You get an International Driving Permit from AAA or the American Automobile Association's partner offices, not from the DMV

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued only by AAA and a small number of AAA-affiliated travel agencies in the United States. The DMV does not issue them, and neither do most travel agencies. You need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and cash or a check — most AAA offices do not take credit cards for IDP applications.

AAA has over 1,000 locations nationwide. You can walk into any AAA office, complete the process on the spot, and leave with your permit the same day if you bring all required documents. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP; membership is not required. The permit costs around $20, though the exact price varies slightly by location.

If you do not have an AAA office nearby, some AAA-affiliated travel agencies and a handful of other authorized vendors can issue the permit, but AAA locations are by far the most common and reliable option. You can find your nearest AAA office and confirm it issues IDPs by visiting the AAA website or calling ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA is the only organization authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States; the DMV cannot issue them.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment in cash or check at the time of process.
  • Most AAA offices issue the permit on the same day you explore, so you do not need to wait or return later.
  • AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, and the permit costs approximately $20 at most locations.
  • If no AAA office is near you, some AAA-affiliated travel agencies and authorized vendors can issue the permit, but availability is limited.

What documents you need to bring to AAA

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired, and it must be a real ID-compliant license if you are traveling by air. The IDP is not a replacement for your driver's license; it is a translation of it, so you must have the original license with you.

You also need a passport-style photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches. Most AAA offices can take the photo for you on-site for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15) if you do not have one already. Bring cash or a check; credit cards are not accepted at most AAA locations for IDP applications.

Bring your passport or passport card as a second form of identification. Some AAA offices may ask for it, though your driver's license is usually sufficient. It is safer to have it with you anyway if you are preparing for international travel.

How long the International Driving Permit lasts

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires on the same date one year later, regardless of when you actually use it. If you get your IDP in March and do not travel until December, it will still expire in March of the following year.

The permit is valid in over 150 countries, but each country sets its own rules about how long a foreign driver can use a U.S. license. Some countries honor the IDP for the full year; others require you to exchange it for a local license after a few months. Check the specific country's driving rules before you travel, because the IDP's one-year validity does not mean you can drive there for a full year.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it overseas. You must return to the United States and visit an AAA office to get a new one. Plan ahead if you are traveling for longer than a year or moving abroad temporarily.

AAA membership and IDP costs

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an International Driving Permit. Non-members can walk into any AAA office and request one. However, some AAA offices may charge a small additional fee for non-members — typically $5 to $10 on top of the standard $20 permit fee. Call ahead to confirm the exact cost at your local office.

If you are already an AAA member, the cost is the same: around $20. AAA membership does not discount the IDP price, but it does give you other travel benefits like roadside information and discounts on hotels and rental cars, which may be worth the membership fee if you travel frequently.

The IDP process itself is quick and free to fill out. You pay only for the permit itself and any photo fee if you need one taken on-site. There are no hidden fees or processing charges.

Finding an AAA office near you

Visit the AAA website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you all AAA offices within a set distance, their hours, and their phone numbers. Call ahead before you go to confirm that the office issues International Driving Permits and to ask about wait times, especially if you are visiting during peak travel season.

Some AAA offices are full-service locations that handle memberships, travel planning, and IDPs. Others are smaller satellite offices that may not issue IDPs. The website will tell you which services each location offers, but a quick phone call removes any doubt.

If you live in a rural area with no nearby AAA office, search for AAA-affiliated travel agencies in your region. These agencies are authorized to issue IDPs but are far less common than AAA offices. Your local travel agent may be able to order one for you, though it may take a few days instead of being issued on the spot.

What happens if you lose your IDP while traveling

If your International Driving Permit is lost or stolen abroad, you cannot replace it overseas. You can continue to drive using your U.S. driver's license alone in most countries, though some may not recognize it without the IDP translation. Check the local laws of the country where you are traveling to see whether a U.S. license alone is acceptable.

When you return to the United States, visit an AAA office and request a replacement IDP. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a new passport-style photo, and payment. The replacement costs the same as a new permit — around $20. Some AAA offices may ask you to fill out a brief form explaining the loss, but this is not required by law.

To avoid this situation, keep your IDP in a separate pocket or bag from your passport and driver's license. Many travelers carry a photocopy of their IDP as backup, though a photocopy is not valid for driving — it is only useful as a record of the permit number if you need to report it lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit at the DMV?

No. The DMV does not issue International Driving Permits. Only AAA and a small number of AAA-affiliated travel agencies are authorized to issue them in the United States. You must visit an AAA office or an authorized travel agency.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car abroad?

Most car rental companies outside the United States require an International Driving Permit along with your U.S. driver's license. Some companies in major tourist destinations may accept a U.S. license alone, but having an IDP removes any doubt and is strongly recommended. Check with your rental company before you travel.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

Most AAA offices issue the permit on the same day you explore, as long as you bring all required documents. You can walk in, complete the process, pay the fee, and leave with your permit within 15 to 30 minutes. No waiting period or mail delivery is needed.

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. If your license is expired, renew it at the DMV first, then visit AAA to get your IDP. An IDP cannot be issued based on an expired license.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international driver's license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license issued by AAA. An international driver's license is a different document issued by some countries to their own citizens. The IDP is what U.S. citizens need for driving abroad.