Yes, you need a passport-style photo for an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) requires a recent passport-style photograph. The photo must meet specific standards set by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), depending on which organization issues your permit. Without a photo that meets these requirements, your process will be rejected and you will have to resubmit.

The photo is what makes your IDP valid as an identity document in foreign countries. Border officials and police abroad use it to match your face to your permit, the same way they would check your passport. A missing or incorrect photo means the permit cannot serve that purpose and may not be accepted at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Your photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on against a white or off-white background.
  • The photo must be 2 by 2 inches (the standard passport photo size) and cannot include glasses, hats, or other head coverings unless worn for religious reasons.
  • You can bring a photo you already have, have one taken at a photo studio or pharmacy, or use a passport photo service — all cost between $10 and $25 for a set of photos.
  • AAA and AATA will reject your process if the photo does not meet their standards, so it is worth confirming the requirements before you have it taken.

Exact photo specifications for an IDP

The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches — the same size as a U.S. passport photo. It must be in color, not black and white. The background must be plain white or off-white with no patterns, shadows, or other people visible. Your face must take up between 50 and 69 percent of the frame, and you must be looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

Your eyes must be open and clearly visible. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or regular eyeglasses unless you have a medical reason (such as extreme light sensitivity) and can document it. Hats and head coverings are not allowed unless you wear them for religious reasons — in that case, your face from the forehead to the chin must still be fully visible and unobstructed.

The photo must have been taken within the last six months. If you submit a photo that is older than that, AAA or AATA will reject it. This rule exists because the photo is meant to match your current appearance so that border officials can recognize you.

Where to get a passport-style photo

You have several options for obtaining a photo that meets IDP standards. The easiest is to use a pharmacy or drugstore with a photo service — CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart all offer passport photo services. You can usually walk in without an appointment, have the photo taken on the spot, and receive a set of prints within minutes. The cost is typically $10 to $15 for a set of four 2-by-2 photos.

You can also visit a dedicated photo studio in your area. These studios specialize in passport and ID photos and will may support your photo meets all requirements. The cost is usually $15 to $25 for a set of photos, and the quality is often higher than pharmacy services. Some studios offer same-day printing.

If you already have a recent photo that meets the size and background requirements, you can bring it with you when you submit your IDP process. However, if the photo does not meet the standards, you will have to obtain a new one. It is safer to have a new photo taken specifically for the IDP so you know it will be accepted.

Online passport photo services also exist — you take a selfie, upload it, and the service prints and mails photos to you. These typically cost $10 to $20 but take several days to arrive. Use this option only if you have time before your IDP process important date.

What happens if your photo is rejected

If your photo does not meet AAA or AATA standards, the organization will return your process and ask you to resubmit with a compliant photo. This delays your IDP by at least one to two weeks, depending on how quickly you can obtain a new photo and remail your process. If you are traveling soon, this delay can be a serious problem.

Common reasons for rejection include: the background is not plain white or off-white, your face is too small or too large in the frame, you are wearing glasses or a hat, the photo is older than six months, or the photo is black and white instead of color. Before you have a photo taken, confirm with the pharmacy or studio that they understand the requirements for an International Driving Permit — many staff members are more familiar with passport photos, which have slightly different rules.

How to submit your photo with your IDP process

When you explore for an IDP through AAA or AATA, you will include the original 2-by-2 photo with your process materials. Do not send a digital copy or a photo that has been cropped or edited. The organization needs the original printed photo to verify it meets their standards.

Write your name lightly in pencil on the back of the photo so it does not get separated from your process. Place the photo in the envelope with your completed process form, a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, and any other documents the organization requests. Mail everything together to the address provided by AAA or AATA.

If you are explore in person at an AAA office, bring the original photo with you. Staff will verify it meets requirements before accepting your process. If it does not, they can usually direct you to a nearby photo service where you can have a new one taken when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my passport or state ID?

Yes, if the photo is recent (taken within six months) and is printed at 2 by 2 inches. However, passport and state ID photos sometimes have slightly different background colors or lighting than what AAA and AATA prefer. It is safer to have a new photo taken specifically for the IDP to avoid rejection.

What if I wear glasses every day — do I have to remove them for the photo?

Yes, you must remove your glasses for the IDP photo unless you have a documented medical reason. If you wear glasses for everyday vision, you will still need to remove them. The rule exists because border officials need to see your eyes clearly to match your face to the permit.

Can I smile in the IDP photo?

A neutral expression is preferred, but a slight, natural smile is usually acceptable. Avoid a wide grin or exaggerated expression. The goal is for the photo to look like you in a normal state so that officials can recognize you at a border.

How long does it take to get a passport photo taken?

At a pharmacy or drugstore, the photo is usually taken and printed within 15 to 30 minutes. At a dedicated photo studio, it may take 30 minutes to an hour. Online services take three to seven business days for delivery. Plan ahead so you have the photo in time to submit your IDP process.

Do I need multiple copies of the photo?

You only need one original 2-by-2 photo to submit with your IDP process. However, photo services typically print photos in sets of four, so you will have extras. Keep the extras in case you need to reapply or submit additional documents later.