If you've searched for an "international driver's license" through AAA, you've likely already discovered that AAA is one of the few organizations in the United States authorized to issue what's formally called an International Driving Permit (IDP). This article explains what that means, how the process generally works, and what factors shape your experience depending on where you live and where you're headed.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone license. It's a standardized translation document — recognized under the 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic — that accompanies your existing domestic driver's license. It translates your license information into multiple languages, making it easier for foreign authorities to verify your driving credentials.
An IDP is not valid on its own. You must carry it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. Without your U.S. license, the permit has no standing.
In the United States, only two organizations are federally authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs to American drivers:
No government agency — including the DMV — issues IDPs directly to U.S. residents. Any third-party website claiming to sell an "official" international driver's license outside of these two organizations is not issuing a legitimate document.
This is worth emphasizing because a significant number of fraudulent IDP sellers operate online. The State Department has issued repeated warnings about these services. If you want a valid IDP, AAA offices are among the most accessible legitimate sources.
The documentation requirements are fairly consistent across AAA offices, though you should confirm with your local branch:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current and unexpired |
| Two passport-style photos | Taken recently; specific size requirements apply |
| Completed application form | AAA provides this at the office |
| Fee payment | Fees vary; typically in the $20–$25 range, but confirm locally |
| Age requirement | Generally must be at least 18 years old |
AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP. Non-members can apply at most AAA offices.
Processing is typically done in person, and many branches can issue the permit the same day. Some AAA locations may offer mail-in applications, but the availability of that option depends on the branch.
This is where things get more complicated — and where many drivers are caught off guard.
Not every country recognizes an IDP, and not every country that recognizes an IDP requires one. Whether you need an IDP depends on:
The U.S. State Department and the embassy of the country you're visiting are the authoritative sources for whether an IDP is required for your destination.
IDPs issued through AAA are generally valid for one year from the date of issue. They cannot be renewed — you must apply for a new one when your current IDP expires or when your domestic license is renewed.
Because the IDP reflects the information on your driver's license at the time of application, it's worth timing your application around any upcoming license renewals. If your U.S. license expires while you're abroad, the IDP tied to it loses its basis.
There are a few important limits to understand:
Even within the relatively simple IDP process, outcomes vary based on a handful of factors:
How the IDP process plays out for any individual driver depends on the intersection of those factors — along with the requirements of wherever they're headed.