Processing time depends on where you explore and how you explore

An International Driving Permit (IDP) typically takes between 15 minutes and two weeks to obtain, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail and which country issues it. If you walk into an authorized office with all required documents, you can walk out with an IDP the same day in most cases. If you mail your process, expect 5 to 14 business days for processing, plus mail transit time both ways.

The IDP itself is not issued by your home country's DMV or licensing authority — it is issued by an automobile association or similar body that your country has authorized. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles IDP issuance. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and RAC are the primary issuers. The country you live in determines which organization you contact and what their processing timeline is.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person applications at an AAA office or equivalent in your country usually produce an IDP on the same day or within 24 hours.
  • Mail-in applications take 5 to 14 business days for processing, plus several days for postal delivery each direction.
  • You must have a valid domestic driver's license before you can obtain an IDP — the permit cannot be issued alone.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, but it is only useful while your domestic license remains valid.
  • Processing times vary by country and issuing organization, so contact your local automobile association directly for their current timeline.

In-person applications at AAA or equivalent offices

Walking into an AAA office with your valid driver's license, passport, and a completed process form usually results in an IDP issued on the spot or within a few hours. AAA locations in the United States process most in-person IDP requests while you wait. You pay the fee (typically $20 to $30 USD depending on the office), hand over your documents, and receive the permit when ready or are told to return the same day.

The speed of in-person service depends on how busy the office is. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), some offices may ask you to return later or the next day if they have a backlog. Calling ahead to confirm the office is open and asking about wait times can save you a trip. Some AAA offices require an appointment for IDP issuance; others operate on a walk-in basis. Check your local office's website or call before you go.

In Canada, CAA offices follow a similar pattern — most issue IDPs on the same day for in-person applicants, though some locations may take 24 hours. In the United Kingdom, the AA and RAC can issue IDPs within 24 hours for in-person applications at their offices.

Mail-in applications and postal delivery time

If you mail your process to AAA or your country's authorized issuer, the organization typically processes it within 5 to 10 business days. However, you must also account for mail transit time. A mailed process usually takes 3 to 5 business days to reach the processing office, and the IDP takes another 3 to 5 business days to return to you. Total time from dropping your envelope in the mail to receiving the permit is often 10 to 20 calendar days.

Mail-in processing is slower than in-person service because staff must verify your documents, confirm your domestic license is valid, and print the permit. Some organizations batch-process mail applications on specific days, which can add a few extra days to the timeline. If your process arrives on a Friday, it may not be processed until the following Monday or Tuesday.

International mail times vary significantly. If you are explore from outside your home country, postal delays can extend the timeline by a week or more. Some organizations offer expedited mail processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the processing window to 2 to 3 business days, though postal transit time remains outside their control.

What documents you need before you explore

You cannot obtain an IDP without a valid, current domestic driver's license. The IDP is a translation and companion document to your license, not a replacement for it. You must present or mail your original license (or a certified copy, depending on the issuer's rules) along with your process. If your license has expired or is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until you renew or restore your license first.

Most organizations also require a completed process form (available on their website or at their office), a valid passport or national ID, and proof of your current address. Some require a passport-sized photograph. Fees range from $15 to $30 USD in the United States, with similar amounts in other countries. Having all documents ready before you submit your process prevents delays caused by missing information.

How long the IDP remains valid after you receive it

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request when you explore. The one-year permit costs less and is useful if you are taking a single trip abroad. The three-year permit costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period. Both versions expire on the date printed on the permit, regardless of when you receive it.

The IDP is only valid while your domestic driver's license is also valid. If your home country license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid. If you renew your domestic license, you must obtain a new IDP — the old one cannot be transferred or updated. This means if you are near the end of your license's validity period, you may want to renew your domestic license before explore for an IDP to avoid needing a second IDP soon after.

Expedited and rush processing options

Some AAA offices and international automobile associations offer expedited processing for an additional fee. In the United States, AAA's standard in-person service is already same-day, so expedited options are mainly relevant for mail-in applications. Paying an expedited fee (typically $10 to $15 extra) can reduce processing time from 5 to 10 business days down to 2 to 3 business days, though this does not affect postal transit time.

Not all offices offer expedited mail service, and availability varies by location. Call your local office or check their website to see if rush processing is available and what the additional cost is. If you are explore from outside your home country, expedited processing at the issuing office may not help much because international postal delays are the main bottleneck.

Planning ahead for travel dates

If you know you will need an IDP for a specific trip, explore at least three weeks before your departure date. This timeline accounts for in-person processing (same day to 24 hours), mail transit (3 to 5 days each way), and a buffer for unexpected delays. If you are explore by mail from outside your home country, add an extra week to account for international postal times.

explore in person at an AAA office or equivalent is the fastest and most reliable option if you have the time. If you must explore by mail and your trip is less than three weeks away, contact the issuing organization directly to ask if they can expedite your process or if you can pick it up in person at a local office instead of waiting for mail delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP the same day I explore?

Yes, if you explore in person at an AAA office or your country's authorized issuer with all required documents. Most in-person applications are processed while you wait or within a few hours. Mail-in applications take 5 to 14 business days plus postal transit time.

What if my domestic driver's license expires soon?

Renew your domestic license before you explore for an IDP. The IDP is only valid while your home country license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the permit becomes useless. Renewing first ensures your IDP will be useful for its full validity period.

Do I need an IDP if I have an international license from my home country?

An IDP and an international license are not the same thing. Some countries issue international licenses as part of their domestic licensing system; others do not. Check the rules for the country where you plan to drive. Many countries recognize only an IDP issued through an authorized automobile association, not a domestic international license.

Can I explore for an IDP online?

Most organizations do not offer fully online IDP issuance. You can read and complete the process form online, but you must submit it in person or by mail along with original documents. Some organizations may allow you to pay online and schedule an in-person appointment, but the actual permit issuance requires a physical visit or mailed documents.

How much does an IDP cost?

In the United States, AAA charges $15 to $30 depending on the office and whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. Costs vary by country and issuing organization. Call your local automobile association for their current fee.