What an AAA International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An AAA 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 and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and other authorities in foreign countries that your U.S. license is real and current.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in most countries outside the United States. Some nations require it by law; others do not, but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one. A few countries — including Canada and Mexico — do not require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. license, but carrying one costs little and removes doubt at a border or checkpoint.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires whether you use it or not, so time your order to match your travel dates.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before you order an AAA International Driving Permit.
  • AAA members can order an IDP online through the AAA website and receive it by mail within one to two weeks.
  • Non-members can order through AAA by mail or in person at a local AAA office, but not online.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
  • You must carry your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad; neither document works alone.

How to Order an AAA International Driving Permit Online

Only AAA members can order an IDP online. If you are a member, go to AAA.com, log into your account, and search for "International Driving Permit." The online form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and the state that issued your license. You will also choose your delivery method — standard mail or expedited shipping.

After you submit the form and pay the fee (usually $15 to $20, depending on your AAA region), AAA mails the permit to your address. Standard delivery takes one to two weeks. Expedited delivery, if your region offers it, takes three to five business days but costs more.

You do not need to upload your driver's license or any other documents. AAA verifies your information against state records after you order.

What You Need Before You Order

Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license expired or is suspended, you cannot order an IDP until you renew or restore it through your state's DMV.

If you are an AAA member, you will need your membership number to log in. If you do not have a membership number, you can create an AAA account on the website using your email address and a password.

Have your mailing address ready. AAA will send the permit to the address on file with your membership. If you have moved recently, update your address in your AAA account before you order, or the permit may arrive at an old location.

If You Are Not an AAA Member

Non-members cannot order an IDP online through AAA. You have two options: order by mail or visit a local AAA office in person.

To order by mail, read the IDP process form from AAA.com, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a photocopy of your driver's license and a check or money order to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after AAA receives your envelope.

To order in person, find your nearest AAA office using the office locator on AAA.com. Bring your valid driver's license and payment (cash, check, or card). The staff will fill out the form for you, and you will receive the permit by mail within one to two weeks. Some offices may offer same-day or next-day pickup, but this varies by location — call ahead to ask.

What Happens After You Order

AAA will send you a confirmation email with a tracking number if you ordered online. You can use this number to track your permit's delivery status on the carrier's website (usually USPS).

When the permit arrives, check that your name, license number, and signature are correct. If anything is wrong, contact AAA when ready — they can issue a replacement, though it may take additional time.

Keep your IDP in a safe place with your driver's license. When you travel, carry both documents together. Do not laminate the IDP or write on it; doing so may make it invalid in some countries.

How Long the Permit Is Valid and When to Renew

An AAA International Driving Permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue, not from the date you receive it. If you order it in January but do not receive it until February, it still expires the following January.

If you plan to drive abroad more than once in a year, you may need more than one IDP. For example, if you order one in March and travel in September, that permit is still valid. But if you travel again the following April, you will need a new one because the first has expired.

Order your next IDP at least two weeks before your trip to allow time for delivery. If your trip is sooner, ask about expedited shipping when you order.

International Driving Permit vs. Other Documents

An AAA International Driving Permit is not the only IDP available in the United States. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source, but the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) also issues IDPs. Both are recognized internationally and cost roughly the same. AAA is more widely available because it has offices in most states.

Some countries issue their own versions of an IDP or require a special endorsement on your U.S. license. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit. Your rental car company or the country's embassy website can tell you what documents you need.

An IDP is different from a passport or visa. It does not prove citizenship or grant you entry to a country — it only confirms that your U.S. driver's license is valid. You still need a valid passport and any required visas to cross an international border.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order an AAA International Driving Permit if I do not have an AAA membership?

No, you cannot order online without a membership. You can order by mail or in person at an AAA office. If you become an AAA member, you can then order online for future trips.

What if my driver's license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your driver's license expires, even if the IDP itself has not reached its one-year expiration date. Renew your driver's license before you travel, and consider ordering a new IDP after renewal if your trip is still months away.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, carrying an IDP removes any doubt at a border crossing and is inexpensive, so many travelers bring one anyway.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in all countries?

Most countries recognize an IDP, but a few do not or have additional requirements. Check the specific country's embassy website or contact your rental car company before you book your trip to confirm what documents you need.

How much does an AAA International Driving Permit cost?

The cost is usually $15 to $20, depending on your AAA region and whether you choose standard or expedited shipping. Non-members pay the same fee whether they order by mail or in person.