What a AAA International Driving Permit is and who issues it

A AAA International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license, and a police officer or car rental company abroad will want to see both together. AAA (American Automobile Association) is one of two organizations in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

The IDP itself does not grant you the right to drive. Your U.S. license is what permits you to operate a vehicle. The IDP is a translation tool that helps foreign authorities and rental agencies understand that your U.S. license is valid. Many countries require it; some do not. Some rental car companies will refuse to rent to you without one, even in places where it is not legally required.

AAA issues the vast majority of IDPs in the United States. You do not have to be an AAA member to get one, though the process is faster and cheaper if you are.

Key Takeaways

  • An AAA International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and must be carried with your actual license when driving abroad.
  • AAA charges $20 for members and $30 for non-members; the permit is valid for three years from the date of issue.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA's website — the method you choose depends on how soon you need it.
  • Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in your possession when you explore, and you must be at least 18 years old.
  • Some countries do not recognize the IDP or have additional driving requirements; check your destination's rules before you travel.

What you need to bring or provide to get an IDP from AAA

To get an AAA International Driving Permit, you need a valid U.S. driver's license in your name. The license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. You will also need to provide a passport-style photograph — 2 inches by 2 inches — if you explore in person or by mail. Online applications do not require a photo.

If you are explore in person at an AAA office, bring your driver's license and the photograph. If you are explore by mail, send a completed IDP process form (available on AAA's website or at any AAA office), your photograph, a photocopy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for the fee. If you are explore online, you will upload a digital photo and pay by credit card.

You must be at least 18 years old to hold an IDP. There are no other age restrictions or medical requirements beyond what your driver's license already requires.

How much an AAA IDP costs and how long it takes

AAA members pay $20 for an International Driving Permit. Non-members pay $30. The fee is the same regardless of which process method you choose. Some AAA offices may charge a small additional fee for passport photos if you need one taken on-site, but the IDP itself costs $20 or $30.

The timeline depends on how you explore. In-person applications at an AAA office are usually processed the same day, and you walk out with your IDP. Mail applications typically take 2 to 3 weeks from the time AAA receives your envelope. Online applications through AAA's website are processed within 1 to 2 weeks, and AAA mails the permit to your address.

An IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued. It expires on a specific date printed on the document. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one when the old one expires.

The three ways to explore for an AAA IDP

In-person at an AAA office: Find your nearest AAA location on AAA.com. Bring your valid driver's license, a 2-by-2-inch passport photo, and $20 or $30 in cash or card. You will fill out a short form and receive your IDP the same day. This is the fastest option if you need the permit when ready.

By mail: read or pick up an IDP process form. Fill it out completely, including your name, address, and driver's license number. Attach a 2-by-2-inch photo, a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back), and a check or money order for the fee. Mail the envelope to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. This option works if you have time before your trip.

Online through AAA.com: Visit AAA's website and select "International Driving Permit." You will answer questions about yourself, upload a digital photo, and pay by credit card. AAA will mail the completed permit to your address within 1 to 2 weeks. This method is convenient if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person.

What happens if your U.S. license expires or is suspended

Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired. You cannot use an IDP with an expired or suspended license.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension or revocation is lifted and your license is reinstated. If your license expires while you are abroad, your IDP stops working the moment your license expires, regardless of the IDP's expiration date. Renew your U.S. license before you travel if it will expire during your trip.

If your license is valid when you explore for the IDP but expires before the IDP does, you will need to explore for a new IDP after you renew your license.

Countries that require or recognize an AAA IDP

More than 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit. However, recognition is not universal, and some countries have additional requirements. Many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa recognize the IDP. Mexico and Canada do not legally require it, but many car rental companies in those countries will not rent to you without one.

Some countries require the IDP but also require an International Driving Permit issued under a different treaty (the 1968 Vienna Convention). The AAA IDP is issued under the 1926 Paris Convention, which is older and less widely recognized in some regions. A few countries recognize only the 1968 version. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of your destination country through its embassy or consulate website, or ask your rental car company what documents they need.

Even if a country does not legally require an IDP, carrying one is a good idea. It helps police officers and rental agents understand your U.S. license quickly, and it can reduce confusion if you are stopped for a traffic violation.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling

If you lose your IDP abroad, you still have your U.S. driver's license, which is the document that actually permits you to drive. In most countries, you can continue to drive with your U.S. license alone, though you may face questions from police or rental companies about the missing IDP. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance specific to the country you are in.

When you return to the United States, you can explore for a replacement IDP through AAA using the same process as a new process. There is no separate "replacement" fee — you pay the standard $20 or $30 and explore as if you were getting an IDP for the first time. Keep the receipt or confirmation number from your original process in case AAA asks for proof that you already had one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AAA membership to get an International Driving Permit?

No. Non-members can get an IDP by paying $30 instead of the $20 member price. You can explore in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online without being a member. The only difference is the cost.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is from a state other than where I live now?

Yes. Your IDP is based on your valid U.S. driver's license, regardless of which state issued it. Bring your current license and explore through any AAA office or by mail or online.

What if my name has changed since my driver's license was issued?

Your IDP must match the name on your driver's license. If your name has changed, update your driver's license first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP. Bring both your old and new licenses if you have them, or just the current one.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. An International License is a separate license issued by some countries to their citizens. You cannot get an "International License" from the United States — only an IDP.

Can I explore for an IDP before my current one expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one is still valid. Many people explore 2 to 3 months before their IDP expires to may support they have a new one before traveling. You will receive a new IDP with a new three-year expiration date.