If you've searched "AAA International Driving Permit near me," you're likely preparing to drive abroad and want to know where to get one, what it costs, and what you'll need to bring. Here's how the process generally works — and what varies depending on your situation.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document. It doesn't replace your U.S. driver's license — it works alongside it. The IDP translates your license information into multiple languages so that foreign authorities, rental car agencies, and law enforcement in other countries can read your credentials without a language barrier.
In the United States, AAA (the American Automobile Association) is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs to American residents. The other is the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization in the U.S. is legally authorized to issue them.
The IDP is based on a United Nations convention and is recognized in over 150 countries. However, recognition and legal requirements vary by country — some nations require an IDP to rent or drive a car, others treat it as optional, and a few don't recognize it at all.
AAA issues IDPs through its local branch offices across the country, which is why "near me" is a common search. The advantage of going in person to an AAA office is that same-day issuance is typically available — you walk in with the right documents and walk out with your permit.
Some AAA clubs also offer online or mail-in options, though processing time for those is longer. If your travel is coming up soon, an in-person visit to a local AAA office is usually the fastest route.
While requirements can vary slightly by AAA club location, the standard application package generally includes:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be valid, not expired or suspended |
| Two passport-style photos | Standard 2"x2" format, front-facing |
| Completed application form | Available at AAA offices or downloadable |
| Application fee | Varies; typically in the range of $20–$25, though this can change |
| AAA membership | Required at most clubs; non-members may have limited options |
Your driver's license must be a valid, government-issued U.S. license — a learner's permit alone is not sufficient, and a license that is suspended, revoked, or expired will not qualify. The IDP mirrors whatever driving privileges your license currently grants.
Not all AAA clubs have identical policies. Some locations issue IDPs only to AAA members; others may issue them to non-members for a different fee structure. Membership tiers (Classic, Plus, Premier) don't typically affect IDP eligibility, but availability of the service at a specific branch can vary.
If you're not a current AAA member, it's worth calling ahead to confirm whether the location nearest to you serves non-members for IDP purposes, or whether membership is required before your visit.
This is a common source of confusion. The IDP is not a standalone driving credential. You must carry both your valid U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving internationally. The IDP translates; your license authorizes.
A few related distinctions worth knowing:
Your underlying license type matters. If your U.S. license carries restrictions — corrective lenses required, daylight-only driving, automatic transmission only — those restrictions are reflected in the IDP. You're expected to comply with them abroad just as you would domestically.
Drivers under 18 with a graduated driver's license (GDL) or restricted license should be aware that their IDP will reflect those restrictions. Additionally, some countries have minimum age requirements for driving that go beyond what a U.S. license grants. Those are country-specific rules, not IDP rules.
AAA has hundreds of branch offices across the U.S. Location availability, hours, and services differ by club region. Not every AAA office issues IDPs — some smaller or affiliate locations may not offer the service. Calling ahead before making a trip is the practical move.
The two key variables that determine what your experience looks like: which AAA club region covers your area, and whether you already hold a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license. Those two factors shape what you'll need, what you'll pay, and how quickly you can walk out the door with your permit.