AAA can issue an International Driving Permit on the same day you visit, but only if you go to a location that stocks them and bring the right documents

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. AAA issues them at many of its local clubs across the United States. If you need one urgently, same-day service is possible — but it depends on which AAA location you visit and whether you have your documents ready before you walk in.

Not every AAA office keeps International Driving Permits in stock. Larger clubs in major cities are more likely to have them on hand. Smaller or rural AAA locations may need to order one, which takes several days. Before you go, call your local AAA club directly and ask whether they have IDPs available that day and what their current wait time is. This one phone call will tell you whether same-day service is realistic for you.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA can print an International Driving Permit the same day if the location has them in stock and you bring your valid driver's license, passport, and completed process form.
  • Not all AAA clubs keep IDPs on hand; call ahead to confirm your local office has them available before you visit.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on your AAA membership level, and the permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA office — there is no online or mail option for International Driving Permits.
  • An IDP is not a replacement for your driver's license and must be carried alongside it when you drive internationally.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and your passport (or passport card). These are the two pieces of ID AAA will ask for. You do not need to bring originals of anything else — no birth certificate, no proof of address. The staff will verify your license and passport on the spot.

You will also need to complete an process form at the AAA office. AAA provides this form; you do not fill it out ahead of time. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number — information you already have on you. Bring a pen, or the office will provide one.

How the same-day process works

When you arrive at an AAA office that has IDPs in stock, the staff will take your documents, verify your identity, and fill out the process. They will take a photo of you on the spot if they do not already have one on file from your AAA membership. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Once your process is complete, the office will print your IDP when ready. You will walk out with the permit in hand the same day. The IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, so if you are issued one in March, it expires in March of the following year.

Cost and AAA membership requirements

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you are a current AAA member and which membership tier you hold. AAA members typically pay the lower end of that range; non-members pay more. You do not have to be an AAA member to get an IDP, but membership will lower the cost.

If you are not an AAA member and want to keep costs down, you can join AAA before you explore for the IDP. A basic AAA membership costs around $50 to $70 per year (prices vary by region), so the membership discount on the IDP alone will not pay for itself. However, if you plan to use AAA roadside information or other member benefits during your trip, membership may be worth the cost.

Why some AAA locations cannot offer same-day service

AAA clubs that do not stock IDPs in their office will need to order one from AAA's central supply. This order typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Some smaller clubs or those in less populated areas do not keep them on hand because demand is low and they do not want inventory sitting unused.

If your local AAA does not have same-day service, ask whether they can order one and have it ready for pickup within a few days. Some offices will hold a permit at the counter for you to collect later, which is faster than having it mailed to your home.

International Driving Permit versus Real ID and passport cards

An IDP is not the same as a Real ID driver's license, and it does not replace your passport. A Real ID is a U.S. domestic document required for air travel within the United States. An IDP is for driving in other countries. You need all three — your regular driver's license, your passport, and your IDP — when you travel internationally by car.

Some travelers confuse an IDP with a passport card. A passport card is a smaller version of a passport issued by the U.S. State Department and is used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. An IDP is issued by AAA and is used only when you are driving a car abroad. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

What to do if you need an IDP but cannot reach an AAA office

If there is no AAA club near you or you do not have time to visit one, you have limited options. Some travel agencies and international driving permit services online claim to issue IDPs, but these are often scams or issue documents that are not recognized internationally. The only legitimate source for a U.S. International Driving Permit is AAA.

If you are traveling very soon and cannot get to an AAA office, contact AAA by phone to ask whether they can mail an IDP to you with expedited shipping. Some clubs will do this for an additional fee. This is slower than same-day service but faster than waiting for standard mail delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended. AAA will verify this when you explore. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until your suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. An expired license will also disqualify you — you must renew it first.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you get one in June, it expires in June of the following year. Some countries may have their own rules about how old an IDP can be, so check with your destination country before you travel.

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

Canada does not require an IDP — your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require one either, but many car rental companies in Mexico will ask for one, and having it can help if you are stopped by police. It is inexpensive enough that most travelers get one for Mexico anyway.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide documentation that you held one, which may help with car rental companies or police. When you return to the U.S., you can get a new IDP from AAA by repeating the same process.

Can someone else pick up my International Driving Permit if I cannot go to the AAA office?

No. AAA requires you to explore in person and be present when the IDP is issued. They will not release it to a family member or friend, even with written permission. You must visit the office yourself.