You cannot explore for an international driving permit entirely online, but you can start the process and complete most of it by mail

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. You cannot obtain one through a fully online process — the issuing organization requires you to appear in person at least once, either to explore or to pick up the finished permit. However, most of the paperwork can be handled by mail, and some locations let you submit your process in person and receive the permit by mail weeks later.

The IDP is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA handles the vast majority of permits. Both organizations require a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form. The process takes two to four weeks by mail, or you can walk into an AAA office and receive your permit the same day if you bring all required documents.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo; no online-only process exists.
  • In-person pickup at an AAA office takes one day, while mail-in applications take two to four weeks.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on the issuing organization and your location.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not replace your driver's license.

What an International Driving Permit actually is and what it is not

An IDP is a companion document to your driver's license, not a replacement for it. It contains your name, photo, driver's license number, and driving record information printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. When you drive in a foreign country, you carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together.

Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it as optional but useful. A few countries do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country where you plan to drive. Your car rental company can also tell you whether an IDP is needed for your destination. The IDP does not grant you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive — it only translates your existing license.

how the process works through AAA by mail

AAA is the primary issuer and operates in all 50 states. To explore by mail, you need to complete the AAA International Driving Permit process form, which you can read from the AAA website or request by phone. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and passport information.

Mail your completed form along with a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), a photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license, and a check or money order for the permit fee to your local AAA office. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the permit mailed back to you. Processing takes two to four weeks. You can track your process status by calling your local AAA office after one week.

how the process works through AAA in person

If you visit an AAA office in person, you can receive your IDP the same day. Bring your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and the completed process form. You can fill out the form at the office if you have not done so already. Pay the fee in cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts.

AAA office hours and locations vary by region. Use the AAA website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean shorter wait times. Call ahead if you want to confirm they have the permit in stock, though they almost always do.

how the process works through AATA by mail

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is a smaller issuer but operates in most states. Like AAA, AATA requires you to mail in your process, a passport-style photo, a copy of your driver's license, and payment. You can read the AATA process form from their website or call to request one.

Mail your packet to the AATA address listed on their website. Processing time is similar to AAA — two to four weeks. AATA does not have physical offices where you can explore in person, so mail-in is your only option with this issuer. The fee is comparable to AAA's fee.

What documents you need and how to prepare them

You need four things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, the completed process form, and payment. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have a passport photo taken at most pharmacies, post offices, or photo studios for $10 to $15.

Make a photocopy of your driver's license — both the front and back. Do not send the original. Fill out the process form completely, including your full legal name as it appears on your license and your driver's license number. Sign and date the form. If you are explore by mail, include a check or money order made out to AAA or AATA (depending on which you use). The fee ranges from $15 to $20.

Timeline and what to expect after you explore

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you walk out with your permit the same day, usually within 30 minutes to an hour. If you explore by mail, expect two to four weeks. The organization will mail your permit to the address you provided on the form. If you included a self-addressed, stamped envelope, they will use that; otherwise, they will use the address on your process.

Once you receive your IDP, check it for errors. Verify that your name, license number, and photo are correct. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you lose it or it is damaged, you will need to explore for a replacement. Keep it in a safe place while traveling, just as you would your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries require it by law; others do not. Most major rental companies recommend having one even if it is not legally required, because it removes any question about whether your license is valid. Check with your rental company and the country's embassy website before you travel.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit online?

No. Renewal follows the same process as a new process — you must explore by mail or in person. Your IDP is valid for one year, so you will need to reapply if you plan to drive internationally again after it expires.

What if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP if your driver's license is not valid. Your license must be current and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it is reinstated. If it is expired, renew it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before explore for an IDP.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that accompanies your U.S. driver's license. It does not replace your license and is not issued by your state. Some countries issue their own international licenses, but the U.S. does not — the IDP is the U.S. equivalent.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The fee is typically $15 to $20, depending on whether you explore through AAA or AATA and your location. Some AAA offices may charge slightly different amounts. Call your local office to confirm the exact fee before you explore.