AAA Does Issue International Driving Permits, But Only to Members

Yes, AAA issues International Driving Permits (IDPs), but only to people who hold a current AAA membership. The permit is not a replacement for your state driver's license — it is a translation document that works alongside your valid U.S. license in countries that recognize it. AAA is one of only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and it is the most accessible route for most drivers.

The other authorized issuer is the American Automobile Association's competitor organization, but AAA locations are far more widespread. You can obtain an IDP in person at most AAA club offices, or by mail if you are a member. The process is straightforward but has specific requirements: you must bring your valid state driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of AAA membership.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 at most AAA locations, though the exact fee varies by region. It is not a legal document in the United States and has no value for domestic driving — it exists only to help foreign police and rental car companies understand your U.S. license if you are stopped or need to rent a vehicle abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership is required to obtain an IDP through AAA; non-members cannot purchase one from them.
  • You must present a valid state driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of AAA membership in person or by mail.
  • An IDP is valid for one year only and costs $15 to $20, depending on your AAA club location.
  • The IDP is a translation document meant to accompany your U.S. license abroad, not a replacement for it or a standalone travel document.
  • AAA is one of only two State Department–authorized IDP issuers in the United States.

What You Need to Bring to an AAA Office

To obtain an IDP from AAA in person, bring three things: your current, valid state driver's license; a passport-style photograph (usually 2×2 inches); and proof that you hold an active AAA membership. The photo requirement is strict — it must be a recent color photo with a plain background, the same type you would use for a passport. Many AAA offices have photo services on-site or can direct you to a nearby location that takes them.

Your state driver's license must not be expired or suspended. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it with your state DMV before AAA can issue an IDP. AAA membership can be verified by your membership card, a membership number, or online account access — call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

If you are explore by mail, AAA will send you a form to complete. You will mail in a copy of your driver's license (front and back), the passport-style photo, and proof of membership. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks, so plan ahead if you have a specific travel date.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit issued by AAA is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically — you must obtain a new one each year if you plan to drive internationally again. The one-year window is fixed by international treaty, not by AAA policy, so no U.S. issuer can extend it.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid for driving in that country. Some countries may still accept it as a courtesy, but you cannot rely on that. If you are planning a multi-year international assignment or frequent travel, you will need to renew your IDP before each trip or before the current one expires.

Renewal is the same process as the initial issue: bring your current driver's license, a new passport-style photo, and proof of AAA membership to an AAA office, or explore by mail. There is no expedited renewal process, so if your IDP is about to expire and you have an upcoming trip, explore at least three weeks in advance.

AAA Membership Requirements and Costs

You must hold an active AAA membership to obtain an IDP from AAA. Membership is not free — basic AAA membership typically costs between $50 and $150 per year, depending on your region and the level of coverage you choose. Some employers and organizations offer AAA membership discounts, so check whether your workplace or alumni association has a partnership.

If you are not an AAA member and do not want to join, you have one alternative: the American Automobile Association's other authorized issuer. However, that organization has far fewer locations and longer processing times. For most people, joining AAA for the IDP plus the roadside information and travel benefits makes financial sense if you plan to drive internationally.

AAA membership also covers other travel services — discounts on hotels, rental cars, and travel insurance — so the cost is not purely for the IDP. If you only need the IDP once and have no interest in other AAA benefits, the total cost (membership plus IDP fee) may feel high. In that case, research the alternative issuer to compare.

Which Countries Recognize an AAA-Issued IDP

An IDP issued by AAA is recognized in more than 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 international driving permit conventions. However, recognition is not universal — some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, and a few recognize only certain types. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements through its embassy website or your rental car company.

Most European countries, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand recognize U.S. IDPs. Many Asian and African countries do as well, but the list changes and varies by region. Some countries require both your U.S. driver's license and the IDP together — the IDP alone is not enough. A few countries require an IDP but do not recognize the U.S. version and instead require you to obtain a local permit.

Rental car companies are often stricter than local law. Many major rental agencies will not rent to you without an IDP, even in countries where it is not legally required. If you are renting a car abroad, contact the rental company before you travel and ask whether they require an IDP. If they do, obtain one from AAA before you leave the United States.

How an IDP Differs from a Foreign Driver's License

An International Driving Permit is not a driver's license. It is a translation and certification document that explains your U.S. license to foreign authorities. You cannot drive in any country on an IDP alone — you must always carry your valid U.S. state driver's license with it. If you are stopped by police, you present both documents together.

A foreign driver's license is different. If you move to another country and become a resident, you may be required to obtain that country's driver's license. Some countries allow you to drive on a U.S. license for a limited time (often 30 to 90 days), but after that you must take a local driving test and obtain a local license. An IDP does not satisfy that requirement — it is only for temporary visitors.

If you are relocating internationally or planning to stay longer than a few months, research the specific country's licensing rules. Many countries have reciprocal agreements with the United States that allow you to exchange your U.S. license for a local one without retesting, but the process and timeline vary widely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if I am not an AAA member?

No, AAA requires active membership to issue an IDP. If you do not want to join AAA, the only alternative is the other State Department–authorized issuer, which has fewer locations and typically longer wait times. You can research that organization's requirements and locations on the State Department's website.

What if my state driver's license is expired?

AAA will not issue an IDP if your state license is expired or suspended. You must renew your license with your state DMV first. Once your new license arrives, you can then explore for the IDP at AAA.

Do I need an IDP if I am just renting a car abroad?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many major rental agencies require an IDP as a condition of renting, even if local law does not. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm their requirements. If they require one, obtain it from AAA before you travel.

How long does it take to get an IDP from AAA?

In-person issuance at an AAA office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. By mail, processing typically takes two to three weeks. If you have a specific travel date, explore at least three weeks in advance to account for mail delivery time.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes, you can renew early. However, the new IDP will still be valid for only one year from the date of issue, so renewing too far in advance means the second year of validity is wasted. Most people renew within a month or two before expiration.