You cannot get an International Driving Permit from California — you get it from AAA or the American Automobile Association

California does not issue International Driving Permits (IDPs). Instead, you obtain one from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or, in some cases, from the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are private organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs on behalf of the United States. You must have a valid California driver's license before you can get an IDP, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.

An IDP is a translation document, not a replacement for your driver's license. It translates your California license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. You carry it alongside your California license when you drive abroad. Without it, your California license alone may not be accepted by police or rental car companies in many countries.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA is the primary source for International Driving Permits in California; you cannot get one from the DMV.
  • You must have a valid California driver's license in hand before you visit AAA to request an IDP.
  • AAA issues one-year and three-year permits; the three-year version costs more but lasts longer.
  • The process takes minutes in person at an AAA office, and you walk out with the permit the same day.
  • You need your California license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and the fee in cash or card.

What you need to bring to AAA

Bring your valid California driver's license, a completed IDP process form (AAA Form 14), one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. AAA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

You can read and fill out the process form before you go, or pick one up at the AAA office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. It takes about two minutes to complete. If you do not have a passport photo ready, some AAA locations have photo services on-site, though this may add time and cost.

AAA office locations and hours in California

AAA has over 60 branch offices across California. You can find the nearest one by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-922-8228. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some are open on Saturday mornings. A few locations offer extended evening hours.

Not all AAA offices issue IDPs on the same day. Call ahead to confirm that the location you plan to visit has the permit in stock and can issue it during your visit. Some smaller offices may need to order the form and ask you to return in a few days.

Cost and validity period

A one-year IDP costs less than a three-year IDP. Exact prices vary slightly by AAA location and change periodically, so call your local office for the current fee. As of recent years, a one-year permit costs around $20 and a three-year permit costs around $40, but confirm this with AAA directly before you go.

Choose the one-year permit if you are taking a single trip abroad in the next year. Choose the three-year permit if you plan multiple trips or are unsure when you will travel next. The three-year permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, so if you get it in January, it expires in January three years later.

The step-by-step process at AAA

Walk into the AAA office with your California license, completed process form, passport photo, and payment method. Hand these to the staff member at the counter. They will verify that your California license is valid and that the information on the form matches your license. This takes a few minutes.

The staff member will then ask you to choose between a one-year and three-year permit and will process your payment. You will receive your IDP when ready — it is printed on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You walk out with the permit in hand and can use it right away.

What to do if you are not an AAA member

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP. Non-members can walk into any AAA office and request one. The process and cost are the same whether you are a member or not. If you are not a member and want to become one, you can join at the same visit, but it is not required to get the permit.

If you prefer not to visit an AAA office in person, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) also issues IDPs by mail. You send them your completed process, a check or money order, a photocopy of your California license, and a passport photo. Processing takes about two weeks, and they mail the permit to you. This option is slower but may be convenient if no AAA office is near you.

What happens when you travel with your IDP

Carry your IDP and your California driver's license together at all times when you drive abroad. Police in other countries will ask to see both documents. The IDP translates your license information into ten languages, so officers can understand your driving record and license status even if they do not speak English.

Rental car companies often require an IDP before they will rent to you, even if your California license is valid. Some companies will rent without one, but many will not. Having the IDP in your pocket removes this barrier and speeds up the rental process. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad — you would need to return to the United States and visit AAA again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit from the California DMV?

No. The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue International Driving Permits. Only AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance are authorized to issue them. You must go to an AAA office or explore by mail through AATA.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

If you go to an AAA office in person, you get the permit the same day — usually within 15 minutes. If you explore by mail through AATA, it takes about two weeks from the time they receive your process.

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

Canada and Mexico recognize your California driver's license without an IDP, though some rental car companies may still request one. Having it does not hurt and removes any doubt. Many other countries require it, so if you are traveling beyond North America, bring it.

What if my California driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP is only valid if your California license is valid. If your license expires while you are abroad, your IDP is no longer valid for driving. Renew your California license before you travel if it will expire during your trip.

Can I get an IDP if I have a suspended or restricted California license?

No. Your California license must be valid and unrestricted. If your license is suspended, revoked, or has restrictions that prevent you from driving, AAA will not issue an IDP. You must resolve the suspension or restriction with the California DMV first.