California does not issue International Driving Permits — you get one from AAA or the American Automobile Association

California's Department of Motor Vehicles does not produce International Driving Permits (IDPs). Instead, you obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA), which is the official issuing body for the United States. You do not need a California IDP to drive in California; an IDP is a translation document meant for driving in other countries.

An IDP translates your valid California driver's license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. It is not a replacement for your California license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

You can obtain an IDP in person at any AAA office in California, or by mail if you are a AAA member. The process takes minutes in person and typically one to two weeks by mail, depending on processing time and delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in California and throughout the United States.
  • An IDP is a translation of your California driver's license and must be carried alongside your actual license when driving outside the United States.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at a California AAA office the same day, or by mail within one to two weeks if you are a AAA member.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired California driver's license to obtain an IDP; an IDP cannot be issued to someone whose license is suspended or revoked.

What you need to bring to get an IDP in person

If you visit a AAA office in California, bring your valid California driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and cash or a card to pay the fee. Some offices accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods is wise. You do not need to be a AAA member to obtain an IDP in person, though membership can speed up the process at some locations.

The photo requirement is strict: it must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your full face, and meet standard passport photo specifications — plain background, no sunglasses, and your face must take up 70 to 80 percent of the frame. Many AAA offices have photo services on-site or can direct you to a nearby location that takes passport photos.

Bring proof of California residency if you have recently moved or changed your address on your license. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last two months usually satisfies this requirement, though policies vary by office.

Getting an IDP by mail as a AAA member

AAA members can request an IDP by mail through the AAA website or by calling your local AAA office. You will need to provide your AAA membership number, a copy of your valid California driver's license, and a passport-style photo. Mail your process and photo to the address provided by AAA, along with payment.

Processing time is typically five to ten business days, plus mail delivery time. If you need the IDP urgently, visiting an office in person is faster. Some AAA members report receiving their permit within one week of mailing, while others wait closer to two weeks depending on the office's workload and postal delays.

Keep a copy of your process receipt or confirmation email. If your IDP does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you can use this to track your order or request a replacement.

Cost and validity of a California IDP

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20 at AAA offices in California. The exact fee varies slightly by location and whether you are a AAA member, though membership does not typically reduce the cost of the IDP itself. Some offices charge a small additional fee for passport photos if you need one taken on-site.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. After one year, you must obtain a new IDP if you plan to drive internationally again. Your California driver's license does not need to be renewed for the IDP to remain valid — only the IDP itself expires.

If your California driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid for international driving purposes. You must renew your California license and obtain a new IDP together if you want to continue driving abroad.

When your California license is suspended or revoked

You cannot obtain an International Driving Permit if your California driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. AAA will verify your license status before issuing an IDP, and the DMV's records are checked during the process process. If your license is under suspension for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, or accumulation of points — you must resolve the suspension first.

If your license was suspended and you have completed the requirements to reinstate it (paying fines, completing a DUI program, or waiting out a suspension period), you can explore for an IDP once your license is officially reinstated. Contact the California DMV to confirm your license status before visiting AAA.

A suspended license also means you cannot legally drive in California or any other state, so obtaining an IDP is not your when ready concern. Focus on reinstating your California license through the DMV first.

Difference between an IDP and a foreign driver's license

An International Driving Permit is not the same as a foreign driver's license. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your California license; it does not replace it and is not a license itself. A foreign driver's license is an actual driving license issued by another country's government and is valid only in that country or in countries that have reciprocal agreements with that nation.

If you are a California resident with a valid California driver's license, you do not need a foreign license to drive in most countries — your California license plus an IDP is sufficient. However, some countries have additional requirements, such as an International Driving Permit Supplement or a certified translation of your license. Check the specific country's requirements before traveling.

If you are a foreign national living in California and want to drive here, you may use your foreign license for a limited time (usually 10 days to six months, depending on your visa status), but you must eventually obtain a California driver's license. An IDP does not extend the validity of a foreign license in California.

Where to find AAA offices in California

AAA has over 60 offices throughout California, with locations in major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and Fresno. You can find the nearest office by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-922-8228 to speak with a representative who can direct you to the closest location and confirm their hours.

Not all AAA offices issue IDPs on-site; some smaller branches refer customers to a nearby full-service office. Calling ahead before visiting ensures the office you plan to go to has IDP services available and can tell you how long the process takes on that day.

Many AAA offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some locations offering Saturday hours. A few offices in high-traffic areas may have extended evening hours. Check the specific office's schedule on the AAA website or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico from California?

An IDP is not required to drive in Canada or Mexico, but it is recommended. Your California driver's license is generally sufficient for short trips to these countries. However, carrying an IDP eliminates any language barrier if you are stopped by police and provides an extra layer of documentation. Some car rental companies in Mexico prefer to see an IDP alongside your California license.

Can I get an IDP if my California license is expired?

No. Your California driver's license must be valid and unexpired to obtain an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it through the California DMV first, then explore for an IDP through AAA. You cannot use an expired license as proof of identity for the IDP process.

What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact AAA or the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They may be able to issue a replacement or provide documentation confirming your IDP was issued. Your California driver's license alone may be sufficient to continue driving in some countries, but this depends on local law and whether you can prove your license is valid.

Is an IDP valid in all countries?

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Driving Permit conventions. However, some countries have additional requirements or do not recognize an IDP at all. Check the specific country's driving requirements before traveling, as some nations require a certified translation of your license or an International Driving Permit Supplement in addition to your IDP.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can obtain a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. There is no penalty for renewing early, and some travelers prefer to have a fresh IDP with a full year of validity before a long international trip. straightforward visit an AAA office or submit a mail process as you would for a new IDP.