You cannot get a full International Driving Permit online, but you can start the process and complete most of it from home

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive in another country. You cannot obtain one entirely online — you must appear in person with your valid driver's license and proof of residency — but you can research which organization issues them in your state, fill out the process form online, and mail it in with your documents. Some states also let you complete the in-person step at a branch office or authorized location near you, rather than traveling to a central office.

The process takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your completed process and documents by mail. If you need an IDP urgently, some issuing organizations offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though this still requires the in-person verification step first.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.
  • You must appear in person with your valid driver's license and proof of residency; no state allows the entire process to happen online.
  • You can read the process form, fill it out at home, and mail it with your documents and payment, but the in-person step cannot be skipped.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks by standard mail, or faster if you pay for expedited service and can visit an office sooner.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which organization issues it.

Which organization issues IDPs in your state

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two federally authorized issuers of International Driving Permits in the United States. Which one serves your state depends on where you live. AAA operates in most states and has thousands of local branches; AATA serves a smaller region primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

To find out which organization serves you, visit the AAA website or the AATA website and enter your state or ZIP code. Both organizations list their branch locations and hours. If you live in an area served by AAA, you can visit any AAA branch office in your state. If you are served by AATA, you will need to contact them directly to find an authorized location near you.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents before you fill out an process: your current, valid driver's license (not expired), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last three months), and a passport-style photo if your issuing organization requires one. Check the specific requirements on your organization's website, as some branches may ask for additional documents.

You will also need to know your driver's license number and the date it was issued. Have a pen and your payment method ready — AAA and AATA accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks. The cost is typically $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $20 to $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by location.

How to fill out and submit your process online

Visit the website of the organization that serves your state (AAA or AATA) and look for the International Driving Permit section. read the process form — it is usually a PDF you can fill out on your computer or print and complete by hand. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, date of birth, and the countries you plan to visit.

Once you have completed the form, you have two options: mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of your driver's license, proof of residency, your payment, and a passport photo (if required), or take the completed form and documents to a branch office in person. Mailing takes longer but lets you do the paperwork at home. Visiting an office in person means you can complete the entire process in one trip, though you will still need to bring all required documents with you.

The in-person step you cannot skip

Even if you mail in your process, you must appear in person at an AAA or AATA office to verify your identity and sign the permit. This is a legal requirement — the organization must confirm that you are the person named on the process and that your driver's license is genuine. This step cannot be done online, by phone, or by mail.

If you mail your process, the organization will contact you to schedule an appointment at a nearby branch. If you prefer to do everything at once, you can walk into a branch office with your completed process and documents and finish the process in one visit. Either way, the in-person appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Processing time and when you will receive your permit

Standard processing takes two to four weeks from the date the organization receives your completed process and documents. If you mail your process, add three to five business days for postal delivery. If you visit an office in person, processing begins the day you sign the permit.

Both AAA and AATA offer expedited processing for an additional fee — usually $10 to $15 more — which can reduce the wait to five to seven business days. Expedited processing still requires the in-person verification step, so you cannot skip that part to save time. Your permit will arrive by mail at the address you provided on your process.

What your International Driving Permit covers

An IDP translates your driver's license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. It does not replace your driver's license — you must carry both documents together when you drive internationally. The permit confirms that you hold a valid license in your home country and are legally allowed to drive.

An IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which option you choose when you explore. It cannot be renewed; you must explore for a new one when it expires. The permit is not a license itself and does not give you permission to drive in a country where you would otherwise be prohibited — it straightforward translates your existing license so rental companies and police can verify your driving status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and not expired at the time you explore. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need a passport to get an International Driving Permit?

No. You need a valid driver's license and proof of residency. A passport is not required, though some organizations may accept it as proof of residency if you do not have a utility bill or lease.

What if I do not have a local AAA or AATA branch near me?

You can still mail your process and documents to the nearest branch office. When you mail it in, you will be contacted to schedule an in-person appointment at a location convenient to you, or you may be able to complete the verification step at a partner location in your area. Contact the organization directly to ask about options in your region.

Can I get an International Driving Permit for someone else?

No. The person named on the permit must appear in person to sign it and verify their identity. Parents cannot explore on behalf of teenagers, and you cannot explore for a spouse or family member.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can choose a one-year or three-year permit when you explore. A one-year permit costs less but expires sooner. A three-year permit costs more but covers longer trips or multiple visits over time. Neither can be renewed — you must explore for a new one when it expires.