Where to Get an International Driver's License Near You
If you're planning to drive abroad, you've likely searched for where to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) near you. The good news: the process is more straightforward than most DMV-related tasks. The less obvious part is understanding what an IDP actually is, who issues it, and what it does — and doesn't — do.
What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document. It converts the information on your valid U.S. driver's license into multiple languages, allowing foreign authorities, police, and rental car agencies to read your credentials. It is not a standalone license — it's only valid when carried alongside your current, valid U.S. driver's license.
The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention. The U.S. is party to the 1949 Convention, which is why American IDPs follow that specific format.
⚠️ An IDP does not replace your home state license, and it cannot be used for driving within the United States.
Who Is Authorized to Issue IDPs in the United States
This is where a lot of confusion starts. In the U.S., only two organizations are federally authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs:
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)
Your state DMV does not issue IDPs. No government office issues them domestically. If you see a website or storefront claiming to issue official U.S. IDPs outside of these two organizations, that is a red flag for fraud.
AAA
AAA offices process IDPs in person at most branch locations. Many locations also offer mail-in applications. You do not need to be an AAA member to apply for an IDP through AAA, though some offices may have specific policies. Fees are generally modest and consistent, though you should verify the current amount directly with AAA.
AATA
AATA processes IDP applications primarily by mail. Their process involves submitting a completed application, passport-style photos, a photocopy of your valid driver's license, and the applicable fee.
What You Need to Apply 🗂️
Regardless of which authorized issuer you use, the standard requirements are consistent:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current at time of application |
| Two passport-style photos | Standard 2x2 inch format |
| Completed application form | Available from AAA or AATA |
| Application fee | Varies by issuer; confirm directly |
| Age requirement | Must be at least 18 years old |
Your driver's license must be valid — not expired, suspended, or revoked — at the time you apply and when you plan to drive abroad.
Finding an AAA Office Near You
Since AAA handles the majority of in-person IDP applications, locating a nearby branch is typically the fastest route. AAA has branch offices in most major U.S. cities and many suburban areas. You can find locations through AAA's official website by entering your zip code.
In-person processing is usually same-day or next-day. Mail-in applications through either AAA or AATA take longer, so timing matters if you're close to a departure date.
How Long an IDP Is Valid
A U.S. IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one each time. This means if you're a frequent international traveler who drives abroad regularly, you'll need to reapply annually.
What an IDP Does Not Cover
An IDP is not a workaround for license requirements. Specifically:
- It does not allow you to drive in countries that require a local license for extended stays
- It does not apply any special permissions beyond what your existing license class covers
- It does not substitute for your actual driver's license if you're stopped — both documents must be presented together
- It is not accepted in every country — some nations have bilateral agreements with the U.S. that operate differently, and a few do not recognize IDPs at all
Watch Out for IDP Scams
The Federal Trade Commission has issued warnings about websites that sell fraudulent "international driver's licenses" — documents that appear official but have no legal standing anywhere. These are not IDPs. They are not recognized by foreign governments, rental agencies, or law enforcement.
The only legitimate U.S. IDPs come from AAA or AATA. If a third-party site is charging significantly more, claiming government affiliation, or marketing an "international driver's license" as a standalone credential, that's a warning sign.
The Variable That Still Matters: Your Destination 🌍
Where you're driving shapes everything beyond the IDP itself. Some countries require the IDP alongside your license. Others accept a U.S. license alone for short visits. A few require additional documentation for longer stays or specific vehicle classes. Rental car agencies in some countries require an IDP even when local law doesn't.
The IDP process in the U.S. is unusually uniform — two issuers, consistent requirements, predictable fees. What varies is how your destination country treats it, whether your license class covers the vehicles you plan to drive, and how long you'll be staying. Those details don't live with AAA or the DMV. They live with the specific country's road authority and, if you're renting, the rental agency's own policies.
