Does AAA Take Photos for International Driver's Licenses?

Yes — AAA offices in the United States do take photos as part of the International Driving Permit (IDP) application process. In fact, AAA is one of only two organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs to American residents, making it the most widely used option for drivers preparing to drive abroad.

Understanding exactly what that photo service involves — and what the IDP itself actually is — helps set realistic expectations before you walk into a AAA office.

What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone license. It's a translation document — a booklet that renders your existing driver's license information into multiple languages recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention. Most countries that accept IDPs require drivers to carry both the IDP and their valid domestic driver's license simultaneously.

The IDP does not grant driving privileges on its own. It doesn't replace a foreign license, and it doesn't extend the validity of an expired domestic license. What it does is help foreign officials, rental car agents, and law enforcement read and verify your U.S. license information in their language.

How AAA Handles the Photo Requirement 📷

When you apply for an IDP at a AAA branch, a photo is taken on-site as part of the standard application process. You do not need to bring passport-style photos — AAA captures the image during your visit.

Here's how the in-office process generally works:

The IDP issued through AAA is valid for one year from the date of issuance and is accepted in over 150 countries.

Who Is Eligible to Apply Through AAA

AAA issues IDPs to U.S. residents who hold a valid U.S. driver's license. Applicants generally must be at least 18 years old. Non-U.S. citizens who hold a valid U.S.-issued driver's license may also be eligible, depending on their residency and license status.

What AAA cannot do is issue an IDP to someone who holds a foreign driver's license and wants to drive in the U.S. That's a separate process governed by individual state DMV rules and doesn't involve AAA or an IDP in the same way.

AAA Membership and the IDP

You do not need to be a AAA member to obtain an IDP through AAA. Non-members can apply, though the fee may differ. Some AAA branches have specific hours or appointment requirements for IDP processing, so checking with your local branch ahead of time is worth doing.

What the IDP Doesn't Cover 🌍

A few things drivers commonly assume the IDP handles — but doesn't:

• It doesn't extend how long you can legally drive in a foreign country. Many countries allow visitors to drive on a foreign license only for a limited period (often 30 to 90 days). After that, a local license may be required regardless of IDP status.
• It doesn't satisfy rental car companies' age or license requirements. Some countries and rental agencies have their own restrictions layered on top.
• It doesn't replace the need for an international auto insurance policy. Your U.S. coverage may not apply abroad.
• It doesn't work in every country. A handful of countries require their own permits or have separate agreements with the U.S. that don't involve the standard IDP framework.

If You Can't Visit a AAA Branch in Person

AAA also offers a mail-in IDP application option. In this case, you would need to submit two passport-style photos along with your application and valid license copy, since AAA cannot photograph you remotely. Processing times for mail-in applications are longer than in-person issuance, and timing matters if your trip is approaching.

The in-person option remains faster and removes the photo burden from the applicant entirely.

How This Fits Into the Broader IDP Picture

The U.S. State Department authorizes only two organizations to issue IDPs in the United States: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Any other organization claiming to issue "official" U.S. IDPs is not federally authorized, and documents from those sources may not be recognized abroad.

The legitimacy of the IDP — and the photo embedded in it — depends on it being issued through one of these two authorized channels.

The Part That Varies by Your Situation

While AAA's IDP process is relatively standardized across branches, some variables still apply to individual drivers. Whether your U.S. license is valid and in good standing, what license class you hold, your age, and the specific countries you plan to drive in all shape whether an IDP will fully serve your needs. Some destinations have additional requirements beyond an IDP, and some U.S. license types may not satisfy foreign road authorities regardless of what the IDP says.

The IDP process through AAA is one of the more consistent procedures in the driver's license world — but how that document functions once you cross a border depends entirely on where you're going and what that country requires of visiting drivers.