Yes, AAA issues International Driving Permits at most of its club locations

AAA is one of the two main sources for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the United States. You can walk into most AAA club offices, show your valid U.S. driver's license and passport, pay a fee, and walk out with an IDP the same day. The process takes about 15 minutes. AAA does not mail IDPs — you must explore in person at a location that offers the service.

The other source is the U.S. State Department's passport acceptance agencies, which also issue IDPs but are less convenient for most people because they have fewer locations and longer wait times. AAA is faster and more accessible if you have a club membership or are willing to join.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues International Driving Permits in person at most club locations, and you receive it the same day you explore.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport, and a completed process form — AAA provides the form at the office.
  • The fee varies by AAA club but typically ranges from $15 to $20 for a single IDP.
  • AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, though members may pay a slightly lower fee at some locations.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and is only useful when you also carry your original U.S. driver's license.

What documents you need to bring to AAA

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and your passport (or passport card). These are the only documents AAA requires to issue an IDP. Your driver's license must not be expired, and your passport must be valid — an expired passport will not work.

AAA will have you fill out a one-page process form at the office. You do not need to bring a completed form; staff will hand you one when you arrive. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and signature. It takes a few minutes to complete.

You do not need a membership card to explore, though if you are a member, bring it — some AAA clubs offer a small discount to members. Non-members pay the standard fee.

AAA club locations and whether yours offers IDP service

Not every AAA office issues IDPs. The service is available at most larger AAA club locations, but some smaller offices or travel-focused branches may not offer it. Before you drive to an office, call ahead or check the AAA website for your region to confirm that location handles IDP applications.

AAA has regional clubs across the United States — AAA Northeast, AAA Mid-Atlantic, AAA Carolinas, AAA Georgia, AAA South Carolina, AAA Tennessee, AAA Florida, AAA Midwest, AAA Oklahoma, AAA Texas, AAA Colorado, AAA Northern California, AAA Southern California, and AAA Hawaii. Each club operates independently, so hours, fees, and service availability vary slightly by region. The easiest way to find a location near you is to visit the AAA website for your state and search for "International Driving Permit" or call the club's main number.

Cost and how long the permit lasts

The fee for an IDP at AAA typically ranges from $15 to $20, depending on which AAA club you visit. Some clubs charge $15 for members and $20 for non-members; others charge a flat rate. Call your local AAA office to confirm the exact fee before you go.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you plan to drive internationally for longer than a year, you will need to renew it. AAA can issue a new IDP at any time — there is no waiting period between expiration and renewal.

The IDP itself is a small booklet, about the size of a passport. It translates your driver's license information into ten languages and is recognized by most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic. You must carry it together with your original U.S. driver's license at all times while driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid.

How to find your nearest AAA office and make an appointment

Visit the AAA website for your state or region and use the "Find a Club" or "Locations" tool. Search for offices near your address or zip code. Once you have a list, call the office directly to confirm it offers IDP service and ask about current hours. Some AAA offices are open evenings and Saturdays, which can be more convenient than weekday visits.

AAA does not require appointments for IDP applications at most locations — you can walk in during business hours. However, some busy offices may ask you to schedule a time slot to avoid long waits. It is worth calling ahead to ask whether your location takes walk-ins or prefers appointments.

If you live far from an AAA office or cannot visit in person, the State Department's passport agencies offer IDP service as well, though they typically have longer processing times and fewer locations. That is your alternative if AAA is not practical for you.

What happens after you receive your IDP

Once you have the IDP in hand, keep it with your driver's license whenever you drive outside the United States. The IDP is a translation document — it does not replace your license and is only valid when presented alongside the original license.

Some rental car companies abroad may ask to see your IDP when you pick up a vehicle. Having it can smooth the process, especially in countries where English is not widely spoken. However, not all countries require it; some accept a U.S. driver's license alone. Check the specific rules for the country you plan to visit before you travel.

If your IDP is lost or damaged while you are abroad, you cannot replace it until you return to the United States. AAA will not issue a replacement by mail. Plan accordingly and keep your IDP in a safe place during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AAA membership to get an International Driving Permit?

No. AAA issues IDPs to both members and non-members. Members may receive a small discount at some locations, but membership is not required. If you are not a member, you can still walk into an AAA office and request an IDP.

Can I get an IDP by mail from AAA?

No. AAA only issues IDPs in person at club locations. You must visit an office, show your documents, and receive the permit the same day. The State Department's passport agencies also offer IDP service, but they also require in-person process.

What if my driver's license or passport is expired?

AAA will not issue an IDP if either document is expired. Your U.S. driver's license and passport must both be valid on the day you explore. Renew whichever document has expired before you visit AAA.

How long does an IDP last, and can I renew it before it expires?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. You can renew it at any time — you do not have to wait until it expires. straightforward return to an AAA office with your current driver's license and passport, pay the fee, and receive a new IDP.

Will my IDP work in every country?

An IDP is recognized by most countries that signed the 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic, which includes most of Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. However, a few countries do not recognize it. Check the specific rules for the country you plan to visit before you travel — your car rental company or the country's embassy website can tell you what documents you need.