If you've searched "AAA international driver's license," you're likely preparing for international travel and want to know whether you need one, what it actually does, and how to get it. The short answer: AAA issues what's called an International Driving Permit (IDP) — not a separate license — and understanding the difference matters before you travel.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your existing driver's license into multiple languages. It does not replace your U.S. driver's license. It works alongside it. When you drive abroad, many countries require you to carry both your valid U.S. license and the IDP together.
The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is based on a framework established by United Nations road traffic conventions. It's printed in ten languages — including French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian — so foreign authorities can read your credentials without a translator.
⚠️ An IDP has no legal standing on its own. If you present it without your underlying U.S. driver's license, it's worthless.
In the United States, only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs:
No other organization — including any government agency or private company — is legally authorized to issue IDPs to U.S. residents. If you encounter another service selling "international driver's licenses" or "international driving permits," those documents are not legitimate and are not recognized abroad.
This is a common scam. Fraudulent IDP-style documents are sold online and look convincing, but they carry no legal weight in any country.
The AAA International Driving Permit:
It does not upgrade your driving privileges. If your U.S. license restricts you to automatic transmission vehicles, that restriction travels with you. The IDP reflects your existing license — it doesn't expand it.
You can obtain an IDP through any AAA branch office. The process generally requires:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current and not expired |
| Completed application form | Available at AAA offices |
| Two passport-style photos | Specific size and format requirements apply |
| Fee | Varies; typically modest, but confirm with AAA directly |
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
Some AAA locations may offer mail-in processing, though in-person is the most common method. Processing is typically quick — often same-day at a branch office.
You do not need to be a AAA member to obtain an IDP, though membership may affect availability of certain services at specific locations.
Whether you need an IDP depends entirely on where you're going. Requirements vary by country:
🌍 Before traveling, check the entry and driving requirements for your specific destination through official government travel resources. Country requirements change, and what applied two years ago may not apply today.
It's worth being clear about what an IDP is not in the context of out-of-state or international license transfers:
These are two entirely separate processes. Using your U.S. license abroad (via an IDP) and moving your license to a new U.S. state are governed by completely different rules.
Even within the relatively straightforward IDP process, a few factors affect what you'll encounter:
The IDP process through AAA is more standardized than most DMV procedures — but how it applies to your travel plans, your license type, and your destination is something only you can assess with the specifics in hand.