AAA International Driving Permit Processing Times

AAA processes International Driving Permits (IDPs) in one of three timeframes, depending on how you order: same-day in-person at an AAA office, 1–2 weeks by mail, or 2–3 business days by expedited mail. The actual time depends on which method you choose and whether your process is complete when you submit it. Same-day processing requires you to visit a physical AAA location with all required documents and pay an additional rush fee.

The IDP itself is valid for one year from the date of issue, not from the date you receive it. If you order by mail and the permit arrives after you've already left for your trip, it will still be valid for a full year from when AAA signed it — but you'll need to have it in hand before you travel, so timing matters for your actual departure date.

Key Takeaways

  • Same-day processing is available only at AAA offices in person and requires your valid U.S. driver's license, passport or passport card, and a completed IDP process form.
  • Mail processing takes 1–2 weeks for standard service or 2–3 business days for expedited service, and you pay a separate fee for expedited handling.
  • Your IDP is valid for one year from the date AAA issues it, not from when you receive it, so order early enough to have it before you travel.
  • Incomplete applications — missing a signature, passport information, or payment — will delay processing by several days while AAA contacts you for corrections.
  • AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, but non-members pay a higher fee than members do.

Same-Day Processing at an AAA Office

If you walk into an AAA office with a complete process and all required documents, you can receive your IDP the same day. This is the fastest option and the only one that guarantees you'll have the permit before a specific date. You'll need to bring your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport or passport card, and a completed IDP process form (Form DL 44 or equivalent, depending on your state). Some AAA offices have the form on hand; others ask you to fill it out online before you arrive.

Same-day processing includes a rush fee on top of the standard IDP fee. The total cost varies by state and AAA membership status, but expect to pay roughly $20–$30 more than you would for standard mail processing. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm they offer same-day service, because not all locations do, and to ask whether they have process forms available or whether you should bring one completed.

Standard Mail Processing (1–2 Weeks)

If you mail your process to AAA, standard processing takes 1–2 weeks from the date AAA receives it. This timeline assumes your process is complete, your payment clears, and there are no errors on the form. AAA begins counting from the day they open your envelope, not from the day you mail it, so add 2–3 days for postal delivery before processing even starts.

To use mail processing, you'll fill out the IDP process form, include a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license and your passport or passport card, and mail everything with payment to the AAA address listed on the form. AAA will return your completed IDP by mail. If you're cutting it close to your travel date, this method is risky — a delay in postal delivery or a missing signature on your form can push you past your departure.

Expedited Mail Processing (2–3 Business Days)

AAA offers expedited mail processing for an additional fee, typically $15–$25 on top of the standard IDP fee. Expedited processing takes 2–3 business days from the date AAA receives your process, not including weekends or holidays. As with standard mail, you still need to account for postal delivery time to AAA's office before processing begins, so the total time from when you mail it to when you receive it is usually 5–7 business days.

Expedited mail is faster than standard mail but slower than in-person same-day processing. It's useful if you're ordering a few weeks before your trip and want a buffer, but it's not a solution if you're leaving in a few days. Some AAA offices also offer expedited processing at the office itself, which combines the speed of same-day service with the convenience of not having to visit in person — ask your local office whether they offer this option.

What Delays IDP Processing

The most common reason for delays is an incomplete process. Missing information — a blank signature line, a missing passport number, or an unsigned check — will cause AAA to contact you for corrections before they can process your permit. This adds 3–5 days to your timeline while you respond and AAA reprocesses the form. Always double-check that every field is filled in and that you've signed the process before you submit it.

Payment issues also cause delays. If you pay by check and the check bounces, or if you provide an incorrect credit card number, AAA will contact you to resolve the issue before issuing the permit. Paying by credit card at the time of submission is the fastest way to avoid this. If you're mailing your process, consider using a credit card number instead of a check, or use a money order if you don't want to include card information in the mail.

High-volume periods can also extend processing times slightly. If AAA is processing a large number of applications — for example, during spring break season or summer travel months — even standard processing may take closer to 2 weeks than 1 week. If you're traveling during a peak season, order your IDP at least 3 weeks in advance to be safe.

IDP Validity and Expiration

Your International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date AAA issues it, which is printed on the permit itself. This is not the date you receive it or the date you explore — it's the date the permit is signed and dated by AAA. If you order by mail and the permit arrives six months later (which is extremely unlikely but theoretically possible), it will still expire one year from the issue date, not one year from when it arrives at your house.

You cannot renew an IDP; you must order a new one when yours expires. If you travel frequently or plan multiple international trips over the next year, order your IDP as soon as you know you'll need it. If you're planning a trip more than a year away, wait to order until closer to your departure date so your permit doesn't expire before you travel.

Membership and Fee Differences

AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP. Non-members can order through AAA, but they pay a higher fee than members do. The difference is typically $10–$15, depending on your state. If you're a member, your membership card will reduce the cost. If you're not a member and you order an IDP, you won't be charged membership dues — the higher fee is the only difference.

Some states' AAA clubs offer slightly different processing times or fees, so check with your local AAA office or the national AAA website for your specific state's rates and timelines. The general processing windows (same-day, 1–2 weeks, 2–3 business days expedited) are consistent across most AAA locations, but fees and exact turnaround times can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP the day before I leave for my trip?

Only if you visit an AAA office in person on that day. Same-day processing is the only option that guarantees you'll have the permit by a specific date. Mail processing, even expedited, cannot be relied on for next-day delivery. Call your local AAA office to confirm they're open and have availability before you go.

What happens if my IDP process is incomplete?

AAA will contact you by phone or email to ask for the missing information. This adds 3–5 days to processing while you respond and they reprocess your form. Always fill in every field and sign the process before submitting to avoid this delay.

Is the IDP valid as soon as I receive it, or does it need to be activated?

Your IDP is valid as soon as you receive it. There is no set up step. You can use it when ready for international travel, as long as you also carry your valid U.S. driver's license.

Can I order an IDP online and have it mailed to me?

Yes. AAA allows you to complete the process online and pay by credit card, and they will mail the completed IDP to you. Processing time is still 1–2 weeks for standard service or 2–3 business days for expedited service, plus postal delivery time.

What if I need my IDP for a trip that's only a week away?

Visit an AAA office in person for same-day processing. This is your only option if you have less than a week. Mail processing, even expedited, will not arrive in time when you factor in postal delivery and processing delays.