If you've searched for an AAA International Driver's License near you, you're likely preparing to drive abroad — or you've heard that AAA is one of the organizations authorized to issue an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the United States. That's accurate, but there are several important distinctions worth understanding before you show up at a AAA branch expecting a permit in hand.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone license. It's a standardized translation document — recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention — that lets foreign authorities read and verify your existing U.S. driver's license. It contains your name, photo, and license information translated into multiple languages.
You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP. The permit is only valid when carried alongside your domestic license. If your U.S. license is expired, suspended, or revoked, an IDP cannot be issued — and even if it were, it would carry no legal weight.
IDPs are not recognized in every country. Some nations accept only their own driving permits for foreigners, require a locally issued license, or have bilateral agreements with the U.S. that supersede IDP rules. The country you plan to drive in determines whether an IDP is required, optional, or irrelevant.
In the United States, only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs: AAA (American Automobile Association) and AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance). No government agency — including your state DMV — issues IDPs for outbound U.S. drivers. 🌍
AAA issues IDPs to U.S. residents through its local branch offices. You do not need to be a AAA member to apply for an IDP at most locations, though membership policies can vary by regional AAA club. The IDP is issued on the spot at participating offices — it is one of the few travel documents in the U.S. that can be produced same-day without mailing in an application.
AATA issues IDPs by mail, which means longer processing time but no requirement to visit an office in person.
The in-person application process at AAA is generally straightforward. Most locations require:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Completed application form | AAA's IDP application (available at the branch or sometimes online to pre-fill) |
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be unexpired; some offices require it to have at least 6 months of remaining validity |
| Two passport-style photos | Standard 2×2 inch photos; some AAA offices can take these on-site for an additional fee |
| Payment | A flat fee applies; this varies slightly by AAA club but is typically in the $20–$25 range as of recent years |
| Proof of identity | Usually satisfied by the driver's license itself |
The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed — a new application is required each year.
Not every AAA branch location handles IDP issuance. Full-service AAA travel offices are the ones most likely to process IDP applications. Smaller kiosk-style or insurance-only locations may not offer this service.
To find participating offices near you, AAA's national website allows you to search by ZIP code and filter for offices that provide travel services. Calling ahead to confirm IDP availability at a specific branch before visiting saves time, especially since the same-day issuance depends on the office being equipped to produce the permit.
Several factors determine how the IDP process applies to you specifically:
An IDP is not a substitute for a valid domestic license, insurance, or compliance with local traffic laws. It does not grant any driving privileges beyond what your U.S. license already authorizes. If your license has a restriction — corrective lenses, for example — that restriction applies when driving abroad just as it does domestically.
An IDP also does not replace the need to check entry and driving requirements for your specific destination. Border crossing rules, road safety laws, and insurance minimums are set by each country independently.
Whether an IDP is sufficient for where you're going, whether your license class qualifies, and whether the AAA office nearest to you provides same-day issuance — those answers depend entirely on your destination, your current license status, and which AAA club serves your area. The IDP process itself is consistent across AAA offices, but the surrounding requirements vary with every country on your itinerary and every detail of your driving record.