's regular driver's license.

The Department has designated the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Automobile Club (NAC) as the only authorized distributors of IDPs. Many foreign countries require deposit of a customs duty or an equivalent bond for each tourist automobile entering its territory, and the motoring associations are equipped with the necessary facilities for providing expeditiously a standard bond document (Article 3 of the Convention). The Convention is not applicable to United States motorists using their cars in the United States.

Before departure, you can obtain one at a local office of either of the only two automobile associations authorized by the U.S. Department of State: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Automobile Club (formerly the American Automobile Touring Alliance).

AAA (the American Automobile Association, Inc.)
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL  32746-5063

National Automobile Club (NAC)
1151 E. Hillsdale Blvd.
Foster City, CA  94404
tel: 800-622-7070 or 650-294-7000; fax: 650-294-7040

How to apply for an IDP and IADP

WARNING-- International Driving Permits Issued by unauthorized persons: The Department of State is aware that IDPs are being sold over the Internet and in person by persons not authorized by the Department of State pursuant to the requirements of the U.N. Convention of 1949. Moreover, many of these IDPs are being sold for large sums of money, far greater than the sum charged by entities authorized by the Department of State. Consumers experiencing problems should report problems to their local office of the U.S. Postal Inspector, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Better Business Bureau, or their state or local Attorney General’s Office.

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For additional information, please contact AAA International Relations.

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