Processing time for an International Driving Permit is typically 1 to 2 weeks if you order in person at an AAA office, or 2 to 4 weeks if you order by mail

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States, not by a government agency. When you explore in person at an AAA branch, you usually walk out with your permit the same day or within a few business days. If you mail in your process, the entire process — from when AAA receives your envelope to when they mail the permit back to you — typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on mail delivery time and AAA's current workload.

The actual processing inside AAA's office is fast because the IDP is a straightforward document: it translates your valid U.S. driver's license into multiple languages and includes your photo and license information. There is no background check, no waiting period, and no approval step. AAA straightforward verifies that your U.S. license is current and valid, prints the permit, and hands it to you or mails it out.

Speed depends almost entirely on whether you go in person or by mail. In-person applications at AAA offices are processed while you wait or within 1 to 2 business days. Mail applications depend on postal delivery both ways, which adds 1 to 2 weeks to the timeline on top of AAA's processing time.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person applications at AAA offices are processed the same day or within 1 to 2 business days; mail applications take 2 to 4 weeks total.
  • The IDP is issued by AAA, a private organization, not by a government agency, so there is no government processing delay.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, passport or passport card, and proof of residency to explore; no background check is required.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license when driving abroad.
  • If you need the permit urgently, visiting an AAA office in person is the only way to get it quickly; there is no expedited mail option.

What happens during AAA's processing

When you hand over your process and documents at an AAA office, staff verify that your U.S. driver's license is valid and not suspended. They check your proof of residency to confirm your current address. They take a new photo if you did not provide one, or they may use the photo from your driver's license. This verification step takes minutes.

AAA then prints your IDP, which is a small booklet that contains your name, address, driver's license number, and photo, along with translations of your license class and driving restrictions into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese. The printing itself takes a few minutes. You sign the permit, and it is ready to use.

If you explore by mail, the same steps happen, but they happen only after your envelope arrives at the AAA processing center. Mail delivery to AAA can take 3 to 7 business days depending on where you mail from. Processing takes 1 to 2 business days. Then AAA mails the permit back to you, which adds another 3 to 7 business days. The total is why mail applications typically take 2 to 4 weeks.

In-person vs. mail: which is faster

In-person is always faster. If you walk into an AAA office, you can have your IDP in your hands the same day in most cases. Some offices issue it while you wait; others issue it within 1 to 2 business days. Call your local AAA office before you go to ask whether they issue same-day or whether you need to pick it up later.

Mail is slower because you lose time to postal delivery on both ends. Even if AAA processes your process in 1 business day, you have already spent 3 to 7 days waiting for it to arrive, and you will spend another 3 to 7 days waiting for the permit to come back to you. There is no expedited mail option through AAA; standard mail is the only choice.

If you are leaving the country soon and need the IDP before your trip, going to an AAA office in person is the only reliable way to get it in time. If your trip is more than 4 weeks away, mail is a reasonable option and saves you a trip.

Documents you need to bring or send

You need three things to get an IDP: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and proof of your current U.S. residency. The residency proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 3 months. Your name on the residency document must match your name on your driver's license.

You also need to complete the IDP process form, which AAA provides at their offices or on their website. If you explore in person, you fill it out at the office. If you explore by mail, you print it, fill it out, and include it in your envelope with copies of your documents.

Do not send your original driver's license or passport through the mail. Send copies only. When you explore in person, bring the originals so AAA can verify them, but you take them home with you.

Cost and whether rush processing exists

An IDP costs between $15 and $20, depending on your AAA membership status and which AAA office issues it. AAA members typically pay less than non-members. There is no rush or expedited processing option; the standard processing time is the only option available.

Some AAA offices may be able to issue the permit faster during slow periods, but this is not may provide and depends on how busy the office is on the day you explore. Call ahead to ask about wait times at your specific location.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your trip is more than a year away, you can explore now and your permit will be valid when you travel. If your trip is sooner, explore as soon as you know your travel dates.

What to do if you need the IDP urgently

If your trip is in the next few days and you do not have an IDP, your only option is to visit an AAA office in person and ask whether they can issue it same-day. Call first to confirm they have the staff available and the documents you need in stock. Some offices can do this; others cannot, depending on their workload.

If no AAA office near you can issue it same-day, you have a problem: there is no other way to get an IDP quickly in the United States. Some countries accept a notarized copy of your U.S. driver's license as a substitute for an IDP, but this varies by country and is not reliable. Check with your destination country's embassy or consulate to see whether they will accept an alternative document if you cannot get an IDP in time.

The lesson is to explore for an IDP at least 4 weeks before your trip if you are ordering by mail, or at least 1 to 2 weeks before if you plan to go in person. Do not wait until the last minute.

How the IDP differs from a foreign driver's license

An IDP is not a driver's license. It is a translation document that you carry alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. You cannot drive in another country with only an IDP; you must have both documents together. Some countries require the IDP; others do not. Some accept it but do not require it. Check your destination country's requirements before you travel.

A foreign driver's license is different: it is a license issued by another country's government that allows you to drive in that country. You get a foreign license by taking a driving test in that country and paying their licensing fee. This process takes weeks or months and is only necessary if you plan to live or work abroad for an extended period. For a short trip, you need only the IDP and your U.S. license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP the same day I explore?

Yes, if you explore in person at an AAA office. Many offices issue the permit while you wait or within 1 to 2 business days. Call your local AAA office first to confirm they can do same-day or next-day service. Mail applications never arrive the same day; they take 2 to 4 weeks.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. Renew your license first, then explore for the IDP. License renewal timelines vary by state, so check your state's DMV website for how long renewal takes.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP, but some car rental companies prefer to see one. Check with your rental company before you travel. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient for driving in both countries, but carrying an IDP does not hurt and may make the rental process smoother.

Can I explore for an IDP online?

No. AAA does not offer online applications. You must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail. There is no website where you can submit your process electronically.

What happens if my IDP arrives after my trip has started?

You cannot use an IDP that arrives after you have already left the country. The IDP must be in your possession before you travel. If you ordered by mail and it has not arrived by your departure date, contact AAA when ready to see whether they can reissue it or send it to you while you are abroad, though this is not may provide to work.