How Long Does an International Driver's License Take To Get?

If you're planning to drive abroad, you've likely come across the term International Driving Permit (IDP). Despite what the name suggests, an IDP isn't a standalone license — it's a translation document that works alongside your valid domestic driver's license. Understanding what it is, how it's issued, and how long the process takes can help you plan before your trip.

What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An IDP is a standardized booklet, recognized under the 1949 and 1968 Geneva Conventions, that translates your existing driver's license information into multiple languages. It doesn't replace your license — foreign authorities use it to verify your credentials when your home-country license isn't in a language they can read.

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs to American license holders:

• AAA (American Automobile Association)
• AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)

No government agency — including the DMV — issues IDPs to U.S. drivers. If you encounter any other entity offering to sell you an "international driver's license," that document has no legal standing.

How Long the IDP Process Takes 🕐

Processing time depends almost entirely on how you apply.

In-Person Application

Applying in person at a participating AAA branch office is the fastest option. Most applicants receive their IDP on the same day, often within minutes of submitting their documents. This is the most reliable approach if your trip is coming up soon.

Mail-In Application

If you apply by mail through AAA or AATA, processing generally takes longer. Typical turnaround for mail applications runs anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on:

• Current processing volume at the issuing organization
• How quickly your application and documents are received and verified
• Mail delivery times on both ends
• Whether your application is complete and error-free on the first submission

Incomplete applications — missing photos, missing payment, or a photocopy of your license that doesn't meet requirements — will cause delays.

Key Variables That Affect Timing

What You'll Need To Apply

The documents required are generally consistent across both issuing organizations, though you should verify current requirements directly before applying:

• Two passport-style photos (taken recently, meeting standard size requirements)
• A photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license (front and back)
• Your actual valid driver's license (for in-person verification)
• Payment of the applicable fee (fees have historically been modest, but confirm the current amount, as fees can change)
• A completed application form

Your U.S. driver's license must be valid — an IDP issued against an expired license is not a valid travel document.

How Long an IDP Remains Valid

A standard U.S.-issued IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one when it expires or when you need one again. Because it's tied to your underlying domestic license, it also becomes invalid if your domestic license is suspended, revoked, or expires.

Which Countries Recognize the IDP

Recognition varies by country. 🌍 Many nations that are party to the Geneva Conventions accept IDPs, but requirements differ:

• Some countries require an IDP alongside your license for all foreign drivers
• Some only require it if your license is not in their official language
• A small number of countries have their own requirements that don't align with standard IDP recognition
• Certain countries require a specific version of the IDP (1949 vs. 1968 convention format)

Checking the entry and driving requirements for your specific destination country is a separate step from obtaining the IDP itself. The U.S. Department of State and the destination country's embassy are sources for that information.

The Piece That Depends on Your Situation

While the IDP process is more standardized than most domestic license procedures, a few factors remain specific to your circumstances. Whether your underlying U.S. license is valid, which state issued it, whether it's a standard license or a commercial license, and exactly which countries you plan to visit all affect whether an IDP is required, which version applies, and whether additional documentation is needed in your destination country.

The issuing organizations' own requirements, fees, and branch availability can also shift — what applied a year ago may differ slightly today. The timeline answer most people need is straightforward: in person is the same day; by mail, plan for at least several weeks and apply well before your departure date. Beyond that, the specifics come down to your own license status, destination, and how early you start.