AAA is the main source for International Driving Permits in the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license. AAA (American Automobile Association) is the only organization authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs to U.S. citizens. You cannot get one from your state DMV, a private service, or online.

AAA issues IDPs at physical locations only. You must visit an AAA office in person, bring your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo, and pay a fee. The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required, though members sometimes receive a small discount on the fee.

The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter. You will receive the permit when ready; there is no waiting period or mail delivery. If you need an IDP for a trip leaving soon, visiting an AAA office is faster than any other method because there is no processing time.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA is the only authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States, and you must visit an AAA office in person.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment; AAA membership is not required.
  • The permit is issued on the spot and is valid for three years.
  • AAA has over 1,000 locations nationwide, and you can find your nearest office on AAA.com or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP.
  • The fee varies slightly by region but is typically between $15 and $20 for non-members.

Finding an AAA office near you

AAA operates more than 1,000 offices across the United States. The easiest way to find one is to visit AAA.com and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you the nearest locations, hours, and phone numbers. You can also call 1-800-AAA-HELP to speak with someone who can direct you to the closest office and tell you whether that location has IDP forms in stock.

Not every AAA office issues IDPs on every day. Some locations handle IDP requests by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins during specific hours. Calling ahead is the safest approach — a 30-second phone call confirms that the office has the forms, that staff are available, and that you can come in when it works for your schedule.

If you live in a rural area or far from any AAA office, some AAA membership clubs offer mail-in IDP service. You mail your documents and payment to the club, and they mail the permit back to you. This takes 7 to 10 business days. Ask about this option when you call your nearest office.

Documents and fees you need to bring

Bring three things to your AAA office visit: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment. Your driver's license must not be expired. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Most drugstores (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) can print a passport-style photo for $10 to $15 if you do not have one.

The fee for an IDP is typically $15 to $20 for non-members and $12 to $15 for AAA members, depending on your region. AAA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. There are no additional processing fees or hidden charges. The price you are quoted at the counter is the total cost.

Do not bring your passport or Social Security card — they are not needed. Do not mail documents ahead; bring them with you to the office. The staff will complete the form with you at the counter, verify your information, take your photo if needed, and issue the permit when ready.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the AAA office, tell the staff member you need an International Driving Permit. They will give you a form to complete — it takes about two minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. You will also declare which countries you plan to visit (this is for informational purposes only and does not restrict where you can use the permit).

The staff member will verify that your driver's license is valid and not expired. They will check your photo against your face to confirm it matches. If you did not bring a photo, some offices can take one on site, though this may add a few minutes and a small fee. Once everything is verified, they will print the permit, have you sign it, and hand it to you.

The entire process from walking in to walking out is usually 10 to 20 minutes. You will receive a small booklet that contains your permit information in English and translations in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Dutch, and Polish. Keep this booklet with your driver's license whenever you drive abroad.

Regional differences and special situations

AAA operates as a federation of regional clubs, so fees and policies can vary slightly by location. The West, Mid-Atlantic, and other regions may charge different amounts or have different hours. When you call or visit, ask about the specific fee for your region. The variation is usually only a few dollars.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you can still get an IDP, but some offices may require additional verification. Call ahead to confirm that your office can process CDL holders. If you have a learner's permit or a suspended license, you cannot get an IDP — your license must be valid and unrestricted.

If you need an IDP urgently and cannot reach an AAA office, some travel agencies and international auto clubs offer IDP services, but they are not authorized by the U.S. State Department. The only valid IDP for U.S. citizens is one issued by AAA. If you are traveling internationally and do not have an IDP, you can sometimes obtain one at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, though this is slower and less convenient than getting one before you leave.

Renewing or replacing your IDP

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. When it expires, you can get a new one by returning to any AAA office with the same documents: a valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment. There is no special renewal process — you straightforward explore as if you were getting one for the first time.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a replacement at any AAA office. Bring your driver's license and a photo. Some offices charge a replacement fee (usually $5 to $10), while others may reissue it at no charge. Call ahead to ask about your region's replacement policy.

If your driver's license expires or is suspended while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot use an IDP with an expired or invalid driver's license. If you renew your driver's license, you do not need to renew your IDP unless it has also expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail without visiting an AAA office?

No. AAA requires you to visit an office in person so staff can verify your identity and driver's license. Some regional AAA clubs offer mail-in service, but you must still contact them by phone or in person first. The online AAA website does not issue IDPs.

Do I need to be an AAA member to get an International Driving Permit?

No. Membership is not required. Non-members pay a slightly higher fee (usually $2 to $5 more) than members, but anyone with a valid U.S. driver's license can get an IDP at any AAA office.

What if my nearest AAA office is more than an hour away?

Call the office and ask whether they offer mail-in service. If they do, you can mail your documents and payment, and they will mail the permit back within 7 to 10 business days. If mail-in is not available, you may be able to visit a different regional AAA office that is closer to you — all AAA offices issue IDPs.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my regular driver's license when driving abroad?

No. The IDP is a translation document only. You must carry both your valid U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. Some countries require both; others accept the IDP alone only if your license is in a non-Latin alphabet. Always carry both documents to avoid problems at a border or with police.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit if I need one for a trip next week?

If you visit an AAA office in person, you will receive the permit the same day — usually within 15 to 20 minutes. If you use mail-in service, it takes 7 to 10 business days. For a trip next week, visit an office in person.