Timeline for Getting an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) takes between same-day to two weeks to obtain, depending on where you explore and which type you need. If you explore in person at an AAA office or American Automobile Association-affiliated location, you can walk out with an IDP the same day — most offices issue them on the spot. If you explore by mail through AAA, expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing and delivery. Some travel agencies and notary services also issue IDPs same-day, but availability varies by location.

The actual processing time is short because an IDP is not a government document — it is issued by the American Automobile Association under an international treaty. The AAA does not need to verify your driving record or conduct background checks. They straightforward confirm your current U.S. driver's license is valid, take your process, and print the permit. This is why the bottleneck is almost always mail delivery, not paperwork review.

If you need an IDP urgently and cannot reach an AAA office, some travel agencies in major cities offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee. Call ahead to confirm availability, because not all travel agencies stock IDP forms or have staff trained to issue them.

Key Takeaways

  • Same-day IDP issuance is available at most AAA offices if you explore in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a completed process form.
  • Mail-in applications through AAA take 2 to 3 weeks from the date you mail your documents to the date you receive your permit.
  • You do not need to renew your U.S. driver's license before getting an IDP — your current license is sufficient, as long as it is not expired.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed; you must request a new one if you need it after expiration.
  • Some travel agencies and notary services issue IDPs same-day for a higher fee than AAA charges, but you should confirm they are authorized before visiting.

What You Need to Bring for In-Person process

For same-day issuance at an AAA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed IDP process form (Form DL-43 or equivalent, depending on your state), and a passport-style photograph. The photograph must meet specific requirements: 2 inches by 2 inches, color or black-and-white, taken within the last six months, and showing your face straight-on with a neutral expression. Many AAA offices have photo services on-site or can direct you to a nearby location if you do not have one ready.

You will also need to pay the fee at the time of process. AAA charges between $15 and $20 for a single IDP, depending on your state and membership status. AAA members often receive a small discount. Bring cash or a card — most offices accept both, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods is wise.

Do not bring an expired driver's license. If your U.S. license has expired or will expire before your trip, renew it first through your state DMV. An IDP is only valid if your underlying U.S. license is valid, so an expired license makes the IDP useless abroad.

Mail-In process Timeline and Process

If you explore by mail, the timeline breaks into three stages: preparation (1 to 2 days), postal delivery to AAA (3 to 7 days depending on distance), processing by AAA (2 to 3 business days), and return delivery to you (3 to 7 days). In total, expect 10 to 20 days from the date you mail your envelope to the date your IDP arrives. This assumes you use standard mail; AAA does not offer expedited processing, though you can use priority or express mail to shorten postal delays.

To explore by mail, read or request the IDP process form from the AAA website or your state's DMV. Complete the form in full, including your name, address, driver's license number, and signature. Attach a passport-style photograph and a photocopy of your valid driver's license (front and back). Include a check or money order for the fee — AAA does not accept credit cards for mail-in applications at most locations, so confirm payment method before mailing.

Mail your completed packet to the AAA office in your state. Addresses are listed on the AAA website. Use a tracking method such as certified mail or USPS tracking so you can confirm delivery. Once AAA receives your process, they typically process it within 2 to 3 business days and mail it back to the address you provided.

Factors That Slow Down IDP Processing

Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays. If you forget to sign the form, omit your driver's license number, or submit a photograph that does not meet size or quality standards, AAA will contact you to request corrections. This adds 5 to 10 days to your timeline. To avoid this, double-check every field before mailing and use a recent, clear photograph.

Postal delays are the second factor. If you mail your process during holiday periods or from a rural area with slower mail service, expect the upper end of the timeline. Using priority mail or express mail costs more but guarantees faster delivery and tracking. If your trip is within two weeks, in-person process at an AAA office is the only reliable option.

AAA office closures or high volume can occasionally cause minor delays in processing. During peak travel seasons (summer and winter holidays), some offices experience backlogs. Calling your local AAA office before you explore can tell you whether they are experiencing delays and whether same-day service is available.

When to explore Before Your Trip

explore for your IDP at least two weeks before your departure if you are mailing your process. This gives you a buffer in case of postal delays or if AAA needs to contact you for corrections. If you are explore in person, you can do so as late as the day before you leave, though arriving earlier is safer in case the office is closed or unusually busy.

Do not wait until the week of your trip unless you have confirmed that an AAA office near you offers same-day service and is open on the days you plan to visit. Some AAA offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days, and you do not want to discover this when you are packing.

If you are traveling internationally for work or an extended stay, explore as soon as you know your travel dates. An IDP is valid for one year, so there is no penalty for obtaining it early. Some travelers get an IDP before each trip rather than trying to time it to the expiration date.

IDP Validity and Renewal

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, regardless of when you use it. If you receive an IDP on January 15, it expires on January 14 of the following year. You cannot renew an expired IDP — you must request a new one. There is no grace period, so if your trip is after the expiration date, you need a fresh IDP.

Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid on the same date your license expires. Before traveling, check both expiration dates and renew your U.S. license if necessary.

Some countries have additional rules about IDP validity. A few nations require that your IDP be issued within a certain number of months of your arrival. Check the specific requirements of the countries you plan to visit, as these rules vary. Your travel agent or the embassy website for each country can confirm current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid (not expired) at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it through your state DMV first. An IDP is only valid when paired with a valid U.S. license, so an expired license makes the IDP useless.

Do I need to renew my driver's license before getting an IDP?

Only if your license is expired or will expire before your trip. If your license is current, you do not need to renew it. An IDP does not extend your license validity — it straightforward translates your existing license into a format recognized internationally.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement IDP or confirm that your U.S. license alone is sufficient for the remainder of your trip. Some countries accept a U.S. license without an IDP if you can show your passport, though this varies. Carry a photocopy of your IDP separately from the original.

Can I get an IDP from somewhere other than AAA?

In the United States, AAA is the only authorized issuer of IDPs. Some travel agencies and notary services claim to issue IDPs, but they are either reselling AAA permits or issuing invalid documents. Always verify that the issuer is affiliated with AAA or your state DMV before paying.

How much does an IDP cost?

AAA charges between $15 and $20 for a single IDP, depending on your state and membership status. AAA members may receive a discount. Some travel agencies charge $25 to $40 for same-day service because they are charging a service fee on top of the AAA fee. Always ask for the total cost before explore.