Processing time for an International Driving Permit 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 mail your process, add another week or two for postal time each way. Some AAA branches offer same-day or next-day service, but this varies by location and availability. The actual processing inside the office is fast — usually a few hours — because the IDP is a straightforward document that translates your existing US driver's license into ten languages.

The real delay is almost never the paperwork. It is getting an appointment at a location near you, especially in busy urban areas where AAA offices book weeks ahead. Rural areas may have no AAA office within an hour's drive, which means either mailing your process or traveling to the nearest branch.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit takes one to two weeks from process to receipt if you explore in person, plus mailing time if you send it by mail.
  • AAA is the only organization in the United States authorized to issue IDPs, so you cannot get one from your state DMV or any other source.
  • Same-day or next-day service exists at some AAA locations but is not may provide and depends on walk-in availability and local policy.
  • You need your valid US driver's license, a passport-style photo, and the process form — all of which you must bring or submit together.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 at most AAA offices.

In-person process at an AAA office

Walking into an AAA office with your documents usually means you will leave with an IDP the same day or within 24 hours. The office staff fills out the form while you wait, takes a photo if you did not bring one, and prints the permit on the spot. This is the fastest route if you have an AAA office nearby and can get an appointment or walk in during a quiet time.

Call ahead before you go. Many AAA locations require an appointment, especially in cities. Some branches have a walk-in window for quick services like IDP renewal, but you cannot count on this. Ask whether they can do it the same day or whether you need to come back.

Bring your valid US driver's license, a passport-style photo (4 by 6 inches, color or black and white), and your passport or other government ID. If you do not have a photo, most AAA offices can take one for a small fee. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are at the counter.

Mail-in process

If there is no AAA office near you or you cannot get an appointment, you can mail your process to AAA's national processing center. This takes longer because of postal delays on both ends. Expect two to three weeks total: one week for your envelope to reach AAA, a few days for processing, and another week for the IDP to come back to you.

You will need to send your process form, a copy of your driver's license (front and back), a passport-style photo, and a check or money order. AAA does not accept credit cards by mail. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the fastest return, or AAA will mail it to the address on your process.

The processing center address and current mailing instructions are on the AAA website. Do not guess at the address — mail sent to the wrong location will be forwarded and add another week to your timeline.

Why an IDP takes longer than you might expect

The document itself prints in minutes, but getting an appointment is the real bottleneck. AAA offices are busy, especially in spring and summer when people travel internationally. If you need an IDP for a trip leaving in two weeks, you may find that all appointments are booked and your only option is to mail it in — which cuts your timeline very close.

Some people assume they can get an IDP from their state DMV, but this is not true. Only AAA is authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your DMV cannot do it, and neither can any other organization. This means you have only two routes: AAA in person or AAA by mail.

Same-day and rush options

A few AAA locations advertise same-day service, but this is not a may provide. It depends on how busy the office is that day and whether they have staff available. Call the specific office where you plan to go and ask directly whether same-day service is available. Do not assume it is.

AAA does not offer a formal rush or expedited mail service for IDPs. If you are mailing your process and your trip is coming up soon, there is no way to speed it up through AAA. Your only option is to find an AAA office and go in person, even if it means traveling to a different city.

Planning ahead for international travel

If you know you are traveling internationally, get your IDP at least three weeks before you leave. This gives you time to book an appointment, account for mail delays if you need to, and handle any problems like a missing photo or a rejected check. Many people wait until two weeks before departure and then find that appointments are full.

Remember that an IDP is valid for only one year from the date it is issued. If you got one last year and it has expired, you need a new one. You cannot renew it early — you have to wait until it expires and then explore again.

What happens if you do not have time for an IDP

If your trip is in a week and you cannot get an IDP, you still have options depending on where you are going. Some countries accept a US driver's license alone, especially if you also carry an official translation. Others require an IDP by law. Check the specific country's requirements on its embassy website or through your rental car company — they often know which documents each country actually enforces.

An official translation of your driver's license is not the same as an IDP, but some countries accept it. You can get a translation from a certified translator, which usually takes a few days and costs $20 to $50. This is not a substitute for an IDP in countries that require one, but it may help if you are in a bind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit the same day I explore?

Yes, if you explore in person at an AAA office and they have availability. Call ahead to ask whether same-day service is possible at the location you plan to visit. Some offices can do it; others cannot. Mailing your process always takes longer — at least two to three weeks.

Do I need an appointment to get an IDP at AAA?

Many AAA offices require an appointment, but some have walk-in windows for quick services. Call the office nearest you to find out their policy. In busy areas, appointments may be booked weeks ahead, so plan accordingly.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If it expires during your trip, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it early or extend it — you have to wait until you return home and explore for a new one if you need it again.

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state DMV?

No. Only AAA is authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one, and neither can any other organization. You must go through AAA, either in person or by mail.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 at most AAA offices. The exact price varies slightly by location. You will also need a passport-style photo, which AAA can take for a small additional fee if you do not have one.