What makes an IDP legitimate

A real International Driving Permit (IDP) comes from one of two organizations approved by the United Nations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States, or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization in the U.S. is authorized to issue them. If you see a website or service claiming to sell an IDP from any other source — including something called "Ita International Drivers License" — it is not legitimate.

The IDP itself is a small booklet that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license; you must carry both documents together. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you purchase, and costs between $15 and $20 through AAA or AATA.

Scam sites often use names that sound official but are not. They may claim to be faster, cheaper, or easier than the real process. They are not. They are selling you either a worthless document or stealing your personal information — sometimes both.

Key Takeaways

  • Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue legitimate International Driving Permits in the United States.
  • A real IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one or three years; any service charging significantly more or promising when ready delivery is not legitimate.
  • An IDP is a translation booklet that works alongside your U.S. driver's license, not a replacement for it.
  • Scam sites often use official-sounding names like "Ita" or "International Drivers License" to appear credible, but these organizations do not exist.
  • You can order a legitimate IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail, or through AAA's website — never through a third-party service.

How to spot a fake IDP service

Illegitimate IDP services share common warning signs. They promise to deliver your permit in hours or days when the real process takes one to two weeks by mail. They charge $50, $100, or more when the actual cost is under $20. They ask for your driver's license number and personal information through an unsecured website. They claim you do not need a valid U.S. driver's license to get one — you do.

Many fake sites use names designed to sound official: "International Drivers License," "IDP Online," "Global Driving Permit," or variations like "Ita International." They may display logos that look like government seals or claim partnerships with organizations they do not actually work with. Some even copy language from AAA's real website to appear trustworthy.

If you cannot find the service listed on AAA.com or AATA.net, it is not real. If the website does not clearly state it is operated by AAA or AATA, it is not real. If the price seems too low or too high compared to the official $15 to $20 range, it is not real.

Where to get a legitimate IDP

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most widely available source. You can visit an AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and passport or state ID. You can also order by mail by downloading the process from AAA.com, filling it out, and mailing it with copies of your documents and payment. Processing takes about one to two weeks.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP. Non-members pay a slightly higher fee than members, but the process is the same. AAA also offers online ordering through their website for members, though you will still need to mail in your documents.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a second legitimate option, though AAA is more common. AATA operates similarly: you provide your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of identity, and payment. Contact information for AATA is available through the AAA website.

What happens if you use a fake IDP abroad

If you travel with a fake International Driving Permit, you are carrying a fraudulent document. Police or rental car companies in another country may confiscate it, and you could face fines or legal trouble depending on local laws. You will also have no valid proof that you are licensed to drive, which means you cannot legally operate a vehicle.

A fake IDP will not work with rental car companies, insurance, or law enforcement. It offers no protection and no legal standing. If you are stopped by police, the document will be recognized as counterfeit, and you will be treated as an unlicensed driver.

The legitimate IDP costs so little and takes so little time to obtain that there is no practical reason to use a fake one. The risk far outweighs any imagined convenience.

The difference between an IDP and other documents

An International Driving Permit is not the same as an international driver's license. Some countries issue their own driver's licenses that are recognized in other countries, but the U.S. does not. The IDP is the U.S. equivalent — it is a translation document that works with your U.S. license.

You should not confuse an IDP with a passport, visa, or any other travel document. The IDP is for driving only. It does not prove citizenship, residency, or identity for any other purpose. You still need your passport to enter another country.

Some countries require an IDP; others do not. Before you travel, check the requirements for the specific country you are visiting. Your rental car company can tell you whether an IDP is needed. If it is, get one from AAA or AATA. If it is not required, you do not need one.

What to do if you have already paid a scam site

If you have sent money to a fake IDP service, contact your bank or credit card company when ready and report the transaction as fraudulent. Many banks can reverse the charge if you report it quickly — usually within 30 to 60 days of the transaction.

If the scam site has your personal information, monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can check your credit for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you believe your identity has been compromised.

Report the scam site to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps protect other people from the same fraud. If the site is impersonating AAA or another legitimate organization, report it to AAA directly as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP online without mailing documents?

AAA offers online ordering for members, but you still must mail in physical copies of your driver's license and proof of identity. No legitimate service issues an IDP without seeing your actual documents. If a website claims you can complete the entire process online without mailing anything, it is not legitimate.

Is there a faster way to get an IDP if I am leaving soon?

AAA offices can issue an IDP in person on the same day if you visit with your valid driver's license and proof of identity. This is the fastest legitimate option. Mail processing takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you are traveling soon.

What if the country I am visiting does not recognize the IDP?

Some countries do not recognize the IDP and require a license from your home country or an official translation from a certified translator. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel. Your rental car company or the country's embassy website can tell you what documents are needed.

Can I use an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current to get an IDP. The IDP is only a translation of your existing license, not a replacement for it. You must carry both documents together when you drive abroad.

How do I know if a website is really AAA?

Visit AAA.com directly by typing the address into your browser, rather than clicking a link from an email or advertisement. Legitimate AAA websites use the AAA logo and clearly identify themselves as AAA. If you are unsure, call your local AAA office by phone to confirm before entering any personal information online.