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Apr 20, 2026

Do you need an IDP or IADP to drive in Brazil if you are from the US?

By Jamie Patrick

Yes. U.S. drivers in Brazil need either an Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) or an official Portuguese translation (tradução juramentada) of their license. A standard U.S.-issued International Driving Permit (IDP) (1949 format) is not technically valid since Brazil only signed the 1968 convention. The translation has to be done by an authorized translator, which makes it generally the less practical route, so most U.S. drivers go with the IADP. Driving without proper documentation can result in a fine of about BRL 293 ($54 USD) and vehicle impoundment.

What the law requires

Brazil ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic but NOT the 1949 Geneva Convention. Since the United States only signed the 1949 convention, U.S.-issued IDPs (which are in the 1949 format) are not technically valid in Brazil. For U.S. drivers, the correct document is the Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP), issued by AAA under the 1943 Inter-American Convention. Alternatively, a certified Portuguese translation (tradução juramentada) of the U.S. license is accepted. The translation has to be done by an authorized translator, which makes it generally the less practical route, since it can cost more than the IADP and may take weeks to arrange. Foreign drivers may drive for up to 180 days with proper documentation.

Three documents stay with you any time you're driving:

  • Your valid US driver's license

  • Your AAA-issued IADP

  • Your passport

Enforcement is real

Brazilian traffic police (DETRAN) conduct checkpoints and request documentation. Enforcement varies by state but is generally moderate. Rental companies typically require an IADP.

Driving without an IADP or proper translation can result in a fine of approximately BRL 293 ($54 USD) and vehicle impoundment.

Insurance is worth thinking about regardless. Travel insurance and rental insurance both care about whether you were legally licensed to drive at the time of an incident, and missing the required documentation can void coverage.

If your trip stops in other countries beyond Brazil, every one has its own IDP rules. Our world map of IDP requirements has the rules for every country in one place.

How to Get an IADP Before or During Your Trip to Brazil

Regardless of where you are traveling, your Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) has to be issued in the country where your driver's license is issued, which is the US for the vast majority of Americans. Brazil only signed the 1968 Vienna Convention, so the standard International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention isn't the right document here. The IADP, issued by AAA under the 1943 Inter-American Convention, is. In the US, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IADPs, which means that all the websites offering "digital" or "instant" IADPs are selling fake documents. Below are the four ways to get an official IADP if you have a US driver's license.

1. In person at AAA

This is only possible if you're still in the United States, but the least expensive method to get an IADP is to visit a AAA branch in person. You can typically get an IADP for $30-50 and within 30-60 minutes when you visit a AAA office. However, some branches don't carry IADP booklets or are frequently out of stock, so it's best to call ahead to make sure you can get one if you go in. Steps to obtain an IADP in person:

  • Gather your driver's license, payment method, and recent passport photos (optional).

  • Visit the nearest AAA location that issues IDPs (the same branches generally issue IADPs as well; call ahead to confirm).

  • Fill out AAA's application form, either ahead of time or while you wait. AAA processes IADPs through the same in-branch workflow.

  • If you didn't bring passport photos, AAA can take them for you for an additional fee ($10-30, depending on the branch).

  • Pay an additional $20 plus tax (sometimes assessed) for processing the IADP. Cash, check, and credit/debit cards are generally accepted.

  • Be prepared to wait for the process to be completed, but after that you'll be able to walk out with your IADP.

2. Online with AAA

AAA offers an online application option through their partner govWorks, which is linked on the AAA website. Be aware: govWorks has terrible customer reviews, and customers frequently express that their permits are never delivered and that Customer Service is difficult to reach.

Steps to get an IADP online from AAA:

  • Visit the AAA website and complete their online application (the IDP application also covers the IADP request)

  • Upload a digital passport photo and your driver's license information

  • Pay the application fee (currently $20 for the booklet, plus $10 for photo processing, and $15-220+ for shipping)

  • Wait for your IADP to be processed (5 days) and mailed to your address (an additional 3-10 days)

Processing times vary, taking at least a week, so this option works best if you're planning ahead and have a reliable mailing address.

3. Online with AATA

AATA (the American Automobile Touring Alliance) is the other organization authorized by the US government to issue international driving documents to American drivers, including the IADP. Like AAA, AATA offers an online application process, though its website is only online 8am-5pm Friday through Tuesday. Its application page is not available all other times of the week.

Steps to get an IADP online from AATA:

  • Visit the AATA website and complete their online application

  • Upload a digital passport photo and your driver's license information

  • Submit payment for the application fee (currently $20 for the booklet, plus $7 for photo processing, and $14-165 for shipping)

Similar to AAA, AATA's processing and delivery times require advance planning, typically taking 2-4 days for processing, plus shipping time (2-10 days).

4. Online with Fast IDP (that's us, a faster option for AAA-issued IADPs)

If your timeline is too short for AAA or AATA's online processing times, using Fast IDP to expedite your permit allows you to get an IADP as soon as the next day with the peace of mind that comes with our 5.0/5.0 average customer reviews. Fast IDP handles IADPs in addition to standard IDPs.

Steps to obtain an IADP using Fast IDP:

  • Fill out the Apply page on our website. This includes taking photos of the front and back of your driver's license and uploading them on Fast IDP's secure portal, as well as taking passport-style photos of yourself (a decent selfie works). Mention that you're traveling to Brazil so we know to issue an IADP rather than a standard IDP.

  • Submit your application and payment, which starts at $73 (all-in, including all fees and taxes), and goes up with faster processing and shipping.

  • The Fast IDP team will review your documents for completeness and reach out to you if they see anything you need to adjust in your application.

  • A Fast IDP team member will go to AAA on your behalf to submit your documents and then will mail your IADP to you via express courier. You'll get an email the evening it's sent with your tracking information and a picture of your IADP.

Even if we can't get an IADP for you, we're always happy to help answer questions about international driving documents.

Don't get scammed

Whatever you do, don't get scammed by a website claiming to offer an IADP instantly online. Though a company like Fast IDP can legally expedite IADPs from AAA, the only organizations authorized to issue IADPs to US drivers are AAA and AATA. There is no "instant" or "digital" version of a legitimate IADP; your documents must be handled by AAA or AATA for them to issue an IADP, which is always a physical booklet.

Whether you opt for the traditional in-person method, another online option, or working with us, we wish you an easy process getting an IADP and safe driving!