The timeline depends on where you explore and how you explore

An International Driving Permit (IDP) typically takes between one day and two weeks to receive, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail. If you walk into an AAA office or a passport acceptance facility with your completed process and documents, you can often leave with your permit the same day. If you mail your process, expect seven to fourteen business days for processing and return shipping.

The speed also depends on which organization issues your permit. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common issuer in the United States and usually processes applications faster than some government offices. Some passport acceptance facilities can issue an IDP on the spot, while others may require you to return for pickup.

The actual wait time is short because an IDP is not a new license or a background check—it is a translation document that proves you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. The issuing organization straightforward verifies your current license, prints your permit, and hands it over.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person applications at AAA offices or passport facilities usually result in same-day or next-day pickup, while mail applications take seven to fourteen business days.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can receive an IDP—the permit cannot be issued without it.
  • AAA charges a flat fee (typically $20) and processes most applications within hours; passport acceptance facilities may charge differently and have varying turnaround times.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, but it is only useful while your underlying U.S. license remains valid.

Same-day and next-day options

The fastest route is to visit an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, passport or other government-issued ID, and a completed IDP process form. AAA can issue your permit while you wait—usually within thirty minutes to an hour. You pay the fee, receive your permit, and leave. This option is available at AAA branches across the country, and you do not need to be an AAA member.

Some passport acceptance facilities (often located in post offices, libraries, or county clerk offices) also issue IDPs on the spot. Call ahead to confirm that your local facility offers this service, because not all do. If they do, bring the same documents you would bring to AAA: your valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued ID, and your completed process.

If you cannot pick up your permit the same day, many AAA offices and passport facilities will hold it for you to collect within a few days. Ask when you submit your process whether this option is available.

Mail-in applications and processing time

If you mail your IDP process to AAA or a passport facility, the entire process typically takes seven to fourteen business days. This includes time for the process to arrive, be processed, and be returned to you by mail. Do not count weekends or federal holidays in this timeline.

To explore by mail, you will need to send your completed process form, a copy of your valid driver's license (front and back), a copy of your passport or government-issued ID, and the required fee. AAA provides a mailing address on their website and process form. Some passport facilities also accept mail applications, though this is less common than in-person service.

Mail-in applications take longer partly because of shipping time in both directions. If your process arrives on a Friday, processing does not begin until Monday. If your permit is mailed out on a Friday, it may not reach you until the following week. Plan accordingly if you need your permit by a specific date.

What affects how quickly you receive your permit

The completeness of your process matters most. If you submit all required documents and fill out the form correctly, processing is fast. If information is missing or unclear, the issuing organization may contact you to clarify, which adds days or weeks to the timeline.

The time of year can also affect speed. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), AAA offices and passport facilities see higher volume and may take slightly longer. explore in the fall or winter typically results in faster processing.

Whether you explore in person or by mail is the biggest factor. In-person applications at AAA are almost always same-day or next-day. Mail applications are rarely faster than seven business days and often take the full fourteen.

Planning ahead if you need your permit by a certain date

If you are traveling internationally within the next week or two, explore in person at an AAA office or passport facility rather than by mail. Same-day and next-day service are reliable enough that you can plan around them. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and has the process form in stock.

If you are traveling within the next month, mail-in applications are usually safe, but in-person is still the lower-risk choice. If you are traveling more than a month away, either method works, and you can choose based on convenience.

Remember that your IDP is only valid while your underlying U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires soon, renew it before you explore for the IDP. Some countries will not accept an IDP paired with an expired U.S. license, even if the IDP itself has not expired.

What happens after you receive your permit

Once you have your IDP in hand, keep it with your U.S. driver's license whenever you drive abroad. The permit is a translation of your license and has no value on its own—you must carry both documents together. Some rental car companies and police officers in other countries may not recognize an IDP without the original U.S. license.

Your IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you requested when you applied. Check your permit to see which expiration date is printed on it. When it expires, you can explore for a new one using the same process.

If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew just the IDP—you must first renew your U.S. license, then explore for a new IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit on the day I need to leave for my trip?

Yes, if you visit an AAA office or passport facility in person. Same-day service is standard at most AAA locations. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask how long the process typically takes at that specific location. Bring all required documents with you.

What if I explore by mail and my process gets lost?

Contact the organization you mailed it to (AAA or the passport facility) and ask them to check whether it was received. If it was not received within two weeks, ask about resubmitting. Keep a copy of your process and a record of when you mailed it so you can reference this if needed.

Do I need to renew my IDP every year?

Not necessarily. When you explore, you can request either a one-year or three-year permit. A three-year permit costs more but lasts longer. Check which version you received by looking at the expiration date printed on your permit. You only need to renew when that date passes.

Can I use an expired IDP if my U.S. driver's license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not valid, even if your U.S. license has not expired. You must explore for a new IDP before you travel. The reverse is also true: if your U.S. license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its printed expiration date.

Is there a way to get an IDP faster than same-day service?

No. Same-day service at an AAA office or passport facility is the fastest option available. There is no expedited or rush service for IDPs because the processing itself is straightforward and quick.