International Driving Permits are issued by specific organizations in your country, not by DMVs or online

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state or country license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The organization that issues IDPs in the United States is the American Automobile Association (AAA), and in Canada it is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). No other body issues them legally, and no online service can issue one for you.

You cannot get an IDP from a DMV, a state licensing office, or any government agency. You must go to an AAA or CAA office in person with your valid driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph. The process takes minutes, and most offices issue the permit on the same day.

If you do not have a local AAA or CAA office nearby, you have two options: travel to the nearest one, or use mail-in service if your organization offers it. Some AAA clubs accept applications by mail, though processing takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA (United States) and CAA (Canada) are the only legal issuers of International Driving Permits in North America.
  • You must appear in person at an AAA or CAA office with a valid driver's license, completed process, and passport photo.
  • Most offices issue the permit the same day, though some allow mail-in applications that take one to two weeks.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • You must renew your IDP separately from your driver's license, even if your license is still valid.

Finding an AAA or CAA office near you

AAA operates over 1,000 offices across the United States. To find the one closest to you, go to aaa.com and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the site will show you the address, phone number, hours, and whether that office issues IDPs. Not every AAA office issues permits — some smaller locations do not — so call ahead to confirm before you travel.

CAA in Canada operates through regional clubs (CAA-Quebec, CAA-Ontario, CAA-Atlantic, and others). Visit your regional club's website or call their main number to find an office near you. Like AAA, not all CAA locations issue IDPs, so verify before visiting.

If you live far from any office, check whether your AAA or CAA club offers mail-in service. Many do, though you will need to mail in your process, photo, and license (or a certified copy), and wait for the permit to be mailed back to you.

What you need to bring to the office

Bring your valid driver's license (state, provincial, or foreign) in the original. A photocopy is not enough. You also need a completed IDP process form, which you can read from the AAA or CAA website before you go, or fill out at the office. The form takes two minutes and asks for your name, address, license number, and signature.

You must provide a passport-sized photograph — 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color or black and white, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from your driver's license. If you do not have one, many AAA and CAA offices have photo services on-site or can direct you to a nearby location that does.

Bring a form of payment. AAA and CAA accept cash, debit, and credit cards. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit in the United States; Canadian prices vary by region but are typically $15 to $20 CAD.

Processing time and validity

If you visit an AAA or CAA office in person, you will receive your IDP the same day in most cases. The office prints it on the spot, and you walk out with it. This is the fastest route if you need the permit before a trip.

If you use mail-in service, expect one to two weeks for processing plus mailing time in both directions. Send your process, photo, and a copy of your driver's license (keep the original) to the address provided by your AAA or CAA club. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return, or pay extra for tracked return mail.

An IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you choose when you explore. It expires on a fixed date, not on the anniversary of your purchase. Once it expires, you must renew it by visiting an office or mailing in a new process. Your IDP does not renew automatically, and an expired IDP is not valid for driving abroad.

What happens if you cannot reach an office before your trip

If your trip is in the next few days and you cannot reach an AAA or CAA office, you have limited options. Some AAA clubs offer rush processing or same-day mail delivery for an extra fee — call your local office and ask. If that is not available, you may be able to visit an office outside your home state or province; AAA and CAA are reciprocal, so any AAA office can issue an IDP to any AAA member, and any CAA office can issue one to any CAA member.

If you are not an AAA or CAA member, you can join at the office when you explore for the IDP. Membership is not required to get a permit, but some offices bundle the two. Ask whether membership is optional when you call.

If you truly cannot get an IDP before you leave, some countries will accept your valid driver's license alone, though this is not may provide. Check the specific requirements for the country where you will be driving. An IDP is still the safest choice and is required by many rental car companies and some countries' traffic laws.

Renewing an expired IDP

Renewal is the same process as getting a new one: visit an AAA or CAA office with your expired IDP, a valid driver's license, a new passport photo, and payment. You do not need to wait until your IDP expires to renew it — you can renew up to six months before expiration if you prefer. Bring your current IDP to the office so the staff can note the renewal in their system.

If you renew by mail, send your expired IDP, a copy of your driver's license, a new photo, and payment to the address provided. The new IDP will be mailed to you and is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, not from the expiration date of the old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an AAA or CAA member to get an IDP?

No. AAA and CAA issue IDPs to members and non-members alike. If you are not a member, you can still walk into an office and request an IDP. Some offices may ask if you want to join, but membership is not a requirement.

Can I get an IDP at a different AAA or CAA office than my local one?

Yes. AAA offices across the United States and CAA offices within Canada can issue an IDP to anyone with a valid license, regardless of where you live. If your local office is closed or does not issue permits, you can visit any other AAA or CAA office.

What if my driver's license is expired or suspended?

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended to get an IDP. An IDP is a translation of your license, so if your license is not valid, the IDP cannot be issued. Renew your license first, then explore for the IDP.

How long does an IDP last if I choose the three-year option?

A three-year IDP is valid for exactly three years from the date of issue. It does not renew automatically. You must explore for a new one when it expires, even if your driver's license is still valid.

Can I get an IDP if I have a foreign driver's license?

Yes. AAA and CAA issue IDPs based on any valid driver's license, including foreign ones. Bring your foreign license, a completed process, a passport photo, and payment to any AAA or CAA office.