How fast you can get an International Driving Permit depends on which country issues it and whether you explore in person or by mail

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license—it is a translation document that works alongside your valid driver's license. The speed of getting one ranges from same-day (if you explore in person at certain offices) to four to six weeks (if you mail your process). The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs to U.S. citizens. Most people get theirs through AAA because there are more AAA offices nationwide.

The time it takes also depends on how you submit your paperwork. Walk into an AAA office with everything completed and you can leave with an IDP the same day. Mail your process and you are waiting for postal delivery both ways, plus processing time at the office. If you need your IDP urgently—for a trip leaving in days—in-person is your only realistic option.

Key Takeaways

  • Same-day IDP issuance is possible at AAA offices if you explore in person with a completed process, valid U.S. driver's license, and a passport-style photo.
  • Mail-in applications through AAA typically take four to six weeks from the time the office receives your envelope to when they mail your IDP back to you.
  • AATA (the other authorized issuer) also offers in-person service at select locations, but has fewer offices than AAA.
  • Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried with your physical U.S. driver's license to be legal in foreign countries.
  • Processing time does not include shipping delays, so if you mail your process, add one to two weeks for postal delivery on each end.

In-Person process at AAA: Same Day to a Few Hours

If you walk into an AAA office during business hours with all required documents, you can receive your IDP on the spot. The office staff will review your process, take or accept your passport-style photo, and print your permit while you wait. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though busy locations may have a short wait.

To do this, you need: a completed AAA IDP process form (available online or at the office), your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). You also need to pay the fee, which is typically $20 for AAA members and $30 for non-members, though prices vary slightly by location. Some AAA offices will take your photo on-site for an additional fee if you do not have one.

The catch is that not every AAA office issues IDPs. Call ahead or check the AAA website to confirm the location nearest you offers this service. Many do, but some smaller branches handle only membership and insurance services.

Mail-In process Through AAA: Four to Six Weeks Plus Shipping

If you cannot reach an AAA office or prefer to mail your process, the processing timeline stretches significantly. AAA typically takes four to six weeks to process a mail-in IDP process once they receive it. That does not include the time your envelope spends in the mail getting to them or the time their response spends in the mail getting back to you—add one to two weeks on each end for postal delivery.

The full timeline looks like this: you mail your process (one to two weeks in transit), AAA receives and processes it (four to six weeks), and they mail your IDP back (one to two weeks in transit). In the best case, you are looking at six to ten weeks total. In slower cases, it can stretch to twelve weeks or more.

You send the same documents as the in-person route: completed process, copy of your driver's license, copy of your passport, and a passport-style photo. Mail everything to the AAA address listed on their IDP page. Include a check or money order for the fee—they do not accept credit cards by mail.

AATA In-Person Service: Same Day at Fewer Locations

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized IDP issuer, and they also offer same-day service at their office locations. However, AATA has far fewer physical locations than AAA—primarily in major cities and some state capitals. If you live near an AATA office, the speed is identical to AAA: same-day issuance if you explore in person.

AATA does not appear to offer mail-in service, so if you cannot reach one of their offices in person, AAA is your option. Check the AATA website to see if there is a location near you before planning a trip to explore.

Why Your IDP Expires in One Year

Your International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued, not from the date you explore. This matters if you are planning a trip far in the future. If you explore now for a trip next year, your IDP will expire before you leave. You can reorder a new one, but you cannot extend an existing one.

Your IDP must always be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license. Neither document is legal on its own in a foreign country. The IDP is a translation of your license information into multiple languages; it does not replace your license or extend its validity.

What Happens If You Need an IDP in Days, Not Weeks

If your trip is leaving in three days and you do not have an IDP, same-day in-person service at an AAA office is your only path forward. Find the nearest AAA location that issues IDPs, gather your documents, and go. There is no expedited mail option and no way to speed up processing.

If there is no AAA office near you and you cannot travel to one, you have a problem: you cannot get an IDP in time. In this case, research whether you actually need one for your destination. Some countries do not require an IDP if you carry your U.S. license and an official English translation. Others accept a U.S. license alone. Check the specific country's driving requirements before assuming you must have an IDP.

Fees and What They Cover

AAA charges $20 for members and $30 for non-members. AATA pricing may differ slightly. These fees are one-time and cover the cost of the permit itself. If you need a photo taken at the AAA office, that is usually an additional $5 to $10. There are no hidden fees or renewal costs—you straightforward pay once and receive your one-year permit.

The fee does not change based on how you explore (in person or by mail). It also does not change based on how long you plan to use the permit. A permit you use for two weeks costs the same as one you use for the full year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit the day before my trip?

Yes, if you explore in person at an AAA office that day. Same-day issuance is standard for walk-in applications. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and has your documents in stock, but do not count on mail-in service—it will not arrive in time.

Do I need a passport to get an IDP?

Yes. You must show your passport or passport card as proof of identity. A driver's license alone is not sufficient. If you do not have a passport, you cannot get an IDP.

What if I mail my process and it gets lost?

Mail your process to AAA using a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail or Priority Mail with tracking. If your envelope is lost, you will know because it never arrives at AAA. Contact AAA and they can advise you to resubmit. If their response is lost, contact AAA again and ask them to remail your IDP or pick it up in person if there is an office near you.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

No. You must wait until your current IDP expires to order a new one. If you order early, the new one will not be valid until the old one expires. Plan ahead if you have a trip scheduled near your expiration date.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that must be carried with your U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your U.S. license. Some countries issue their own international licenses, but the U.S. does not—the IDP is the U.S. equivalent.