You do not need an appointment at most AAA clubs, but you should call ahead to confirm your location's policy and bring the right documents

AAA International Driving Permits are issued on a walk-in basis at most AAA club locations in the United States. You can usually arrive during business hours, complete a short form, provide your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport photo, pay the fee (typically $15 to $20), and leave with your permit the same day. However, some regional AAA clubs have moved to appointment-only service or have specific hours for permit issuance, so calling your local club before you go is the safest approach.

The permit itself is not a replacement for your U.S. driver's license — it is a translation document that explains your U.S. license to police and rental agencies in other countries. It is valid for one year from the date of issue and is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.

Key Takeaways

  • Most AAA locations issue International Driving Permits on a walk-in basis during regular business hours, but some clubs now require appointments.
  • You will need a valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches), and the completed process form, which AAA provides on-site.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 and is issued the same day in most cases.
  • Calling your local AAA club by phone is the fastest way to confirm whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.
  • The International Driving Permit is valid for one year and must be carried alongside your U.S. driver's license when driving abroad.

How to learn about your AAA location requires an appointment

The easiest method is to call your local AAA club directly. Look up the club's phone number on the AAA website by entering your zip code, then ask whether they issue International Driving Permits and whether you need to schedule ahead. Most staff can answer this question in under a minute and can also tell you their hours and whether they have photo services on-site.

If you prefer not to call, some AAA clubs list their permit policies on their location pages online. Search "AAA [your city] International Driving Permit" to see if your club has posted this information. If the website does not mention it, a phone call remains the most reliable way to confirm.

What documents and information you need to bring

You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, which AAA will use to verify your identity and driving status. You also need one passport-sized photograph, typically 2 inches by 2 inches in color or black and white. If you do not have a photo, some AAA locations offer photo services on-site for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.

You will also fill out a short process form at the club. AAA provides this form, and it asks for your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you arrive.

Cost and how long the permit is valid

An AAA International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on your AAA membership status and regional pricing. AAA members typically pay the lower end of that range, while non-members may pay slightly more. Some clubs accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. You cannot renew it — you must obtain a new one if you need it after the expiration date. If you are planning a long trip abroad or multiple trips within a year, you may want to get the permit early so it remains valid for the full duration of your travels.

Whether you can get an International Driving Permit without being an AAA member

Yes, you can obtain an International Driving Permit from AAA even if you are not a member. Non-members typically pay a slightly higher fee than members, but the process and documents required are the same. Some AAA clubs may ask if you want to join while you are there, but membership is not a requirement for the permit itself.

If you are not an AAA member and plan to travel internationally more than once, you might consider membership, as it can offset the cost of multiple permits over time. However, for a single trip, the non-member fee is usually reasonable.

What to do if your local AAA club is closed or does not issue permits

A small number of AAA locations do not issue International Driving Permits in-house. If your club falls into this category, staff can usually direct you to the nearest club that does. You can also search the AAA website for "International Driving Permit" and filter by location to find clubs near you that offer the service.

If no AAA club near you issues the permit, you have an alternative: the American Automobile Association also issues International Driving Permits through the mail. You can request an process online or by phone, mail in your documents and payment, and receive your permit by mail within two to three weeks. This option takes longer but may be necessary if no local club offers walk-in service.

How the International Driving Permit differs from other travel documents

The International Driving Permit is not a license — it is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. You must carry both your U.S. license and the International Driving Permit when driving abroad; the permit alone is not valid.

Some countries require the International Driving Permit in addition to your U.S. license, while others accept your U.S. license alone. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for each country you plan to visit. Your rental car company can also tell you whether they require the permit as part of their rental agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. AAA will not issue a permit based on an expired, suspended, or revoked license. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve that issue with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can obtain the International Driving Permit.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit if I order by mail?

Mail-in processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date AAA receives your process. If you need the permit quickly, visiting a local AAA club in person is much faster — you can usually get it the same day. Plan ahead if you are using the mail option, especially if you are traveling soon.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe or other countries?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries and rental agencies require it, while others accept your U.S. driver's license alone. Check with your rental company and the government website of each country you plan to visit before your trip. Having the permit is generally safer because it removes any ambiguity at the rental counter.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

You should not drive once your permit expires. If you are abroad when it expires and need to continue driving, contact AAA to see if you can obtain a new permit while traveling, though this is difficult from outside the United States. Plan your travel dates so your permit remains valid throughout your trip.

Can I get an International Driving Permit for a learner's permit or provisional license?

No. You must have a valid, full U.S. driver's license. Learner's permits and provisional licenses do not may have access to because they carry restrictions that would not be recognized internationally. Once you have a full, unrestricted license, you can obtain the International Driving Permit.