What an AAA International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by AAA is a translation of your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together — your U.S. license and your IDP. The permit tells police, rental car companies, and border officials what your U.S. license says, in a format they recognize.

AAA is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Association's competitor organization. Both issue the same document; the difference is only where you go to get it. AAA issues the permit at its local club offices across the country, which makes it the faster and more convenient option for most people.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car, drive, or ride a motorcycle in another country. If you are traveling as a passenger only, or using public transportation, you do not need one. Some countries do not require an IDP at all; others make it mandatory. Before you book a trip, check the specific rules for the country you are visiting.

Key Takeaways

  • An AAA International Driving Permit is a ten-language translation of your U.S. driver's license that you carry alongside your actual license when driving abroad.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license in your possession to get an IDP; the permit cannot be issued without it.
  • AAA issues IDPs at its local club offices, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you walk in with your license and a passport photo.
  • An IDP costs around $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. license expires, whichever comes first.
  • You do not need to renew your IDP when you renew your U.S. license; you must get a new one and pay the fee again.

What You Need to Bring to AAA

Bring your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. This is non-negotiable — AAA will not issue an IDP without it. The license must be in your name and currently valid; an expired license will not work, even if you have a renewal process pending.

Bring one passport-sized photo, 2 by 2 inches. Most AAA offices can take the photo for you on the spot for a small additional fee if you do not have one. Some offices require you to bring your own; call ahead to confirm what your local office prefers.

Bring your passport or other proof of citizenship. AAA needs to verify that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A passport is the easiest proof, but a birth certificate or naturalization papers also work.

Bring cash or a card. The fee is typically around $20, though it varies slightly by location. AAA accepts both cash and credit cards at most offices.

How to Get Your IDP at an AAA Office

Find your nearest AAA club office on the AAA website or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so confirm that yours does before you go. Many do, but some smaller locations may refer you to a nearby office that handles them.

Walk in during business hours with your license, passport photo, and proof of citizenship. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though calling ahead to confirm wait times is a good idea, especially on weekends. The process itself takes about 15 minutes.

Fill out the process form. It is short — mostly your name, address, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. The staff will help you if you have questions.

Pay the fee and receive your permit. The IDP is printed on the spot in most cases. You walk out with it the same day.

How Long Your IDP Is Valid

An International Driving Permit issued by AAA is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It is also valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before the year is up, your IDP expires at the same time.

This matters if you renew your U.S. license. When you get a new state license, your old IDP becomes invalid, even if it still has time left on it. You must purchase a new IDP with your new license. There is no way around this — the IDP is tied to the specific license it translates.

Plan ahead if you know your license is expiring soon. If you are traveling within the next few months and your license expires during your trip, renew your license before you travel, then get a new IDP. The cost is small compared to the hassle of an expired permit abroad.

Using Your IDP When You Drive Abroad

Always carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. The permit is useless without the license it translates. Police and rental companies will ask to see both documents. If you have only the IDP and not the license, you are effectively unlicensed in the eyes of the law.

The IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. This includes most of Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia. However, some countries do not recognize it, and a few require additional documents like an International Certificate of Competency. Check the specific rules for each country before you travel.

Rental car companies often require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. They use it as proof that you understand the rules of the road in your home country. Having one makes the rental process faster and sometimes cheaper.

If you are stopped by police, present both documents. The IDP explains what your U.S. license says in the local language. It does not give you any special status or exemption from local traffic laws — you are still subject to the same rules as local drivers.

What an IDP Does Not Do

An International Driving Permit does not change your driving privileges. If your U.S. license restricts you to daytime driving only, or to vehicles with automatic transmission, those restrictions travel with you. The IDP translates your license as it is; it does not upgrade or modify it.

An IDP does not cover you if you break the law. It is not insurance, and it does not protect you from traffic tickets, fines, or legal consequences. You are subject to the traffic laws of every country you drive in, just as local drivers are.

An IDP does not replace your license. You cannot use it alone to drive anywhere. It is only a translation document that accompanies your actual license.

Alternatives If You Cannot Get to AAA

The other authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States is the American Automobile Association's competitor organization. You can search online for their local office if AAA is not convenient for you. The process and cost are nearly identical.

Some travel agencies and online services claim to issue IDPs, but they are not authorized by the U.S. State Department. Buying from them is a waste of money — the document will not be recognized abroad. Stick to AAA or the other authorized issuer.

If you are traveling very soon and cannot reach an AAA office in time, some offices can issue an IDP on an expedited basis. Call your local office and ask. There may be an additional rush fee, but it is usually small.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Many rental companies in Canada and Mexico request an IDP, though it is not always legally required. Having one makes the rental process smoother and sometimes reduces the rental fee. If you are driving across the border, get one before you go.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. A suspended or revoked license disqualifies you. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it is reinstated before you can get an IDP.

What happens if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact AAA when ready if you are in the U.S., or contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement or a letter confirming your license status. Carry a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup.

Is an IDP the same thing as an International Certificate of Competency?

No. An IDP is issued by AAA and translates your U.S. license. An International Certificate of Competency is a separate document issued by some countries and required by a few others. Check your destination country's rules to see if you need one in addition to your IDP.

Can I get an IDP before my U.S. license arrives if I just renewed it?

No. You must have the physical license in hand. If your new license has not arrived yet, wait until it does before you go to AAA. If you are traveling before it arrives, contact your state DMV about expediting the license, or delay your trip.