August 20, 2026
There were so many things I was looking forward to on my trip to Japan. Spas, shopping, indulgent meals, and, yes, Tokyo Street Karts. Every vision I had of zooming through streets, driving it like I was in a movie was made possible because I had the required International Diving Permit (IDP) before I even set foot in Japan.
What is an IDP?
The IDP translates identification information from your driver’s license into 10 languages. It enables authorities and rental car companies to interpret your driving credentials. Essentially, an IDP is a travel companion for your driver’s license—not a substitute for it. Travelers planning to drive on public streets or highways internationally should keep both documents together.
IDP requirements vary by country, and sometimes by rental-car company or even the length of your stay. However, fines for driving without an IDP are universally expensive. That’s why checking the requirements for your specific destination is an essential part of planning.
How to Apply
While 150 countries worldwide consider the IDP a valid form of ID, a U.S. citizen cannot be issued an IDP outside of the U.S.
A quick Google search will show you several companies offering IDP application services. Don’t do that. A document as important as an internationally recognized permit should come from approved, reputable sources. The official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
I chose AAA because, frankly, I’d heard of them before.
Applications can be completed at a local branch office, by mail, or online via the AAA website. In person was the fastest option for me. I easily selected a branch near my house that offered IDP Services and was in and out in under an hour. A client preferred the convenience of completing it online because she found the shipping fee was worth the convenience of submitting all the documents from the comfort of her home. Her IDP arrived in 5 business days.
Conscientious travelers will plan ahead and apply for the IDP up to 6 months in advance of the desired effective date. Those who enjoy the stress of checking their mailbox and refreshing the shipment tracking page will wait. Expedited services are available if you’re in a pinch, but it’s price and I never recommend it.
Plan ahead so you have more in your budget for fun things like a knife-making class or stumbling across a Korean Soul Food restaurant.
What You Need to Apply
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
- Completed IDP Application Form (add link from AAA page)
- 2 Passport-style photos
- $20 USD fee (plus shipping if submitting online
Travel Tip: Consider When Not Driving is Best
An IDP may make international driving possible, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should drive. Sometimes luxury isn’t having the freedom to drive yourself, sometimes it’s having the freedom of being driven.
Think about destinations where:
- Roads are unfamiliar or difficult to navigate
- Parking is limited or expensive
- Traffic is notoriously congested
- You’re planning to enjoy wine or cocktails throughout the day
- You want to maximize your time sightseeing
- You’re traveling through several cities or countries
Add the IDP to Your Pre-Travel Checklist
☐ Confirm whether an IDP is required
☐ Check your rental company or activity provider’s documentation requirements
☐ Apply for your IDP through an authorized organization
☐ Make sure your domestic driver’s license remains valid throughout your trip
☐ Research local driving laws and customs
☐ Decide whether self-driving or a private driver makes the most sense
The Best Experiences are Thoughtfully Planned
Even if you’re not planning to drive, an IDP gives you peace of mind while you’re out exploring the world.
But there is something liberating about leading your own set of wheels on vacation.
You can leave the crowds behind, take the scenic route, or simply explore a destination at your own pace. For luxury travelers, where seamless experiences and avoiding unnecessary surprises are part of the journey, taking care of this detail in advance can make all the difference.
Planning an international getaway and not sure whether driving makes sense for your itinerary? That’s exactly the kind of detail I can help you navigate.
Click here for your free consultation and let’s hit the road!
