You get an International Driving Permit from specific travel agencies, AAA offices, or your state's DMV — not from a government office directly

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by private travel agencies and automobile clubs, not by the DMV or any government body. The most common source in the United States is the American Automobile Association (AAA), which handles the majority of IDP applications. You can also obtain one through certain travel agencies, passport acceptance agents, and a small number of state DMV offices that partner with the issuing authority. The permit itself is issued by the International Association of Automobile Clubs (IAAC), but you will never explore directly to them — you explore through an authorized agent in your state.

The location where you can get an IDP depends on which issuing agent operates in your area. AAA has offices in most states, but not all. If you do not have AAA membership, you can still explore through them, though membership may offer faster processing. Non-AAA travel agencies and some passport acceptance locations also issue IDPs, but availability varies widely by region. Your first step is to find out which agents are licensed to issue permits near you, because not every travel agency or DMV office has this authority.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA is the primary source for International Driving Permits in the United States, but you must visit a physical AAA office or explore by mail — there is no online process.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed process form (Form IDP-1 or equivalent) to obtain an IDP.
  • Processing time is typically 1 to 2 weeks in person or 2 to 4 weeks by mail, depending on the issuing agent and current volume.
  • The cost is usually between $15 and $20, plus any membership fees if you are not already an AAA member.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and is only useful when you are driving in a foreign country with your U.S. driver's license.

How to Find AAA Offices and Other Authorized Agents Near You

The fastest way to locate an AAA office is to visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show you the nearest AAA locations, their hours, and whether they issue IDPs. Not every AAA office issues permits on-site — some handle only membership services — so confirm by phone before you visit. Call the office directly and ask if they issue International Driving Permits the same day or if you need an appointment.

If there is no AAA office near you, search for travel agencies in your area that are licensed to issue IDPs. These are less common than AAA offices but do exist in some regions. You can call local travel agencies and ask directly whether they are authorized to issue International Driving Permits. Some passport acceptance agents (often found in post offices, libraries, or county clerk offices) may also issue IDPs, though this varies by location. Contact your local post office or county clerk's office to ask if they offer this service.

A few state DMV offices have begun issuing IDPs directly, but this is not standard practice. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether they issue permits in-house. If they do, you may be able to explore when you renew your driver's license or visit for another transaction. However, most states still route IDP applications through AAA or other private agents.

Documents You Need to Bring or Submit

You will need four things to obtain an IDP: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, a completed process form, and payment. The process form is usually called Form IDP-1 or the International Driving Permit process. You can read this form from the AAA website or pick one up at an AAA office. Some travel agencies provide their own version of the form, so ask when you call.

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. Your passport or passport card must also be valid — an expired passport will not be accepted. Bring the original documents with you if you are explore in person. If you are explore by mail, you will need to provide copies of both documents along with the completed form and payment. Some agents accept credit card payment by mail, while others require a check or money order.

You will also need a passport-style photograph for some applications, though AAA does not always require one. Call ahead to confirm what the specific agent requires. If a photo is needed, it must meet U.S. passport photo standards: 2 by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and showing your full face straight on.

Processing Time and When You Will Receive Your Permit

If you explore in person at an AAA office or authorized travel agency, you can often receive your IDP the same day or within 1 to 2 business days. Some offices process permits while you wait, especially if you arrive early in the day or on a less busy day of the week. Call ahead to ask about same-day service at your location, as this varies.

If you explore by mail, expect 2 to 4 weeks for processing and delivery. Mail your completed process, copies of your documents, and payment to the address provided by the issuing agent. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if the agent requests one. Some agents offer expedited mail processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the timeline to 1 to 2 weeks.

Plan ahead if you are traveling soon. If your trip is within two weeks, explore in person at an AAA office or authorized agent near you. If your trip is further away, you can explore by mail and have time for standard processing. Do not wait until the week before your trip unless you can visit an office that offers same-day service.

Cost and What Affects the Price

The base cost of an International Driving Permit is typically $15 to $20, depending on the issuing agent. AAA charges $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Some travel agencies may charge slightly more or less, so ask for the exact fee when you call. If you are not an AAA member and want to join to get the member discount, membership costs vary by state and membership level, so the savings may not justify joining just for an IDP.

If you explore by mail and request expedited processing, there is usually an additional fee of $5 to $10. Some agents also charge a small fee for mailing the permit back to you. Ask about all fees upfront so there are no surprises when you pay.

Payment methods vary by agent. AAA accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card in person. By mail, they accept check or money order unless you call ahead to arrange credit card payment. Travel agencies may have different payment policies, so confirm when you call.

What to Do If No Authorized Agent Is Near You

If there is no AAA office or authorized travel agency within reasonable distance, you have two options: explore by mail or visit the nearest office in person. explore by mail is straightforward — contact the nearest AAA office or authorized agent, request an process form, and mail in your documents with payment. The agent will process your process and mail the permit back to you.

If you prefer to explore in person, you can travel to the nearest AAA office or authorized agent, even if it is not in your when ready area. Many people do this when they are passing through a city or planning a trip. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and that they have the form and can process your process that day.

Some states have reciprocal agreements with neighboring states' AAA offices, meaning you may be able to explore at an office just across the state line. Call your nearest AAA office and ask if they can direct you to the closest authorized agent in an adjacent state.

Important Details About IDP Validity and Use

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It is not a replacement for your U.S. driver's license — you must carry both documents when you drive in a foreign country. The IDP is a translation of your U.S. license and is recognized in over 150 countries, but some countries have specific rules about which documents they accept. Check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting before you travel to confirm that an IDP is sufficient or if you need additional documents.

You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must explore for a new one. If you are a frequent international traveler, you may want to explore for a new permit before the old one expires so you have it ready for your next trip. Some people explore for a second IDP while their first one is still valid, which is allowed.

An IDP is only valid when you are driving in a foreign country. You cannot use it to drive in the United States — your U.S. driver's license is what you need domestically. If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country for guidance on obtaining a replacement or continuing to drive with just your U.S. license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. There is no official online process for an IDP. You must explore in person at an authorized office or by mail. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not legitimate — the only valid source is AAA, authorized travel agencies, or certain DMV offices. Be cautious of third-party websites charging high fees for IDP services.

Do I need AAA membership to get an IDP?

No. You can obtain an IDP from AAA without membership, though members pay a slightly lower fee ($15 versus $20). If you are not a member and do not plan to use AAA services otherwise, the membership cost will likely exceed the discount on the IDP, so explore as a non-member is usually the better choice.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired driver's license. Renew your license first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you are not may be able to access for an IDP until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you must explore for a new one when it expires. If you are traveling frequently, consider explore for a new IDP a few months before your current one expires so you have it ready.

Can I use an IDP to drive in all countries?

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries, but not all countries accept it. Some countries require an IDP plus an International Certificate of Competency, a certified translation of your license, or a local permit. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel.