Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive abroad?
The short answer
USA.gov says US citizens visiting Canada and Mexico do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP), but many other countries do. It does not name those countries. Check the State Department country page for your destination, and carry your IDP together with your US licence.
What the official guide says
USA.gov states that US citizens visiting Canada and Mexico do not need an IDP to drive. It says many other countries do require one, but does not list them. Europe, Japan, Thailand and Italy are not named on the page, so I cannot give a country by country answer from it.
USA.gov points travellers to the State Department country information pages, where each destination's driving licence rules are listed. Those pages block automated reading, so we did not use them here. Check your destination's page directly.
What an IDP is and how long it lasts
USA.gov says an IDP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed, so you need to apply for a new one after it expires. When driving abroad you should bring both your IDP and your US driver's licence, because the IDP does not replace the licence.
Who issues them and scam warnings
USA.gov says two organisations are authorised by the US Department of State to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). It warns that many websites claiming to issue IDPs are fraudulent and may try to scam you out of money or personal information.
US, UK and EU travellers
These pages are for US licence holders. AAA says it cannot issue an IDP to someone whose licence was issued abroad, such as in the United Kingdom. UK and EU drivers should check their own national guidance. Rules and fees change, so check the official page linked below before you travel.
Sources: USA.gov: International driver's license, AAA: International Driving Permit. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
USA.gov says US citizens visiting Canada and Mexico do not need an IDP.
Do I need an IDP in Europe, Japan, Thailand or Italy?
The USA.gov page does not name countries. Check the State Department country page for each destination.
Does an IDP replace my driver's licence?
No. USA.gov says to bring both your IDP and your US driver's licence.
How long is an IDP valid?
USA.gov says one year, and it cannot be renewed.
Who can legally issue an IDP in the US?
USA.gov names AAA and AATA as the organisations authorised by the State Department.
Can a UK licence holder get an IDP from AAA?
AAA says it cannot issue an IDP to someone whose licence was issued abroad, such as in the United Kingdom.