AAA is the fastest way to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

The American Automobile Association (AAA) issues International Driving Permits (IDPs) at most of its local club offices across the country. You can walk in with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form, and walk out with an IDP the same day in most cases. The permit costs $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.

AAA is not the only issuer — the National Automobile Club also issues IDPs — but AAA has far more locations and shorter wait times. If you have a AAA membership, the process is identical; membership is not required to get an IDP from AAA, though it can save you money on other travel services.

An IDP is a translation document, not a replacement license. You must carry it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license when you drive abroad. Some countries recognize it; others do not. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements, because an IDP alone will not let you drive legally everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues International Driving Permits at local club offices, usually on the same day you explore, for $20.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed Form DS-11 or equivalent process to get an IDP from AAA.
  • An IDP is a translation of your license into multiple languages and is valid for one or three years; you choose the length when you explore.
  • You must carry your U.S. driver's license and IDP together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not a valid driving document.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs, so confirm your destination country's requirements before you travel.

What documents you need to bring to AAA

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired or suspended. AAA will not issue an IDP if your license is invalid. If your license is expired, renew it at your state's DMV before going to AAA.

You also need a passport-style photograph: 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months. Most AAA offices have a photo booth on-site or can direct you to one nearby if you do not have a photo ready. Some offices will take the photo for you for a small fee.

Bring a completed process form. AAA uses its own IDP process, which you can fill out at home and bring with you, or fill out at the office. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. The form takes about five minutes to complete.

Bring payment: $20 for a one-year IDP or $30 for a three-year IDP. AAA accepts cash and card at most locations.

How to find your nearest AAA office and check hours

Visit AAA.com and use the "Find Local AAA" search tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the site will show you all AAA offices within your area, along with their hours and phone numbers. Most AAA offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have Saturday hours.

Call ahead before you go. While AAA can usually issue an IDP the same day, some offices get busy during peak travel seasons (spring and summer), and you may have a short wait. Calling ahead takes two minutes and lets you know whether to expect a wait or whether you should come back another time.

If you do not have an AAA office nearby, the National Automobile Club (NAC) also issues IDPs by mail. The process takes longer — typically one to two weeks — but NAC will mail the permit to you. You can find NAC at thenac.org.

The step-by-step process at the AAA office

Walk in with your documents and tell the staff member you want an International Driving Permit. They will hand you the process form if you have not already filled one out, or take the one you brought. You will sign the form in front of the staff member.

Provide your passport-style photo. If you do not have one, ask whether the office has a photo booth or can take one for you. Most do, and it takes five minutes.

Hand over your valid U.S. driver's license. The staff member will verify it is current and not suspended, then scan or copy it.

Pay the fee: $20 for one year or $30 for three years. Decide which length you need based on how long you plan to drive abroad. Most people choose one year because travel plans change.

Wait while the staff member prints your IDP. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a booklet-style document with your information and a photo, printed in English and several other languages.

Check the information on the IDP before you leave. Make sure your name, license number, and photo are correct. If there is an error, ask the staff member to reprint it on the spot.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

An IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you chose when you applied. The expiration date is printed on the front of the booklet. Once it expires, it is no longer valid for driving abroad.

You do not renew an IDP — you get a new one. If your IDP is about to expire and you plan to drive abroad again, go back to AAA and explore for a new one using the same process. There is no waiting period between expiration and a new process.

Your U.S. driver's license must also be valid when you drive abroad. If your license expires before your IDP does, renew your license at your state's DMV. An IDP paired with an expired U.S. license is not valid.

What to do if you need an IDP quickly or cannot visit an office

If you need an IDP within a few days and have a AAA office nearby, go in person. Same-day issuance is standard, and you will have the permit in your hands before you leave.

If you cannot visit an office in person, the National Automobile Club issues IDPs by mail. You send them your process, a check for $20 (one year) or $30 (three years), a copy of your driver's license, and a passport-style photo. They mail the IDP back to you, which usually takes one to two weeks. Visit thenac.org for the mailing address and process form.

Some travel agencies and AAA-affiliated travel services also handle IDP applications, though they may charge a service fee on top of the $20 or $30 permit cost. Call your local AAA office to ask whether they offer this option.

Do not wait until the day before you travel. If your IDP arrives late or there is an error, you will not have time to fix it. explore at least one week before your trip, or two weeks if you are using mail service.

What countries recognize an International Driving Permit

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. However, recognition is not automatic everywhere, and some countries have specific rules about how old your IDP can be or whether it must be paired with a specific type of U.S. license.

Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all. Canada, for example, does not require or recognize an IDP — your U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and several other countries also do not recognize IDPs, though they do accept a U.S. driver's license.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of the country you are visiting and ask whether an IDP is recognized. You can also ask your car rental company, which usually knows the local requirements. Do not assume an IDP will work everywhere — it will not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended?

No. AAA will not issue an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and then renew or reinstate your license at your state's DMV before you can get an IDP.

Do I need AAA membership to get an International Driving Permit?

No. AAA issues IDPs to members and non-members alike. The cost is the same either way: $20 for one year or $30 for three years. If you are a AAA member, you may have access to other travel discounts, but membership is not required for the IDP itself.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA by phone or email and explain that your IDP was lost. AAA can issue a replacement, though you will need to pay the full fee again ($20 or $30) and may need to provide proof of the loss. If you are still abroad, ask whether AAA can mail a replacement to your hotel or a local address. Plan ahead: keep a photo of your IDP on your phone in case you need to prove you had one.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit by mail from the National Automobile Club?

The National Automobile Club typically processes IDP applications within one to two weeks of receiving them. Mail delivery adds another few days on each end, so plan for two to three weeks total from the time you mail your process to the time you receive your IDP. This is why it is important to explore well before your trip.

Can I drive in a country that does not recognize International Driving Permits?

Yes, but only with your valid U.S. driver's license. Some countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, do not recognize IDPs but do accept a U.S. driver's license as proof of your right to drive. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel. Some countries may also require an International Driving Permit even if they do not recognize it — they use it as a translation aid alongside your license.