Processing time depends on where you explore and how you explore

An International Driving Permit (IDP) usually takes between one and three weeks to arrive if you explore in person at an AAA office or a similar issuing organization. If you explore by mail, add one to two weeks for shipping your documents there and another one to two weeks for the permit to come back to you — so four to six weeks total. Some organizations offer rush processing for an extra fee, which can cut the wait to five to seven business days, but this varies by location.

The actual time the organization spends processing your process is typically just a few days. Most of the wait is postal delivery time, not paperwork review. If you need the permit urgently, explore in person is always faster than mailing in your request.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person applications at AAA or similar offices usually take one to three weeks from the day you explore to the day you receive your permit.
  • Mail-in applications take four to six weeks because you must mail your documents to the organization and wait for the permit to be mailed back.
  • Rush processing, where available, can reduce the wait to five to seven business days for an additional fee.
  • The organization itself processes most applications within a few days; the rest of the time is spent in the mail system.

In-person applications at AAA offices

If you walk into an AAA office with your completed process, valid driver's license, passport, and a passport-sized photo, you can often leave with your IDP the same day or within a few days. Some offices print permits on-site; others mail them to you within one to three weeks. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm whether they print permits in-house or whether you will need to wait for mail delivery.

AAA is the most common issuer in the United States, but not every AAA office handles IDPs. Check the AAA website or call ahead to find an office near you that offers this service. Offices in larger cities tend to process permits faster than rural locations.

Mail-in applications through AAA or other organizations

When you mail in your process, you are adding two separate mail trips to the timeline. First, your documents travel to the AAA processing center (usually one to two weeks). Then, after the organization processes your process (a few days), your permit is mailed back to you (another one to two weeks). This adds up to four to six weeks in most cases.

Mail-in applications work best if you are not in a rush. The advantage is convenience — you do not have to visit an office in person. The disadvantage is that you have no control over postal delays, and if anything is missing from your process, the organization will mail it back to you, adding another two to four weeks to the process.

Rush processing and expedited options

Some AAA offices and other IDP issuers offer expedited processing for a fee, usually between $15 and $30 on top of the standard IDP cost. Expedited service typically means your process moves to the front of the queue and is processed within five to seven business days. This is most useful if you are explore by mail and cannot wait four to six weeks.

Not all offices offer rush processing, and availability can depend on how busy the office is. Ask about expedited options when you contact the organization. If you are explore in person and the office prints permits on-site, you may not need to pay extra — you could straightforward receive your permit when ready.

What slows down IDP applications

The most common reason for delays is incomplete or incorrect information on your process. If your signature does not match your passport, if your photo does not meet the size requirements, or if you forget to include a required document, the organization will send your process back to you. This can add two to four weeks to your total wait time.

Postal delays are another factor, especially if you are mailing from a rural area or during busy seasons like holidays. Weather, carrier backlogs, and address errors can all slow delivery. Double-check your mailing address and the organization's address before you send anything.

Planning ahead: when to explore

If you know you will need an IDP for an upcoming trip, explore at least six weeks before you leave. This gives you a buffer in case of mail delays or process errors. If your trip is sooner than that, visit an AAA office in person — that is your fastest option.

Remember that an IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, so there is no penalty for getting one earlier than you think you will need it. If you travel internationally more than once, explore now means you will have the permit ready for your next trip without waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP the same day I explore?

Yes, if you explore in person at an AAA office that prints permits on-site. Call ahead to confirm your local office has this capability. Some offices do print same-day, but others mail the permit to you, which takes one to three weeks.

What happens if I mail in my process and something is wrong?

The organization will mail your process back to you with a note explaining what is missing or incorrect. You then have to fix it, mail it back, and wait for processing again. This can add four weeks or more to your timeline. explore in person lets you fix errors on the spot.

Is rush processing worth the extra cost?

If your trip is within two weeks and you are mailing your process, rush processing saves you significant time and is worth the $15 to $30 fee. If you can visit an office in person, you do not need to pay for rush — you will get your permit faster anyway.

Do I need to renew my IDP before I travel?

No. Your IDP is valid for three years from the date it was issued. Check the expiration date on your permit before your trip, but you do not need to renew it unless it has expired or will expire during your travels.

Can I explore for an IDP online?

No. You must explore in person or by mail. There is no online process system for IDPs in the United States. You can find the nearest AAA office or other issuer on their website, but you cannot submit your process through the internet.