An International Driving Permit is not issued near you — you get it by mail from a national organization
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. You cannot walk into a DMV or local office and receive one. Instead, you order it from one of two national organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
The process takes one to two weeks by mail, or same-day in person if you visit an AAA office that offers walk-in service. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license in hand before you order. The IDP itself costs between $15 and $20, depending on which organization you use and how you order.
You will need the IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in certain countries outside the United States. Many countries accept only your U.S. license; others require the IDP as a translation. Some require both documents together. Check the specific country's requirements before you order, because an IDP is valid for three years and you cannot get a refund if you do not use it.
Key Takeaways
- The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States.
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or state ID to order an IDP; the IDP is not a replacement for your license.
- Mail orders take one to two weeks; AAA offices in many states offer same-day in-person service if you visit in person.
- The IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for three years, so confirm your destination country requires it before you order.
- You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad; the IDP alone is not valid.
How to order from AAA by mail or in person
The American Automobile Association is the larger and more accessible of the two options. AAA has local clubs in most states, and many AAA offices offer same-day IDP service if you walk in with your documents. To order by mail, visit the AAA website for your state, select "International Driving Permit," and follow the online form. You will upload a color photocopy of your driver's license and a recent passport-style photo (2x2 inches). AAA charges $20 for the IDP plus $15 for shipping, or $35 total by mail.
If you visit an AAA office in person, bring your valid driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a color photocopy of your license. Some offices accept digital photos on your phone; call ahead to confirm. The in-person fee is $20 with no shipping charge. AAA issues the IDP on the spot at offices that offer the service, though not all local clubs do. Check the AAA website or call your local club to confirm they issue IDPs before you visit.
You do not need to be an AAA member to order an IDP. Non-members can order by mail or visit an AAA office. If you are a member, you may receive a small discount on the fee; ask when you order.
How to order from the American Automobile Touring Alliance
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller organization but offers mail service nationwide. You cannot visit an AATA office in person; all orders go through the mail. Visit the AATA website, read the process form, and mail it with a color photocopy of your driver's license and a 2x2-inch passport photo. AATA charges $15 for the IDP plus $5.95 for standard mail delivery, or $20.95 total.
AATA typically processes orders within five to seven business days. If you need the IDP faster, AATA does not offer expedited shipping, so AAA is the better choice if you are short on time and have an AAA office nearby.
Like AAA, you do not need to be a member of any organization to order from AATA. The process is straightforward and requires only your license information and a photo.
Documents you must have before you order
You need three things to order an IDP: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a recent color photo. The photo must be 2x2 inches, in color, and taken within the last six months. A passport photo or a photo from a photo booth meets this requirement. You cannot use a screenshot or a digital photo printed at home unless it is printed on photo paper and meets the size and color standards.
Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. An IDP cannot be issued for an expired or invalid license. If your license is expired, renew it with your state DMV before you order the IDP.
The passport or state ID is required to verify your identity when you order in person at an AAA office. If you order by mail, you do not submit the passport or ID itself, only a photocopy of your driver's license. However, you must have a valid passport or state ID on hand to present at the time of order if you are ordering in person.
Timeline and delivery options
| Method | Organization | Processing Time | Cost | How to Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person, same-day | AAA (select offices only) | Same day | $20 | Visit local AAA club with license, ID, and photo |
| AAA | 1–2 weeks | $35 | Online form at AAA website with uploaded documents | |
| AATA | 5–7 business days | $20.95 | Printed form mailed with photocopies and photo |
If you are ordering by mail, plan ahead. Most travelers order two to three weeks before their trip to allow time for processing and delivery. If you are leaving within a week, visit an AAA office in person for same-day service.
The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. You do not renew it; you order a new one if you need another after three years. Keep your IDP with your passport and driver's license when you travel.
What to do if no AAA office near you offers same-day service
Not all AAA clubs issue IDPs on the spot. Some only accept mail orders. If the nearest AAA office does not offer in-person service, you have two options: order by mail from AAA (1–2 weeks) or order by mail from AATA (5–7 business days). AATA is slightly faster and costs less, so if speed matters, AATA is the better choice.
You can also call AAA clubs in neighboring states or cities to see if any offer same-day service and are willing to serve you. Some AAA offices will issue an IDP to a non-local customer if you visit in person, even if you are not a member of that club. Call ahead to confirm before you drive.
If you are traveling internationally very soon and cannot wait for mail delivery, consider whether the IDP is actually required for your destination. Many countries accept a U.S. driver's license alone, and an IDP is only a translation. Check your destination country's rental car company or embassy website to confirm the requirement before you spend time and money on an IDP you may not need.
Common mistakes to avoid when ordering
The most common error is ordering an IDP for a country that does not require it. Before you order, check the specific country's requirements. Some European countries require it; others do not. Some rental car companies require it even if the country does not. Call your rental car company or check their website to confirm what documents they need.
Another mistake is submitting a photo that does not meet the size or quality requirements. The photo must be 2x2 inches, in color, and taken within the last six months. A black-and-white photo, a photo that is too small, or a photo older than six months will be rejected, and your order will be delayed. If you are unsure, use a passport photo from a photo booth; those always meet the standard.
Do not order an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is expired or suspended. The IDP is a translation of your license, not a separate document. If your license is not valid, the IDP cannot be issued. Renew your license first, then order the IDP.
Finally, do not assume the IDP replaces your U.S. driver's license. You must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. The IDP alone is not valid. Some travelers order the IDP, leave their U.S. license at home, and discover at the rental counter that they need both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?
No. Canada and Mexico accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental car companies in those countries may request an IDP as an additional form of identification. Check with your rental company before you travel. An IDP is most commonly required in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state DMV?
No. Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one, even if you ask. You must order through AAA or AATA.
What if my International Driving Permit arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the organization that issued it when ready. AAA and AATA will reissue a damaged or incorrect IDP at no charge if you report the problem within a reasonable time. Keep your receipt and the damaged document as proof. Reissue typically takes one to two weeks by mail.
Can I order an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is from another country?
No. An IDP translates a U.S. driver's license only. If you hold a foreign license, you cannot order a U.S. IDP. Some countries issue their own international permits; check with your home country's automobile association or licensing authority.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An International License does not exist as a U.S. document. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but the U.S. does not. The IDP is the only internationally recognized translation of a U.S. driver's license.