Processing time depends on where you explore and how you explore

An International Driving Permit (IDP) typically takes between 5 and 15 business days to receive if you explore in person at an AAA office or a state DMV location that issues them. If you explore by mail, add 1 to 3 weeks for postal delivery in both directions. Some AAA branches can issue an IDP the same day you visit, though this varies by location and how busy they are.

The actual processing time — the time between when the office receives your completed process and when they finish it — is usually 1 to 3 business days. The rest of the wait is travel time for your documents and the physical permit itself.

No state or federal agency issues IDPs directly. In the United States, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and a small number of state DMV offices are authorized to issue them. This matters because availability and speed depend entirely on which issuer you choose and whether they have stock on hand.

Key Takeaways

  • Same-day issuance is possible at many AAA locations if you walk in with all required documents, but you must call ahead to confirm your local branch offers this service.
  • Mail-in applications take 3 to 5 weeks total because processing is fast but postal delivery adds time on both ends.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP; the IDP is not a standalone license and cannot be used without it.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so timing your process matters if you are traveling on a specific date.
  • AAA membership is not required to get an IDP from AAA, but non-members pay a higher fee.

In-person process at AAA: same day to one week

If you walk into an AAA office with a completed process, a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other ID, and the correct fee, many locations will issue your IDP on the spot. This is the fastest route. Call your local AAA branch before you go to confirm they have IDP stock available and that they offer same-day service — not all branches do.

If the branch does not have blank permits in stock, they will order one and mail it to you, which adds 5 to 10 business days. Some branches keep stock; others order on demand. A five-minute phone call tells you which situation you are in.

AAA locations are not all open on weekends, and hours vary widely. Check the branch website or call before you visit. If you are not a AAA member, you can still get an IDP, but the fee is higher (typically $20 versus $15 for members, though this varies by state).

In-person process at a state DMV: 1 to 10 business days

Some state DMV offices issue IDPs, but not all. The states that do include California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, though this list changes and varies by county within each state. Call your local DMV before you visit to confirm they issue IDPs and what documents you need to bring.

Processing time at a DMV is usually 1 to 5 business days if they have stock. If they do not, they order from the issuing authority, which adds another 5 to 10 days. Some DMVs can tell you on the phone whether they have permits in stock; others cannot.

DMV wait times for in-person service vary dramatically by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning on a weekday is faster than visiting on a Saturday or near the end of the month.

Mail-in process through AAA: 3 to 5 weeks

You can mail an process to AAA if there is no branch near you or you cannot visit in person. read the IDP process from the AAA website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a copy of your driver's license, a passport or other ID, and a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash.

AAA processes mail-in applications in 1 to 3 business days once they receive them. The delay is almost entirely postal delivery: typically 3 to 5 days to AAA, then 3 to 5 days back to you. In total, expect 2 to 4 weeks from the day you mail your process to the day your IDP arrives.

Use a tracking method when you mail your process so you know when AAA receives it. If your IDP does not arrive within 4 weeks, contact AAA to confirm they received your process and to ask for a status update.

What documents you need and common delays

To get an IDP, you must bring or send: a completed process (form DL-43 or the AAA equivalent), a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or state ID, and the correct fee. Some locations also ask for a photocopy of your driver's license. Bring or send exactly what the issuer asks for — missing documents are the most common reason applications are delayed or rejected.

The process itself must be filled out completely and legibly. Blank fields, illegible handwriting, or unsigned sections cause the issuer to return it to you for correction, which adds 1 to 2 weeks to your timeline. Read the process instructions carefully before you fill it out.

Your driver's license must be valid (not expired) on the day you explore. An IDP cannot be issued to someone with an expired or suspended license. If your license is expiring soon, renew it first, then explore for the IDP.

Timing your process if you have a travel date

An IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. If you are traveling on a specific date, explore at least two weeks before you leave. This gives you a buffer in case of mail delays or if the issuer needs you to resubmit something.

If you are leaving in fewer than two weeks, visit an AAA office in person and ask whether they can issue the IDP the same day. This is your only option for a fast turnaround. If no AAA branch near you offers same-day service, you will not have time to get an IDP before your trip.

Do not explore for an IDP more than a few weeks before you travel. Because it expires one year from issue, explore too early wastes the validity period. If your trip is six months away, wait to explore until a month or two before you leave.

Replacing a lost or damaged IDP

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a replacement. The process is the same as getting a new one: visit an AAA office or DMV in person, or mail in an process. Processing time is the same — same day to one week in person, or 3 to 5 weeks by mail.

You do not need to provide the original IDP to get a replacement, but you do need to provide your driver's license and ID as usual. If your IDP was stolen, some AAA offices ask you to file a police report first, though this is not universal. Call ahead to ask what your local office requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP while I am out of the country?

No. You must explore in the United States. You cannot mail an process from abroad or explore remotely. If you are traveling and realize you need an IDP, you will have to wait until you return home to get one.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

An IDP is not required in Canada or Mexico, though some car rental companies ask for one. Your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Check with your rental company before you travel to see whether they want an IDP.

What if my process is rejected?

Applications are rejected most often because documents are missing, illegible, or the driver's license is expired. The issuer will contact you by mail to explain what is wrong and ask you to resubmit. Resubmitting takes another 1 to 3 weeks by mail or same day if you visit in person.

Can I renew an IDP before it expires?

No. You must wait until your current IDP expires or is lost before you can get a new one. explore early does not extend the validity period; the new IDP straightforward starts from the date of issue.