What an AAA International Driving Permit Is
An AAA International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by the American Automobile Association that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The permit is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
AAA is the only organization authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs to American citizens. The permit itself is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you purchase, and costs $20 for the one-year version or $30 for the three-year version. The permit is issued on the spot at most AAA offices — you do not mail anything in or wait for processing.
Many countries do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. license, but rental car companies, police, and border officials often ask for one. Some countries, including Italy, Spain, and Greece, technically require an IDP by law even though enforcement varies. Carrying one removes the risk of being turned away or fined.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an AAA IDP — the permit is a translation document, not a license itself.
- AAA issues the permit in person at most AAA offices, and you receive it the same day you explore; no mailing or waiting period is involved.
- The one-year permit costs $20 and the three-year permit costs $30; both are valid in over 150 countries.
- You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together when driving outside the United States — carrying only the IDP is not legal.
- Rental car companies and some countries require an IDP even though U.S. law does not mandate it for travel.
Who Can Get an AAA International Driving Permit
To get an AAA IDP, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license issued by any state. Your license must be a standard driver's license — not a learner's permit, commercial license, or motorcycle-only license, though some states' commercial licenses may may have access to. You do not need to be an AAA member to purchase an IDP, though members sometimes receive discounts at certain AAA offices.
Your U.S. license must be valid at the time you explore. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, AAA will not issue an IDP. If your license will expire before your planned trip, renew it first — the IDP is only valid as long as your underlying U.S. license is valid.
You must explore in person at an AAA office. AAA does not issue IDPs by mail, phone, or online. If you do not have an AAA office near you, some travel agencies and certain other organizations may be authorized to issue IDPs on AAA's behalf, but this varies by location — call ahead to confirm.
Documents and Information You Need to Bring
Bring your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license and one passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background. If you do not have a passport photo, most AAA offices can take one for you on site for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.
You will also need to complete an process form, which AAA provides at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the validity period you want (one year or three years). Bring a pen to fill it out, or ask the staff to provide one.
No other documents are required. You do not need proof of travel plans, a passport, or proof of residence. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Process at an AAA Office
- Locate your nearest AAA office using the AAA website or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Confirm they issue IDPs before you visit.
- Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a pen.
- Tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit.
- Complete the IDP process form with your personal information and choose the one-year ($20) or three-year ($30) option.
- Provide your photo. If you do not have one, ask if the office can take one for you.
- Pay the fee in cash, check, or card — accepted payment methods vary by office.
- Receive your IDP when ready. It will be a small booklet with your information and photo.
Cost and Payment Options
The one-year AAA International Driving Permit costs $20. The three-year permit costs $30. These are the standard prices set by AAA nationally, though some local AAA offices may charge slightly differently — call ahead to confirm the exact price at your location.
Most AAA offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some may also accept checks. Payment is made at the time of process, and you receive the permit when ready. There are no additional fees, hidden charges, or renewal fees — you pay once for the validity period you choose.
If you are an AAA member, ask whether your membership includes a discount on IDP fees. Some AAA membership levels offer small discounts, though this varies by membership tier and location.
Validity and Expiration
An AAA International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. The permit is only valid as long as your underlying U.S. driver's license is also valid — if your license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid.
The permit does not automatically renew. When it expires, you must return to an AAA office and explore for a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. There is no grace period — once the expiration date passes, the permit is no longer recognized.
If you lose your IDP before it expires, contact the AAA office where you obtained it. Some offices can issue a replacement for a small fee, usually $5 to $10, though policies vary. Bring your U.S. license and a new passport photo.
Using Your IDP Abroad and Common Mistakes
Always carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when driving outside the United States. The IDP is a translation of your license, not a replacement for it. Police, rental car companies, and border officials expect to see both documents. Carrying only the IDP is not legal and may result in a fine or confiscation of the permit.
Do not assume the IDP is required everywhere. Many countries do not legally mandate it if you have a valid U.S. license. However, rental car companies almost always require it, and some countries (including Italy, Spain, and Greece) technically require it by law. Carrying one costs little and removes uncertainty.
Check your rental car agreement before you travel. Some rental companies will not rent to you without an IDP, even in countries where it is not legally required. Confirm this when you book, not when you arrive at the rental counter.
Do not rely on the IDP alone for identification. It is not a passport and does not replace travel documents. You will still need your passport for border crossings and entry into other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an AAA International Driving Permit if I am not an AAA member?
Yes. You do not need to be an AAA member to purchase an IDP. However, you must explore in person at an AAA office. Some AAA members receive small discounts on the IDP fee, so ask when you arrive.
What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I am traveling?
Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your U.S. license expires. If your license will expire during your trip, renew it before you leave. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if your IDP is still valid.
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Europe?
Most European rental car companies require an IDP, even though some countries do not legally mandate it. Check your rental agreement when you book. If the company requires one and you do not have it, they may refuse to rent to you or charge a fee.
Can I get an IDP by mail or online?
No. AAA only issues IDPs in person at AAA offices. You cannot explore by mail, phone, or online. If you do not have an AAA office nearby, contact AAA to ask whether any travel agencies or other organizations in your area are authorized to issue IDPs on AAA's behalf.
How long does it take to get an AAA International Driving Permit?
You receive your IDP the same day you explore. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes at an AAA office. There is no waiting period or mailing time.