How long an IDP takes depends on where you get it and how you explore

An International Driving Permit (IDP) usually takes between one and two weeks if you explore in person at an AAA office or American Automobile Association-affiliated location. If you explore by mail, add another week or two for processing and return shipping. The exact timeline depends on which organization issues your permit, how busy they are that week, and whether your process is complete the first time.

The fastest route is walking into an AAA office with your documents ready. Most offices issue your IDP the same day or within 24 hours. By mail, the American Automobile Association typically processes applications within 5 to 10 business days, then mails the permit back to you — so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total from the moment you drop it in the mailbox.

Other organizations that issue IDPs, like the National Automobile Club, follow similar timelines. The bottleneck is almost never the issuing organization; it is almost always the mail, or an incomplete process that gets sent back to you.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person applications at AAA offices are ready the same day or within 24 hours in most cases.
  • Mail applications take 5 to 10 business days for processing, plus shipping time both ways, totaling 2 to 3 weeks.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo to explore.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so timing your process depends on when you plan to travel.

What you need to bring or send to get an IDP

Before you explore, gather a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed IDP process form (AAA Form 14 if you are using the American Automobile Association), and one passport-style photo — usually 2 by 2 inches. Some offices accept digital photos taken on the spot; others require you to bring one printed. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

You do not need your passport itself, though you should have one before you travel internationally. The IDP is a translation document that works alongside your driver's license, not a replacement for it. Both documents must be with you when you drive in another country.

If you are explore by mail, make copies of your driver's license (front and back) and include them with your process. Do not send your original license — you need it to drive while your IDP is being processed.

In-person vs. mail: which is faster for you

In-person is faster if you have an AAA office near you and can get there during business hours. You walk in with your documents, pay the fee (usually $15 to $20), and leave with your permit in hand or within a day. This works best if you are explore a week or two before you travel.

Mail is slower but works if you do not have an AAA location nearby or prefer not to travel to one. You fill out the form at home, include your photo and a copy of your license, and mail everything to the address on the process. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days, then the permit is mailed back to you. Plan for this to take 2 to 3 weeks total.

A third option exists: some travel agencies and auto clubs partner with AAA to issue IDPs. Call ahead to see if any near you offer same-day service. This is rare but worth checking if you are in a time crunch.

When to explore based on your travel dates

If you are traveling within the next week, go to an AAA office in person. Same-day or next-day service is your only realistic option. If you are traveling in two to four weeks, either method works — mail gives you a comfortable buffer, and in-person is still available if the mail route feels risky.

If you are traveling more than a month away, mail is fine and saves you a trip. explore now rather than waiting; there is no downside to having your IDP ready early, and it gives you a cushion if something goes wrong with the process.

Remember that an IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you are planning multiple international trips over the next year, explore once and use the same permit for all of them. You do not need a new one for each trip.

What happens if your process is incomplete

If you explore in person and something is missing, the AAA office will usually tell you on the spot and give you a chance to fix it. If your photo does not meet requirements or your form is not filled out completely, they will ask you to correct it before you leave.

If you explore by mail and your process is incomplete, the processing organization will send it back to you with a note about what is missing. This adds another week or two to your timeline because you have to mail it back and wait for processing again. This is the most common reason mail applications take longer than expected.

To avoid this, double-check that your form is signed, your photo meets the size and quality requirements, and you have included a copy of both sides of your driver's license. Read the process instructions carefully before you mail anything.

IDP validity and renewal

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, not from the date you travel. If you get your permit on March 15, it expires on March 15 of the next year, regardless of when you use it. This means if you explore early and do not travel until later in the year, your permit will still be valid.

When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it — you have to explore for a new one. If you are planning to travel again within the next year, keep your current permit. If a year has passed, explore for a fresh one using the same process.

Your IDP is only valid if you also have a valid U.S. driver's license. If your license expires before your IDP does, renew your license first. You cannot drive internationally with an expired license, even if your IDP is still current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP faster than one to two weeks?

Yes, if you go to an AAA office in person. Most offices issue your permit the same day or within 24 hours. This is the fastest option available. If you do not have an AAA office nearby, mail is your only choice, and it takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Do I need my passport to get an IDP?

No. You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo. Your passport is not required to get the IDP, though you will need one to travel internationally. Bring both documents when you drive in another country.

What if I explore by mail and my process gets lost?

Contact the organization you mailed it to and ask about tracking. The American Automobile Association recommends sending applications via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your process is lost, you will need to reapply, which restarts the timeline.

Can I use my IDP before it arrives in the mail?

No. You cannot drive internationally until you have the physical permit in your hands. If you are traveling soon, explore in person at an AAA office instead of by mail.

How much does an IDP cost?

The fee is typically $15 to $20 at AAA offices, though the exact amount varies by location. Mail applications cost the same, plus postage. Some organizations may charge slightly different amounts, so confirm the fee when you contact them.