What an International Driving Permit Does in Georgia

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Georgia driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

Georgia does not issue IDPs itself. You cannot get one from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. You must go through AAA or AATA, both of which operate in Georgia and can issue the permit in person or by mail.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed — you must request a new one when it expires. It is not a license to drive in Georgia; it is a translation document for use abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia does not issue International Driving Permits; you must obtain one from AAA or AATA, the only two U.S. organizations authorized to issue them.
  • You need a valid Georgia driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and payment (typically $15 to $20) to request an IDP.
  • AAA and AATA can issue an IDP in person at their offices or by mail, and the permit arrives within one to two weeks if you mail your request.
  • An IDP is valid for exactly one year and cannot be renewed; you must request a new one when it expires if you plan to drive internationally again.
  • You must carry your Georgia driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad; the IDP alone is not a valid driving document.

Getting an IDP Through AAA in Georgia

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source for an IDP in Georgia. AAA has local offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and other cities across the state. You can visit an office in person or request an IDP by mail.

To request an IDP in person, bring your valid Georgia driver's license, a completed Form DS-11 (the AAA process form), one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. AAA accepts cash, check, and card. The fee is typically $15 to $20, though it varies slightly by location. The permit is issued on the spot or within a few days.

To request by mail, read the AAA process form from the AAA website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order to your nearest AAA office. Include a return envelope with postage. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date AAA receives your packet.

AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, though members may receive a small discount on the fee.

Getting an IDP Through AATA in Georgia

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not maintain walk-in offices in Georgia; you must request an IDP by mail or through an authorized travel agent.

To request by mail, visit the AATA website, read the process form, and mail it with your valid Georgia driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment (typically $15 to $20) to AATA's processing center. Include a return envelope with postage. Processing takes one to two weeks.

Some travel agencies in Georgia are authorized AATA agents and can accept your process in person. Contact AATA or search their website for agents near you. The fee and processing time are the same as mail requests.

Documents and Photos You Need

You must have a valid Georgia driver's license to request an IDP. The license must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew or restore your Georgia license through the Department of Driver Services.

You also need one passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly, with a plain background, and you must be looking directly at the camera. Do not wear sunglasses or a hat. Most drugstores (CVS, Walgreens) and photo studios can take a passport-style photo for $10 to $15.

You must complete the AAA or AATA process form, depending on which organization you choose. Both forms ask for your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. The form is available on the AAA or AATA website, or you can pick one up at an AAA office.

Fees and Processing Times

The fee for an IDP is typically $15 to $20 through either AAA or AATA. AAA members may receive a discount of $2 to $3. Payment is due at the time you request the permit, whether in person or by mail. AAA accepts cash, check, and card; AATA accepts check and money order by mail.

If you request in person at an AAA office, you receive the IDP when ready or within a few business days. If you mail your request, processing takes one to two weeks from the date the organization receives your packet. Add three to five business days for mail delivery on both ends.

There is no expedited or rush processing for IDPs. If you need the permit quickly, visit an AAA office in person.

What Happens When Your IDP Expires

An IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed or extended. When it expires, you must request a new one if you plan to drive internationally again.

You can request a new IDP at any time before or after the old one expires. There is no waiting period. straightforward follow the same process: bring or mail your current Georgia driver's license, a new passport-style photo, the process form, and payment to AAA or AATA.

If your Georgia driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid for use abroad, because you must carry both documents together. Renew your Georgia license through the Department of Driver Services before your IDP expires if you plan to continue driving internationally.

Using Your IDP Abroad and Common Mistakes

When you drive in another country, carry your Georgia driver's license and your IDP together at all times. Police or rental car companies may ask to see both. The IDP is a translation of your license, not a replacement for it; a police officer cannot accept the IDP alone.

Do not assume the IDP allows you to drive in every country. Some countries have additional requirements, such as a local driving permit, a vehicle registration document, or proof of insurance. Before you travel, check the driving laws of the country you plan to visit. Your rental car company or the country's embassy website can tell you what documents you need.

Do not confuse an IDP with a foreign driver's license. If you move to another country permanently, you will need to obtain a license issued by that country's government, not an IDP. An IDP is for temporary travel only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit from the Georgia Department of Driver Services?

No. The Georgia Department of Driver Services does not issue IDPs. Only AAA and AATA, the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department, can issue them. You must contact AAA or AATA directly.

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

An IDP is not required in Canada or Mexico, but it can be useful if you do not speak Spanish or French and want a translation of your license. Many car rental companies in those countries accept a U.S. driver's license alone. Check with your rental company before you travel.

What if my Georgia driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Renew your Georgia driver's license through the Department of Driver Services first, then request the IDP from AAA or AATA.

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

No. You must have a valid, full Georgia driver's license. A learner's permit is not sufficient.

How long does an IDP last if I am driving in multiple countries?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, regardless of how many countries you visit. When it expires, you must request a new one if you plan to drive internationally again.