How to Get an International Driver's License Through AAA
If you're planning to drive abroad, you may have heard that AAA — the American Automobile Association — can issue something called an International Driving Permit (IDP). But there's a lot of confusion around what an IDP actually is, what AAA's role is, and what you need to bring when you walk through the door. Here's how the process generally works.
What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone license. It's a standardized translation document — recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention — that accompanies your valid U.S. driver's license when you drive in participating countries.
Think of it as an official booklet that translates your license information into multiple languages so foreign authorities can read it. It doesn't replace your license. You carry both together.
IDPs are recognized in over 150 countries, but not every country requires one, and some countries that recognize IDPs have their own additional requirements for foreign drivers. The rules depend entirely on where you're going.
Why AAA Issues IDPs (And Who Else Can)
In the United States, only two organizations are officially authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs:
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)
No other organization, website, or service is authorized to issue a legitimate U.S. IDP. If you've seen online services selling "international driver's licenses" for significant fees with minimal requirements, those documents are not recognized as legitimate U.S.-issued IDPs and may cause problems abroad. 🚩
AAA issues IDPs through its network of local club offices. You generally cannot complete the full process entirely online through AAA — in-person or mail-in application at a participating AAA branch is typically required.
What You'll Generally Need to Apply
While requirements can vary slightly by AAA club location, the typical application requires:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be valid for at least 6 months |
| Two passport-style photos | Specific size and format requirements apply |
| Completed application form | Available at AAA offices or their website |
| Application fee | Fees vary; check with your local AAA office |
| AAA membership | Not always required, but non-members may pay a different fee |
The IDP itself is typically valid for one year from the date of issue. You cannot renew it — you apply for a new one when the current one expires.
The Application Process, Step by Step
The general process at a AAA branch looks like this:
- Locate a participating AAA office. Not every AAA location processes IDPs, so confirming in advance saves a trip.
- Gather your documents — your valid driver's license, two passport photos, and the completed application.
- Submit in person or by mail. In-person applications are typically processed the same day. Mail-in processing takes longer, so timing matters if you have a departure date.
- Pay the application fee. This varies by location and membership status.
- Receive your IDP booklet. It will be issued alongside documentation that you carry with your U.S. license while driving abroad.
Variables That Shape Your Situation 🌍
Several factors affect how the IDP applies to your specific circumstances:
Your destination country is the biggest variable. Some countries require an IDP for all foreign drivers. Others only require it if your license isn't in a Roman alphabet. Some don't require it at all. A few countries — including some in the EU — have their own separate agreements with the U.S. that affect how American licenses are treated.
Your license class matters too. A standard Class C personal license is what most travelers use. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or have endorsements, the rules for international driving with those credentials differ and aren't uniformly addressed by a standard IDP.
How long you'll be in the country affects whether an IDP is even the right document. Extended stays — relocating, working, or studying abroad — often require a local license rather than relying on an IDP, which is designed for short-term visits.
Your age can be a factor. Some countries impose minimum age requirements for foreign drivers that are higher than U.S. minimums, regardless of what your license or IDP says.
Trip timing matters practically. IDPs issued through AAA are not replaceable if lost abroad. If your U.S. license expires while you're traveling, the IDP tied to that license becomes invalid as well.
What an IDP Doesn't Do
An IDP does not grant you any driving privileges beyond what your U.S. license already authorizes. It doesn't upgrade your license class, extend driving rights to vehicles you're not licensed to operate, or serve as a workaround if your license is suspended or restricted. It also doesn't substitute for meeting the specific requirements of the country you're entering — some nations have additional steps for foreign drivers that exist entirely outside the IDP framework.
The gap between understanding what an IDP is and knowing exactly what you need for your trip comes down to your destination, your license type, the length of your stay, and the specific requirements of the countries you'll be driving in. Those details sit outside what any general resource can resolve for you.
