What an International Driving Permit from AAA Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by AAA 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 must carry both together when driving outside the United States. The IDP tells foreign police and rental car companies that your U.S. license is legitimate and current.

AAA is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Association's competitor, but AAA handles the majority of IDP requests. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs less through AAA than through most other channels.

You need an IDP only if you plan to drive in another country. Many countries do not require one, but some do, and rental car companies in Europe and parts of Asia often will not rent to you without one. If you are flying to a destination and not driving, you do not need an IDP.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues IDPs in one-year and three-year versions; the three-year permit costs only slightly more and is the better value for most travelers.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo to an AAA office in person — you cannot mail in the process or use a photo from your phone.
  • The IDP is ready the same day at most AAA locations, though you should call ahead to confirm your local office has stock.
  • You must carry your U.S. license and IDP together at all times when driving abroad; the IDP alone is not valid.
  • An IDP does not change your driving record, insurance, or license status in the United States.

Documents and Photos You Need to Bring

You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license to the AAA office. It cannot be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, you must renew it through your state DMV before AAA will issue an IDP.

You also need one passport-style photograph — 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background. The photo must show your face clearly and straight-on. Photos from a smartphone, printed at home, or taken at a regular photo booth often do not meet the standard. AAA offices can take the photo for you on the spot for a small fee if you do not have one ready.

Bring your passport or passport card if you have one. It is not required, but it speeds up the process because AAA can verify your identity without additional documents. If you do not have a passport, bring a second form of government-issued ID such as a state ID card or military ID.

The process Form and What to Fill In

AAA uses the Form DS-11 (or a similar IDP process form specific to AAA). You can read and fill it out before you go to the office, or you can fill it out there. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the license expiration date. It also asks which countries you plan to visit, though this is informational only and does not restrict where you can use the permit.

Print the form in black ink and sign it by hand — do not sign it before you arrive at the office, because the AAA staff member will witness your signature. If you fill it out at home, leave the signature line blank.

You do not need to know which countries you will visit or have a specific travel date. The IDP is valid in any country that recognizes it, and you can use it for any trip during its validity period.

Where to Go and How Long It Takes

Visit any AAA office that offers IDP services. Not every AAA location issues IDPs — call ahead or check the AAA website to find an office near you that does. Most urban and suburban AAA offices issue them, but some smaller locations do not stock the permits.

The IDP is usually ready the same day. You pay the fee, hand over your documents and photo, sign the form in front of the staff member, and walk out with the permit within 15 to 30 minutes. Some offices may ask you to wait a few hours if they are busy, but same-day service is standard.

If your local AAA office does not have the permit in stock, they can order it and you can pick it up within a few days. Call before you go so you know whether to expect same-day service or to plan a return trip.

Cost and Payment

A one-year IDP costs approximately $20, and a three-year IDP costs approximately $30. Prices vary slightly by AAA location and may change. AAA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required.

The fee is a one-time charge. You do not pay renewal fees or annual charges. When your IDP expires, you must return to an AAA office and pay the fee again for a new one if you need it.

What Happens After You Get Your IDP

Keep your IDP in a safe place with your passport and travel documents. Do not laminate it or write on it. When you drive in another country, carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together — police or rental car staff may ask to see both. The IDP is only valid when presented with your U.S. license.

The IDP does not affect your driving record, insurance rates, or license status in the United States. It is purely a translation document for use abroad. Your U.S. license remains your primary license.

If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid as well. You cannot use an IDP with an expired or invalid U.S. license. If you renew your U.S. license before your IDP expires, you do not need to get a new IDP — the old one is still good.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume every country requires an IDP. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel. Many countries accept a U.S. driver's license alone, and some do not recognize IDPs at all. Your rental car company or the country's tourism board can tell you what is required.

Do not bring a photo that does not meet the 2-by-2-inch passport-style standard. Selfies, cropped photos, or photos with colored backgrounds will be rejected. If you are unsure, ask the AAA staff member before you pay the fee.

Do not laminate your IDP or write on it after you receive it. The lamination can damage the document and make it invalid. If your IDP is damaged, you must buy a new one.

Do not carry your IDP without your U.S. license. The IDP alone is not a valid driving document. If you lose your U.S. license while traveling, your IDP becomes useless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. You must visit an AAA office in person with your driver's license, photo, and completed form. AAA does not issue IDPs remotely or by mail. You can read and fill out the form ahead of time to speed up the process, but you must sign it in front of an AAA staff member.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your license through your state DMV first, then visit AAA with your new license. An IDP is only valid when paired with a current, valid U.S. driver's license.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Europe?

Many European rental car companies require an IDP, but not all. Check with your rental company before you book. Some companies will rent to you with just your U.S. license, while others will not. Having an IDP removes this uncertainty and is inexpensive insurance against being turned away at the rental counter.

How long is an IDP valid?

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The three-year version costs only about $10 more and is the better value if you plan to travel internationally more than once during that period.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You can still drive with your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may not accept it without the IDP. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you need help. When you return home, you can purchase a replacement IDP from AAA for the same fee.