An AAA Travel Driver License lets you drive legally in countries that recognize it, but it is not a replacement for your regular driver license

An AAA Travel Driver License, also called an International Driving Permit (IDP), is a document that translates your regular driver license into multiple languages. It shows your name, photo, driving record, and license class in ten languages — useful when you rent a car or get stopped by police in another country. You still need your actual driver license; the IDP is a companion document only.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is one of two organizations in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document under the same international treaty. You cannot use an IDP to drive in the United States — your regular state driver license is what matters here. The IDP is for travel outside the country.

Most countries do not require an IDP, but some do. Even when not required, rental car companies often ask for one, and it can smooth things over if you are pulled over. The permit lasts one year from the date of issue, or three years if you pay for the longer version.

Key Takeaways

  • An AAA Travel Driver License is an International Driving Permit that translates your regular license into ten languages for use outside the United States.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver license from your state before you can get an IDP, and the IDP cannot be used to drive in the U.S.
  • AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
  • The one-year permit costs less than the three-year version, but the three-year option is better value if you travel internationally more than once.
  • You can explore in person at most AAA offices or by mail, and the process takes a few days to two weeks depending on your method.

Who Can Get an AAA Travel Driver License

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, unexpired driver license from any U.S. state or territory. Your license does not have to be a standard license — you can hold a commercial driver license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a learner's permit, and you can still get an IDP. However, your state license must be current. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew or restore it.

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen. Permanent residents, visa holders, and others with valid state driver licenses can get an IDP. You also do not have to be an AAA member — AAA issues IDPs to members and non-members alike, though membership sometimes comes with a small discount.

What You Need to Bring or Submit

For an in-person process at an AAA office, bring your valid state driver license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (AAA Form 44). You will also need one passport-style photo — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Some AAA offices can take the photo on-site for a small fee if you do not have one.

If you explore by mail, send the same items plus a check or money order for the fee. AAA will return your original documents along with your IDP. The mail route takes longer — usually one to two weeks — but works if no AAA office is near you.

You do not need to provide proof of travel plans, a destination, or any reason for wanting the permit. AAA issues it to anyone with a valid license who pays the fee.

Cost and How Long the Permit Lasts

AAA charges a flat fee for the one-year IDP and a higher flat fee for the three-year version. The exact amounts vary slightly by AAA club (AAA has regional divisions), but as of 2024 the one-year permit costs around $20 and the three-year permit costs around $40. Non-members may pay slightly more than members. These are not subscription fees — you pay once and receive the document.

The permit is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you buy. It expires on a specific date printed on the document. You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one when it expires. If you lose your permit before it expires, AAA can issue a replacement for a smaller fee.

how the process works in Person or by Mail

To explore in person, find your nearest AAA office using the AAA website. Walk in during business hours with your documents and photo. The staff will fill out the form with you, take your payment, and usually hand you the IDP the same day or within a few days. Some offices process them on the spot; others mail them to you.

To explore by mail, read or request the AAA Form 44 process, fill it out completely, and mail it with your documents, photo, and payment to the AAA address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your original documents returned quickly. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date AAA receives your package.

You can also explore online through some AAA club websites, which lets you upload your photo and documents and pay by credit card. The process is faster than mail and sometimes faster than in-person, depending on the club. Check your local AAA website to see if online applications are available in your region.

What Countries Recognize an AAA Travel Driver License

An International Driving Permit is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. However, some major destinations do not recognize it — notably Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In those countries, you need an official translation of your U.S. driver license, which you can get from your state's DMV or a certified translator.

Even in countries that recognize the IDP, rental car companies often have their own rules. Some require both your U.S. license and the IDP; others accept one or the other. Always check with your rental company before you travel. The IDP does not override local traffic laws or age requirements — if a country requires drivers to be 25, the IDP will not let you rent a car at 23.

How an IDP Differs From a Real ID or Passport Card

An International Driving Permit is for driving only. It does not prove citizenship, does not work for air travel, and does not replace a passport. A Real ID is a U.S. state driver license that meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A passport card is a travel document issued by the U.S. State Department that proves citizenship and can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

You need all three documents for different purposes. If you are flying internationally, you need a passport (not an IDP or Real ID). If you are driving in another country, you need an IDP plus your regular license. If you are flying domestically, you need a Real ID or passport. They serve different functions and do not overlap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AAA Travel Driver License to drive in the United States?

No. An International Driving Permit is only for driving outside the U.S. In the United States, your state driver license is what matters. The IDP is a translation tool for use abroad.

What if my state driver license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your state license first, then explore for the IDP. Contact your state's DMV to renew.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Europe?

Most European countries recognize the IDP, and many rental companies ask for it. Some will rent to you with just your U.S. license, but having the IDP removes doubt and can prevent disputes. It is inexpensive and takes little time to get, so it is worth having if you plan to rent.

How long does it take to get an AAA Travel Driver License?

In-person applications at an AAA office usually take a few minutes to complete, and you may receive the IDP the same day or within a few days. Mail applications take one to two weeks. Online applications vary by region but are often faster than mail.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact AAA or the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can help you get a replacement or confirm that your U.S. license is valid. Carry a copy of your IDP at home in case you need to prove you had one.