An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translated document that allows you to drive legally in foreign countries by presenting it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. The AAA (American Automobile Association) is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs to American drivers — the other being AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance). Understanding the AAA IDP form, what it requires, and how it fits into your broader licensing situation helps you prepare before any international travel involving a vehicle.
An IDP is not a standalone license. It is a supplemental document — a booklet that translates your existing driver's license information into multiple languages recognized under the 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic. Most countries that accept IDPs require you to carry both your valid U.S. driver's license and the IDP together.
The permit itself does not grant new driving privileges. Whatever restrictions or endorsements appear on your domestic license apply abroad as well. If your U.S. license is currently suspended, restricted, or expired, an IDP does not override that status.
AAA issues IDPs through its local branch offices. The process is largely standardized, though specific office hours, appointment requirements, and processing procedures can vary by location.
What the AAA IDP application generally requires:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Completed application form | Filled out at the AAA office or downloaded in advance |
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current and unexpired |
| Two passport-style photos | Taken within the last 6 months; specific size requirements apply |
| Application fee | Fees vary; check with your local AAA office for current amounts |
| U.S. residency | Applicants must be U.S. residents aged 18 or older |
The application form itself asks for basic identifying information, your driver's license number, and travel destination details. Many AAA offices process IDPs same-day if you arrive with all required materials.
The minimum age requirement for an AAA IDP is 18 years old. This is a firm threshold — learner's permit holders and drivers under 18 are not eligible, regardless of their driving history or the laws of the destination country.
This is a meaningful distinction for younger drivers. Even if a foreign country technically permits driving at a younger age, AAA's IDP issuance policy sets 18 as the floor. Drivers in the graduated licensing process — those still on a learner's permit or a provisional/restricted license — would not qualify based on age alone, and their permit status would also factor in.
🌍 Drivers who have recently transferred from another country and hold a valid U.S. license in good standing can apply for an IDP, provided they meet all other requirements.
The IDP reflects whatever class and restrictions appear on your underlying U.S. license. A few variables worth understanding:
Not every country requires an IDP, and some countries that do require one may not recognize the U.S.-issued version. 🗺️ The State Department and individual country embassies are the authoritative sources for current entry and driving requirements. AAA also maintains guidance on which countries recognize their IDP, but travelers should verify requirements directly with official sources before departing.
Some countries require an IDP even for short-term rental car use. Others accept a valid U.S. license alone. Requirements can also change, so checking close to your travel date is worthwhile.
Several common misconceptions are worth addressing:
Whether an IDP is the right document for your travel — and whether you're currently eligible to obtain one — depends on factors that can't be assessed in general terms:
The AAA IDP form and process are relatively straightforward compared to most DMV procedures — but the eligibility questions behind it connect directly to the standing of your underlying U.S. driver's license, which varies by state, license type, and individual driving history.