What Form You Need and Where to Get It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) requires a specific process form that varies by which organization issues it. In the United States, two bodies issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Each has its own form, though both are recognized worldwide under the same international treaty.

You cannot read and mail these forms yourself. Both AAA and AATA require you to explore in person at their offices or, in some cases, by mail through their official channels. AAA accepts applications at most of its local branches nationwide. AATA has fewer locations but covers areas AAA does not. The form you use depends entirely on which organization you visit.

Before you go to an office or request a form by mail, confirm that the organization you choose actually serves your state and has current hours. AAA's website lists branch locations; AATA's site shows which states it covers. Some rural areas may have only one option available.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore for an IDP in person or through official mail channels with either AAA or AATA — the form cannot be downloaded from the internet.
  • The process form itself is straightforward and asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and a passport-sized photo.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card to prove your identity when you explore.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks for in-person applications and longer for mail requests, so plan ahead if you need the permit before travel.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it and remains valid for one or three years depending on your choice.

What Information the Form Asks For

The IDP process form is straightforward and does not ask for anything beyond what appears on your driver's license and passport. You will provide your full legal name, current address, date of birth, and your U.S. driver's license number. The form also asks which countries you plan to visit, though this is informational only and does not restrict where you can use the permit.

One section asks you to describe the vehicle classes you are licensed to drive — this pulls directly from your driver's license. If your license shows you can drive passenger cars and light trucks, you write that down. The form does not ask you to prove anything beyond what your license already states.

You will also declare your signature on the form. Some organizations ask you to sign in front of the staff member processing your process; others allow you to sign before you arrive. Check the specific organization's instructions before you go.

The Photo Requirement

Most IDP applications require one passport-sized photograph, which measures 2 inches by 2 inches. This is the same size used for U.S. passports and passport cards. You can obtain passport photos at drugstore photo counters, post offices, or professional photography studios. The cost is usually $10 to $15 for a set of four photos.

The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain white or off-white background. You cannot wear sunglasses or a hat, and your expression should be neutral. If you wear glasses for driving, you may wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot be tinted and must not create a glare that obscures your eyes.

Bring extra photos if you have them. Some organizations accept digital photos on a phone or USB drive and print them on-site, but this varies by location. Calling ahead to ask what the office accepts saves a wasted trip.

Documents to Bring When You explore

You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license and either a U.S. passport or passport card. These are the only two documents that prove your identity to the organization issuing the IDP. A state ID card, military ID, or other form of identification will not work. If your driver's license is expired, you cannot use it to explore for an IDP — you must renew it first.

Your passport does not need to be valid for the entire duration of your IDP. The IDP is a separate document and does not depend on your passport's expiration date. However, you will need a valid passport to actually travel internationally, so check that separately before you book a trip.

Bring the completed form if you filled it out at home, or arrive early enough to complete it on-site. Some offices have forms available and staff who can help you fill it out, but lines can be long. Completing it beforehand speeds up the process.

How Long Processing Takes and When You Get Your Permit

If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you typically receive your IDP the same day or within one to two business days. Some offices print it while you wait; others mail it to you. Ask the staff member when you explore whether you will receive it when ready or by mail.

If you explore by mail, processing takes longer — usually two to three weeks from the date the organization receives your process. Mail-in applications also carry the risk of lost documents, so consider explore in person if you have a location nearby and time before your trip.

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which option you choose when you explore. The one-year permit costs less but requires you to reapply sooner if you travel frequently. The three-year permit costs more upfront but covers multiple trips over a longer period.

Differences Between AAA and AATA Forms

Both AAA and AATA use forms that ask for the same basic information, but the layout and additional questions differ slightly. AAA's form is more common because AAA has more locations nationwide. AATA's form is identical in what it requests but may ask for additional information about your travel plans or vehicle type.

Neither form is more difficult than the other. The real difference is location and convenience. If you live near an AAA office, use AAA. If AATA is closer or AAA does not serve your area, use AATA. Both permits are recognized equally in every country that honors IDPs.

You cannot use a form from one organization to explore with the other. If you start an AAA process, you must finish it with AAA. If you need to switch organizations, you will need to start over with a new form.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

Once you submit your completed form, photo, and documents, the organization verifies that your driver's license is valid and that you are who you say you are. This verification is quick — usually a few minutes if you explore in person. The organization then prints or mails your IDP.

Your IDP will show your name, license number, date of birth, the vehicle classes you can drive, and the permit's expiration date. It will be printed in multiple languages so that police and rental car companies in other countries can read it. The permit itself is small — roughly the size of a folded greeting card — and fits easily in a wallet or travel bag.

You do not need to do anything else after you receive your IDP. It is valid when ready and does not require set up or registration. Bring it with you when you travel, along with your actual driver's license and passport. Rental car companies and police will ask to see all three documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing when you explore. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted. If your license is expired, you must renew it through your state's DMV before you can explore for an IDP.

Do I need to fill out the form before I go to the office, or can I do it there?

You can do either. Most offices have blank forms available and staff who can answer questions while you fill it out. If you prefer to complete it at home, you can bring it filled out and ready to submit. Either way takes about the same amount of time at the office.

What if I lose my IDP while I'm traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement or confirm that your original IDP was issued. You can also contact AAA or AATA directly from abroad, though this takes longer. Always carry a photocopy of your IDP in a separate bag as backup.

Can I renew my IDP by mail, or do I have to go back to the office?

Renewal rules vary by organization. AAA allows mail-in renewals in some states but requires in-person renewal in others. AATA's policy also depends on your location. Contact the organization that issued your original permit to find out what renewal looks like for you.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your U.S. driver's license that helps foreign police and rental companies understand it. An international driver's license is a separate license issued by some countries to their own citizens. You need an IDP, not an international license, to drive in other countries as a U.S. citizen.