Illinois

How to get an International Driving Permit in Illinois

In short

Yes, in any country that requires an IDP for foreign drivers — your Illinois license alone is not enough there. The IDP is a translation of your Illinois license, carried together with it. Illinois drivers should keep the IDP with their Illinois license at all times abroad; one translates the other.

O'Hare makes Chicago one of America's biggest gateways to Europe, and travelers from Springfield and Naperville funnel through it as well. Italy and Greece both require an IDP for US license holders, as does Mexico for winter escapes. AAA branch coverage across Illinois varies and walk-in availability has been shrinking — your Illinois license works with our online IDP booklet, no counter required. The IDP itself is the multilingual translation of your existing license, issued in the official UN-convention format and carried alongside it.

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Last reviewed June 2026

Illinois drivers — common questions

Do Illinois license holders need an International Driving Permit?

Can I get an IDP in Illinois without going to AAA?

Yes — the whole application is online. Enter your Illinois license details, pay, and your digital IDP booklet is emailed to you in as fast as 8 minutes. No appointment and no branch visit.

Which convention covers Illinois licenses abroad?

Illinois licenses are issued in the United States, which is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic — so your IDP is issued in the 1949 format recognized in most countries worldwide.

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