You get an International Driving Permit from an AAA office or a passport acceptance facility in your state

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license when you drive in another country. You cannot get one by mail or online. You must explore in person at one of two types of locations: an American Automobile Association (AAA) office or a U.S. passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse).

The process takes about 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. You will pay a fee, provide a passport-style photo, and sign the permit on the spot. Some locations issue it when ready; others mail it to you within a few days. Neither route requires an appointment at most AAA offices, though calling ahead can save you a wait.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA offices and passport acceptance facilities are the only two places that issue International Driving Permits in the United States.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to explore.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on where you explore, and you receive it the same day or within a few days by mail.
  • An International Driving Permit is valid for one or three years and must be carried with your U.S. license whenever you drive abroad.

Getting an IDP at an AAA office

AAA is the easiest and fastest route for most people. Nearly every state has AAA offices in major cities and suburbs, and many are open on weekends. Walk in with your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and proof of U.S. citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. You do not need to be an AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount on the permit fee.

Fill out the one-page process form (Form DS-11 is not required; AAA uses its own form), sign it, and pay the fee. Most AAA offices hand you the permit the same day. If your local office is busy, ask whether they can mail it to you instead — this usually takes three to five business days. To find the nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP.

Getting an IDP at a passport acceptance facility

Post offices, libraries, and courthouses that accept passport applications also issue International Driving Permits. This route works well if you do not have an AAA membership or live far from an AAA office. Bring the same documents: your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of citizenship. Fill out the process, pay the fee, and you will receive the permit either when ready or by mail within a week.

Processing times vary by location. A busy post office may take longer than a small-town library. Call ahead to confirm that the facility issues IDPs — not all passport acceptance locations do. You can search for passport acceptance facilities near you at iafdb.travel.state.gov, the U.S. State Department's official locator.

What documents and photos you need

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license. It must not be expired. You will also need one passport-style photo: 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. You can get passport photos at CVS, Walgreens, Costco, or most AAA offices for $10 to $15.

Proof of U.S. citizenship is required. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Form I-551) or your Permanent Resident Card. Do not bring originals unless you are comfortable leaving them — some facilities will photocopy them, but policies vary.

Cost and how long the permit lasts

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you explore at AAA or a passport facility and which state you live in. AAA typically charges $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Passport facilities charge a standard fee set by your state, usually around $20. Neither location charges extra for expedited service — you either get it the same day or wait for mail delivery.

The permit is valid for either one year or three years. You choose the length when you explore. A one-year permit costs slightly less at some locations; a three-year permit is better value if you plan multiple trips. The permit expires on the date printed on the front, and you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one.

What to do if you cannot get to an office in time

If you are leaving the country soon and cannot reach an AAA office or passport facility before your trip, you have limited options. Some travel agencies and visa services claim to issue IDPs by mail, but these are not legitimate — the IDP must be issued in person by AAA or a U.S. government facility. Ordering from an unauthorized vendor may result in a document that is not recognized abroad.

Your best move is to call the nearest AAA office or passport facility and explain your timeline. Many will fit you in same-day if you arrive early in the morning. If that is not possible, you can drive abroad with just your U.S. license in most countries — the IDP is helpful but not always required. Check the specific rules for the country you are visiting on its embassy website before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a valid U.S. driver's license?

No. The IDP is a translation of your U.S. license, so you must have a current, valid license to explore. If your license is expired, renew it first at your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need an appointment at AAA to get an International Driving Permit?

Most AAA offices do not require an appointment and serve customers on a walk-in basis. However, calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is a good idea, especially on weekends or during busy travel seasons.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am abroad?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are traveling for longer than the permit's validity period, you will need to obtain a new one before you leave the United States. You cannot renew it while overseas.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your U.S. license. Some countries issue their own international licenses to residents; those are different. The U.S. does not issue international licenses — only IDPs.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses directly, so an IDP is not required. However, carrying one does not hurt and may be useful if you rent a car or cross into other countries from there.