Mail your AAA International Driving Permit process to the AAA office in your state

You send your AAA International Driving Permit process to the AAA club office that covers your state, not to a central address. AAA is organized by regional clubs — California AAA, AAA Northeast, AAA Midwest, and so on — and each one handles its own permit processing. The address you use depends on which state you live in or which AAA membership you hold.

You cannot mail to a local AAA branch office. You must use the state or regional processing address listed on the AAA website or on the process form itself. Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date AAA receives your envelope, though this varies by club and by season.

Key Takeaways

  • Each AAA regional club has its own mailing address for International Driving Permit applications; using the wrong address delays processing.
  • You can find the correct mailing address on the AAA website under your state's club, on the process form, or by calling your local AAA office.
  • Mail your completed process with your valid U.S. driver's license, passport or passport card, and the process fee to the address provided.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks after AAA receives your envelope, and you can track status by calling the regional club that processed it.
  • Some AAA clubs allow in-person submission at certain offices, which is faster than mailing if you have a location nearby.

How to find your AAA regional club's mailing address

Start at AAA.com and look for your state. Each state's AAA club page lists the address for permit applications. The address is usually labeled "International Driving Permit" or "Permit Services" and is separate from local branch addresses.

If you cannot find it online, call the local AAA office in your area and ask for the mailing address for International Driving Permit applications. The staff member will give you the exact address and can confirm what documents to include. This takes five minutes and prevents sending your process to the wrong location.

Your AAA membership card also lists a customer service phone number. You can call that number and ask for the International Driving Permit mailing address for your state.

What to include in your envelope

Your mailing envelope should contain the completed AAA International Driving Permit process form, your valid U.S. driver's license, and either your passport or passport card. Some clubs also require a photocopy of your driver's license; check the process form or call ahead to confirm.

Include the process fee, which is typically $20 to $25 depending on your AAA club. Pay by check or money order made out to AAA. Do not send cash through the mail. Write your name and driver's license number on the back of the check so the club can match it to your process.

Use a mailing method that allows you to track delivery, such as First-Class Mail with tracking or Priority Mail. Keep the tracking number so you can follow up if your process does not arrive within the expected timeframe.

Processing time and what happens after you mail it

AAA typically processes International Driving Permit applications within one to two weeks of receiving them. Some regional clubs are faster during off-season months (November through February) and slower during summer travel season (June through August).

Once processed, AAA mails your permit back to the address you provided on the process. The permit itself is valid for three years from the date of issue. You should receive it within three to four weeks total from the date you mailed your process, though this varies by club and mail speed.

If you do not receive your permit within four weeks, call the AAA club that processed it and provide your tracking number from the original mailing. They can tell you whether your process was received and where your permit is in the process.

In-person submission as an alternative to mailing

Many AAA clubs allow you to submit your International Driving Permit process in person at their office locations. This is faster than mailing because you get when ready confirmation that your documents were received and correct. Processing still takes one to two weeks, but you avoid mail delays on both ends.

Not all AAA offices handle International Driving Permits in person. Call your local office first to ask whether they accept walk-in applications and what their hours are. Some offices require an appointment for permit services.

Common mistakes that delay mailing

The most common error is mailing to a local AAA branch office instead of the regional processing address. Local branches do not handle permit applications and will have to forward your envelope, which adds one to two weeks to processing time.

The second mistake is forgetting to include your passport or passport card. AAA requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a driver's license alone is not enough. If your documents are incomplete, AAA will contact you, but this delays your permit by at least one week.

The third mistake is sending cash or a personal check without your name and driver's license number on it. AAA cannot match the payment to your process, and processing stalls until they contact you. Always use a check or money order with your identifying information written on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my International Driving Permit process online instead of mailing it?

AAA does not accept online submissions for International Driving Permits. You must mail your process or submit it in person at an AAA office that handles permits. Some AAA clubs are exploring online options, so call your regional club to ask whether they have launched an online process.

What if I send my process to the wrong AAA address?

If you mail to a local branch instead of the regional processing address, the branch will forward your envelope to the correct location. This adds one to two weeks to processing time. If you realize you used the wrong address before mailing, contact your local AAA office and ask for the correct address instead.

Do I need to be an AAA member to get an International Driving Permit?

Yes, you must have an active AAA membership to order an International Driving Permit through AAA. If you are not a member, you can join AAA first, then mail your permit process. Some other organizations issue International Driving Permits, but AAA is the most widely recognized in the United States.

How do I know if my process arrived at the AAA office?

Use the tracking number from your mailing to confirm delivery. Once delivered, call the AAA regional club and provide your name and driver's license number. They can tell you whether your process is in their system and what stage of processing it is in.

Can I get my International Driving Permit faster by paying extra?

AAA does not offer expedited processing for International Driving Permits. All applications are processed in the order received, typically within one to two weeks. If you need your permit urgently, submitting in person at an AAA office is your fastest option.