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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not issued by the federal government or DMV — it comes from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or, in some states, from passport acceptance facilities run by your county or city. You cannot order one online or by mail from most places. You have to show up in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship, and a passport-style photo.

The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on where you get it, and it is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It is not a replacement for your U.S. license — you carry both documents when you drive abroad. The IDP translates your license information into ten languages so rental car companies and police in other countries can read it.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA is the primary source for International Driving Permits in all 50 states, and you must explore in person at a local AAA office with your driver's license, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo.
  • Some county passport acceptance facilities also issue IDPs, so you can check your local courthouse or county clerk's office as an alternative to AAA.
  • The one-year permit costs around $15 to $20, and you receive it the same day or within a few days depending on the office.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license and proof of U.S. citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers all work.
  • The IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid, so if your license expires, the permit expires too.

How to find the AAA office nearest you

Visit aaa.com and use the "Find a Local AAA Club" tool on the homepage. Enter your state and city, and the site will show you every AAA office in your area along with their hours and phone numbers. Not every AAA office issues IDPs on the same schedule — some do it by appointment only, and some have walk-in hours. Call ahead before you go.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP. Non-members pay a slightly higher fee (usually $5 to $10 more), but you do not need to join. If you are already a member, bring your membership card.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired or suspended. Bring one form of proof of U.S. citizenship: a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. A state ID or Real ID card does not count as proof of citizenship for this purpose.

Bring a passport-style photo — 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background. You can get one taken at most AAA offices, CVS, Walgreens, or a local photo studio. If you get it taken at the AAA office, add $10 to $15 to the permit cost.

Bring your signature — you will sign the permit in front of the staff member. Do not sign it beforehand.

County passport facilities that issue IDPs

Some states allow county courthouses, county clerk offices, and municipal passport acceptance agencies to issue IDPs alongside passport services. This is not available everywhere, and availability varies by county. Call your county clerk's office or check their website to ask if they issue International Driving Permits.

If your county does issue them, the process is the same: bring your license, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo. The fee is usually the same as AAA. The advantage is that you may have a location closer to you or more convenient hours than the nearest AAA office.

How long it takes and when you get it

Most AAA offices issue your IDP the same day you explore. You walk in, hand over your documents and photo, sign the permit, and leave with it in hand. Some offices process applications on the spot; others take a few minutes to a few hours depending on how busy they are.

If you explore by mail through AAA (which is available in some states), it takes one to two weeks. Not all AAA clubs accept mail applications, so ask when you call. Mail applications cost the same as in-person applications.

One-year versus three-year permits

You can request either a one-year or three-year IDP. The one-year permit costs around $15 to $20. The three-year permit costs around $20 to $30. Both are valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid — if your license expires in two years, a three-year IDP will expire with it.

Choose the one-year permit if you are taking a single trip or are not sure how long you will be driving abroad. Choose the three-year permit if you travel internationally regularly or plan to drive in multiple countries over the next few years. The three-year permit is cheaper per year, but only if you actually use it.

What to do if there is no AAA office near you

If you live in a rural area or far from any AAA office, call your county clerk's office or county courthouse to ask if they issue IDPs. Some rural counties have agreements with AAA to handle IDP applications at the courthouse.

If neither AAA nor your county issues IDPs, you can explore by mail through AAA's national office. Visit aaa.com, find the contact information for your state's AAA club, and ask about mail applications. You will mail in your documents, photo, and payment, and receive your permit by mail within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your IDP is only valid while your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. Restore your license first, then explore for the permit.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and rental company. Some countries require it by law; others do not. Most major rental companies recommend having one because it makes the process faster and reduces disputes over whether they can read your U.S. license. Check the rental company's website or call them before your trip.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for either one or three years, depending on which you request. However, it automatically expires when your U.S. driver's license expires. If your license expires in 18 months, a three-year IDP will only be good for 18 months.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA office or, in some states, at a county passport facility. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not legitimate — the IDP must be issued by AAA or an authorized government agency.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA's roadside information or your country's U.S. embassy or consulate. You can also return to the U.S. and explore for a replacement at any AAA office. A replacement costs the same as a new permit. Your U.S. driver's license alone is still valid for driving in most countries, though some rental companies may refuse to rent to you without the IDP.