Processing time depends on where you explore and which country issued your license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) typically takes between one day and four weeks to receive, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail and which organization issues it. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two bodies authorized to issue IDPs. If you walk into an AAA office with your valid driver's license, passport, and a completed process form, you can walk out with an IDP the same day. If you mail your process, expect 7 to 14 business days for processing and return shipping.

The timeline also shifts based on your location and the issuing organization's current workload. AAA offices in major cities often process same-day applications during regular business hours, while smaller branches or those in rural areas may require you to wait a few days or mail your process. AATA, the alternative issuer, typically processes applications by mail only and takes 10 to 14 business days. Neither organization offers expedited processing, so if you need an IDP for a trip leaving in two days, same-day in-person process at AAA is your only option.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA can issue an IDP the same day if you explore in person with your valid driver's license, passport, and completed process form.
  • Mail applications through AAA take 7 to 14 business days from the date they receive your materials, not from the date you send them.
  • AATA processes applications by mail only and typically takes 10 to 14 business days, with no in-person option available.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so timing your process matters if you plan multiple trips.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state to receive an IDP; the permit cannot be issued without it.

Same-day processing at AAA offices

If you have an AAA membership and live near an AAA office, same-day issuance is the fastest route. Bring your valid driver's license, a valid passport (or passport card), a completed process for an International Driving Permit form (available on AAA's website or at the office), and the processing fee, which is typically $20 but varies slightly by location. The office staff will review your documents, take a photo if needed, and print your permit on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Not all AAA locations offer same-day service. Call your local AAA office before you visit to confirm they issue IDPs and whether they can do it the day you plan to come in. Some smaller branches or those in less populated areas may require you to mail your process instead. AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, but non-members typically pay a higher fee—often $30 to $35 instead of $20—and may face longer wait times or mail-only processing at some locations.

Mail applications through AAA

If you cannot visit an AAA office in person, you can mail your process directly to AAA's IDP processing center. The timeline begins when AAA receives your envelope, not when you mail it. Standard mail delivery takes 3 to 5 business days, so add that to the processing time. Once AAA receives your process, they process it within 7 to 14 business days and mail the permit back to you, which adds another 3 to 5 business days. Total time from mailing to receiving your IDP is typically 13 to 24 business days, or roughly three to five weeks.

To mail an process, read the form from AAA.com, fill it out completely, and include a photocopy of your valid driver's license and passport. Include a check or money order for the processing fee (AAA does not accept credit cards by mail). Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Keep a record of when you mailed the envelope; if you do not receive your IDP within four weeks, contact AAA to confirm they received your process.

AATA processing by mail only

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized IDP issuer in the United States. AATA does not have physical offices and processes all applications by mail. The timeline is similar to AAA mail processing: 10 to 14 business days from receipt of your process, plus mail delivery time in both directions. Total time is typically 16 to 24 business days, or roughly three to four weeks.

To explore through AATA, visit their website, read the process form, and mail it with a photocopy of your valid driver's license, passport, and a check or money order for the fee (typically $20). AATA's processing fee is the same as AAA's, but because AATA has no offices, there is no same-day option. If speed is critical, AAA in-person process is always faster. AATA is useful if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer to work with an alternative issuer.

What happens during the waiting period

While your IDP is being processed, your original driver's license remains valid for driving in the United States and most countries. You do not need to wait for the IDP to arrive before driving domestically. However, if you are traveling internationally before your IDP arrives, check the specific country's requirements. Some nations accept a valid U.S. driver's license alone; others require the IDP. If your trip is imminent and you have not yet received the permit, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to confirm whether the IDP is mandatory or whether your license alone is sufficient.

If you ordered by mail and your trip date is approaching, track your process status by contacting AAA or AATA directly. Provide them with the date you mailed your process and ask whether it has been received and processed. If there is a delay, ask whether they can expedite the return shipping or hold the permit for pickup at a local AAA office if one is nearby.

Validity period and renewal timing

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, not from the date you receive it. This means if you explore in January and receive it in February, it expires in January of the following year. Plan your process timing accordingly. If you have multiple international trips planned over a 12-month period, explore early enough that the permit covers all your travel dates. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid; you cannot renew it outside the United States.

To renew an IDP, you must explore again through AAA or AATA using the same process as a first-time process. There is no expedited renewal process. If your current IDP is about to expire and you have upcoming international travel, submit a new process at least three weeks before your trip to allow time for processing and delivery.

Common delays and how to avoid them

The most frequent cause of delay is incomplete or incorrect process forms. Make sure every field is filled out legibly, your signature matches your passport, and you have included photocopies (not originals) of both your driver's license and passport. Sending an original document instead of a photocopy can slow processing because the organization must verify it and return it separately.

Another common issue is mailing your process to the wrong address. AAA has multiple regional offices, but IDP applications must go to the specific processing center listed on the form. Sending your process to a local AAA office instead of the processing center adds 5 to 10 business days while it is redirected. Double-check the mailing address on the form before you seal the envelope. If you are unsure, call AAA or AATA to confirm the correct address.

Payment problems also cause delays. If you send a check that bounces or a money order that is damaged, the organization will contact you to request payment again, which adds one to two weeks to the timeline. Use a money order from a bank or post office rather than a personal check if you are mailing your process, as money orders are more reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP faster if I pay extra?

No. Neither AAA nor AATA offers expedited or rush processing for a higher fee. Same-day in-person process at an AAA office is the fastest option available. If you need an IDP within 24 hours, visit an AAA location in person during business hours.

What if I explore by mail and do not receive my IDP within four weeks?

Contact AAA or AATA with the date you mailed your process and ask them to confirm receipt and current processing status. If they confirm it was received but processing is delayed, ask whether they can mail it via priority mail or hold it for pickup at a nearby AAA office. If they have no record of receiving it, you may need to resubmit your process.

Do I need an IDP if I am only driving in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; a valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico technically does not require an IDP either, but some rental car companies and insurance providers recommend having one. Check with your rental company and insurance provider before your trip to confirm their requirements.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. The new permit will be valid for one year from its issue date. If you have international travel planned after your current IDP expires, explore for a new one at least three weeks before the expiration date.

What if my driver's license expires while my IDP is still valid?

Your IDP becomes invalid if your driver's license expires, even if the permit itself has not reached its one-year expiration date. Renew your driver's license first, then explore for a new IDP if you still need one for upcoming travel.