New York
New YorkHow to get an International Driving Permit in New York
In short
Yes, in any country that requires an IDP for foreign drivers — your New York license alone is not enough there. The IDP is a translation of your New York license, carried together with it. New York license holders need the IDP anywhere it's required of foreign drivers — carried with the New York license, never alone.
From New York City to Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany, New Yorkers fill flights to Italy, France, and Greece year-round — and all three require an IDP alongside a US license. AAA branch coverage across New York varies enormously between the city and upstate and has been shrinking; the online booklet is issued against your New York license with no office visit at all. The IDP itself is the multilingual translation of your existing license, issued in the official UN-convention format and carried alongside it.
Last reviewed June 2026
New York drivers — common questions
01
Do New York license holders need an International Driving Permit?
Yes, in any country that requires an IDP for foreign drivers — your New York license alone is not enough there. The IDP is a translation of your New York license, carried together with it. New York license holders need the IDP anywhere it's required of foreign drivers — carried with the New York license, never alone.
02
Can I get an IDP in New York without going to AAA?
Yes — the whole application is online. Enter your New York license details, pay, and your digital IDP booklet is emailed to you in as fast as 8 minutes. No appointment and no branch visit.
03
Which convention covers New York licenses abroad?
New York 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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