What an AAA International Driving Permit Is and How It Works

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by AAA is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that you hold a valid license at home, without requiring them to interpret an English-language document.

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, which operates through different locations.) The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you purchase, and costs less than $20. You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain one, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

The IDP itself carries no driving privileges — it is purely a translation document. A police officer in France or Japan will check it against your U.S. license to confirm you are licensed to drive. If your U.S. license is suspended, expired, or restricted, your IDP is worthless.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo to an AAA office to receive an IDP in person.
  • AAA issues IDPs on the spot during your visit; you walk out with the permit the same day.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your valid U.S. driver's license when driving in another country; neither document works alone.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs, so check the specific rules for your destination before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to an AAA Office

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. AAA will not issue an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, or past its expiration date. If your license expires during your trip, renew it before you explore for the IDP.

You will also need a completed IDP process form. AAA provides this form at their offices, or you can read it from the AAA website before you go. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number — basic information that matches your driver's license.

Bring one passport-style photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly against a plain background, and match the appearance on your driver's license. If you do not have a passport photo, many AAA offices can take one for you on the spot for an additional small fee.

You do not need to be an AAA member. If you are not a member, bring a valid form of identification such as a passport or state ID card. AAA will verify your identity before issuing the permit.

How to Find an AAA Office Near You and What to Expect

AAA operates thousands of offices across the United States. Use the AAA website's office locator tool to find the branch closest to you, check their hours, and confirm they issue IDPs. Not every AAA office issues permits on-site; some smaller branches refer customers to a nearby location. Calling ahead takes five minutes and saves a wasted trip.

When you arrive, expect the process to take 10 to 15 minutes. You will fill out the process form (or verify the one you brought), provide your photo, show your license and ID, and pay the fee. AAA staff will review your documents, take your payment, and hand you the finished IDP before you leave. There is no waiting period — you receive the permit when ready.

If you are an AAA member, mention it when you pay; some offices offer a small discount on the IDP fee. Membership is not required, but it can save you a dollar or two.

One-Year Versus Three-Year Permits: Which to Choose

AAA offers two options: a one-year IDP for approximately $15 and a three-year IDP for approximately $20. The three-year permit costs only slightly more and covers multiple trips over a longer period, making it the better value if you travel internationally more than once every few years.

Choose the one-year permit if you are taking a single trip and do not plan to drive abroad again soon. Choose the three-year permit if you travel internationally regularly or think you might drive in another country within the next few years. The three-year permit is valid for exactly three years from the date of issue, so it will expire whether you use it or not.

Both permits work identically when you are driving — the only difference is how long they remain valid. Neither permit is refundable if you do not use it.

Countries That Recognize AAA International Driving Permits

Most countries recognize the IDP, but not all. The permit is accepted in roughly 150 countries and territories, including most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. However, some nations do not recognize it, and a few require additional documents alongside the IDP.

Before you travel, check the specific rules for your destination country. Contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States, or search the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page for your destination. Some countries require you to carry an International Driving Permit and an official translation of your license, or they may have restrictions on who can drive a rental car.

If your destination does not recognize the IDP, you will need an official translation of your U.S. driver's license instead. Some states provide these translations; others require you to use a certified translator. This is a separate process from obtaining an IDP and takes longer, so research your destination's rules at least a month before you travel.

What Happens If Your IDP Is Lost or Damaged While You Travel

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged abroad, you still have your U.S. driver's license. In most countries, your license alone will satisfy police during a traffic stop, though a rental car company may refuse to rent to you without the IDP. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate; they can sometimes issue a replacement IDP or provide a letter confirming your license status.

Before you travel, take a photograph of your IDP and email it to yourself or store it in cloud storage. This does not replace the physical document, but it gives you proof of the permit number and issue date if you need to contact AAA or a U.S. embassy while abroad.

If you lose the IDP after you return home, you do not need a replacement unless you plan to drive internationally again. straightforward obtain a new one the next time you travel, following the same process at an AAA office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car, not driving?

No. If someone else will drive the rental car, that person needs the IDP (if required by the country), not you. However, if you plan to drive at any point during your trip, you should obtain one before you leave the United States.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired. Renew your license before you explore for the IDP. If your license expires during your trip, renew it before you travel.

What if I do not have a passport-style photo?

Many AAA offices can take a passport photo for you on the spot for a small additional fee, usually $5 to $10. Call ahead to confirm the office offers this service and ask about the cost.

Is an AAA membership required to get an IDP?

No. You do not need to be an AAA member. Non-members can purchase an IDP at any AAA office that issues them. Members may receive a small discount on the fee.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

AAA issues IDPs on the spot during your visit. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you leave with the permit in hand. There is no waiting period or mail delivery.