How to Get an International Driver's License

It's a relatively cheap and easy process that could make driving overseas a better experience.

Ronan Glon | 

Jun 21, 2024 | 3 min read

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An international driver's license — also known as an international driving permit — can streamline the process of renting a car and driving in a country outside of the United States. Getting one is relatively straightforward, as long as you're at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license.

What Is an International Driver's License?

An international driver's license (IDL) is a passport-sized paper document that translates your license into 10 languages, including French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic. It's not a government-issued document nor is it valid on its own, but it helps foreign authorities understand the information on your U.S. driver's license. It also proves you hold a valid driver's license.

More than 150 countries recognize an IDL. An IDL is valid for one year, and it doesn't replace your regular driver's license, so it's wise to keep both documents on you while traveling.

Some of the notable exceptions are Brazil, Uruguay, and China. Travelers planning on driving in Brazil or Uruguay need to obtain an Inter-American Driving Permit.

China only allows foreigners to drive if they hold a valid Chinese driver's license. Getting one requires obtaining a residence permit, though tourists can apply for a temporary driver's license without having to take a driving exam.

Note that an IDL is not valid anywhere inside the United States as a stand-in for a state-issued driver's license. An IDL is not needed for U.S. drivers in Canada or Mexico.

Where to Get an International Driver's License

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the official entity authorized by the federal government to issue an IDL. Many companies and websites not affiliated with AAA claim that they can provide an IDL, but the document they send you might not be recognized globally.

You can apply for an IDL in person by visiting a participating AAA Travel office or by mail. There are more than 1,100 such offices scattered across the U.S. Note that drivers who are already abroad must mail their application to a separate address.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and wish to drive in the U.S., you must apply for an IDL in the country that issued your license.

The Process of Application

The legal driving age across most of the U.S. is 16, but you need to be at least 18 to apply for an IDL. You also need to hold a valid driver's license. A driver whose license has been suspended or canceled isn't eligible for an IDL.

If you meet the conditions, you need to provide your driver's license and two original passport pictures and fill out a one-page application form. When applying by mail, you'll include a photocopy of both sides of your license. Don't send the original.

Whether you're applying in person or by mail, an AAA agent will verify your application before issuing the IDL. AAA warns that applicants who are already overseas might need to wait five to seven weeks before receiving their IDL in the mail.

How Much Does an International Driver's License Cost?

AAA charges $20 to issue an IDL, though it also collects sales tax when applicable. Drivers applying by mail will also need to pay for shipping. The final cost depends on your proximity to a AAA Travel office.