You buy an International Driving Permit through your state's AAA office or a select travel agency, not from a government office

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document issued by private organizations, not by your state DMV or the federal government. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the sole authorized issuer. You cannot order one online from AAA's website or from any other website — you must visit a physical AAA office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee on the spot.

Some travel agencies also sell IDPs, but they are reselling permits issued by AAA. The price is the same whether you go to AAA directly or through an agency, and you still need to appear in person with your documents. Going directly to AAA is usually faster because you avoid a middleman.

An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase. It is not a replacement for your state driver's license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad, and the IDP is only recognized in countries that are signatories to the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA is the only authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States, and you must visit an AAA office in person to purchase one.
  • You need your valid state driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photograph; the entire process takes about 15 minutes.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version, and you pay cash or card at the time of purchase.
  • Your IDP is valid only in countries that recognize the 1926 Geneva Convention, so check your destination country's requirements before you travel.
  • Some countries require an IDP even if they recognize your U.S. license, while others do not recognize it at all; research your specific destination before buying.

What documents you need to bring to an AAA office

You must bring your valid state driver's license — it cannot be expired, suspended, or revoked. AAA will not issue an IDP if your license is not current. You also need a completed process for International Driving Permit form, which AAA provides at the office or you can read and fill out beforehand from AAA's website.

You must also bring one passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches. This is the same size as a passport photo. If you do not have one, some AAA offices have photo services on-site, but this adds time and cost. Call your local office ahead to confirm whether they offer photos and what the fee is.

Bring a form of payment — AAA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. The fee does not vary by state or by AAA office. You do not need to bring your passport, your vehicle registration, or proof of insurance, though it is wise to carry your passport when you travel internationally.

How to find an AAA office near you and what to expect when you arrive

Visit AAA.com and use the office locator tool to find the nearest AAA branch. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so confirm by phone before you go. Call the office directly and ask whether they issue International Driving Permits and whether you need an appointment. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book a time slot, especially during peak travel seasons (spring and summer).

When you arrive, bring all documents and your photograph. The staff will verify your driver's license, check your process form for completeness, and take your photograph if you did not bring one. They will then issue your permit on the spot. The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will receive your IDP when ready — there is no waiting period or mailing delay.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP. Non-members pay the same fee as members. AAA membership is not required to buy an International Driving Permit.

Cost and validity period of an International Driving Permit

An IDP costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. The one-year permit costs less upfront but expires sooner. The three-year permit costs more but is valid longer and is the better value if you plan to travel internationally more than once in that period. Both versions are valid from the date of issue.

An IDP does not renew automatically. When it expires, you must return to an AAA office and purchase a new one. You cannot renew by mail or online. If your state driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid — you must have a current license to use the permit.

The fee does not vary by state, by AAA office location, or by your age or driving record. The only variable is the length of validity you choose.

Countries that recognize an International Driving Permit and those that do not

An IDP is recognized in most countries that signed the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic, which includes most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others. However, recognition is not automatic everywhere. Some countries that recognize the IDP still require additional documents, such as a certified translation of your license or a separate national driving permit.

Some countries do not recognize an IDP at all and require you to obtain an International Driving License or a national permit from their own government. China, Russia, and India are examples of countries with their own systems. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, recognize your U.S. driver's license without an IDP, though an IDP can be useful as a backup translation.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country and ask specifically whether they recognize the International Driving Permit issued by AAA. Do not assume that because a country is developed or English-speaking that it will accept your IDP. The rules vary widely and change periodically.

Rental car companies and insurance requirements for an International Driving Permit

Most major car rental companies worldwide will rent to you with a valid U.S. driver's license and an IDP, but policies vary by company and by country. Some rental agencies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required by law. Others do not ask for one at all. When you book a rental car, ask the company directly whether they require an IDP for your destination.

Your personal auto insurance may not cover you when you drive abroad, even with an IDP. Before you travel, contact your insurance provider and ask whether your policy extends to international driving and what documents you need to carry. Some insurers require an IDP as proof of your driving status; others do not recognize it. Your rental car company's insurance may also have its own requirements.

An IDP does not provide insurance and does not replace your need to purchase coverage. It is a translation document only. If you are renting a car, the rental company will offer you collision and liability coverage at the time of rental. Review the terms carefully and confirm what your personal insurance covers before you decline the rental company's offer.

Common mistakes and what to avoid when buying an International Driving Permit

The most common mistake is buying an IDP from a website that claims to issue one online or by mail. These services are not authorized by AAA and do not produce valid permits. An IDP must be issued in person by an AAA office. If you receive a permit by mail from any source other than AAA, it is not legitimate and will not be recognized abroad.

Another mistake is assuming that an IDP is required everywhere. Many countries do not require one, and some do not recognize it. Buying an IDP without first confirming that your destination country recognizes it wastes money. Research your specific destination before you purchase.

Do not wait until the day before you travel to buy an IDP. Although the permit is issued when ready, AAA offices can be busy during peak travel seasons, and some require appointments. Plan to visit an AAA office at least one week before your trip. If you are traveling internationally on short notice, call your nearest AAA office first to confirm they can issue a permit the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. AAA is the only authorized issuer in the United States, and you must visit a physical AAA office in person with your documents and photograph. Any website claiming to issue an IDP by mail or online is not authorized and will not produce a valid permit.

What if my state driver's license is expired?

You cannot buy an IDP with an expired license. Your license must be valid and current. Renew your license at your state DMV first, then visit an AAA office to purchase the IDP.

Do I need to be an AAA member to buy an International Driving Permit?

No. AAA membership is not required. Non-members pay the same fee as members and can purchase an IDP at any AAA office that issues them.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

You receive your IDP when ready when you visit the AAA office. The entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes. There is no waiting period or mailing delay. Some offices may require an appointment during busy seasons, so call ahead.

Will my International Driving Permit work in every country?

No. An IDP is recognized only in countries that signed the 1926 Geneva Convention, and even then, some countries have additional requirements or do not recognize it at all. Always check with your destination country's embassy or tourism board before you travel to confirm whether an IDP is recognized and required.