AAA issues International Driving Permits, but they are not driver's licenses

AAA can issue you an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid for driving anywhere.

The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. It serves as proof that your home country has issued you a valid driver's license. Some rental car companies abroad require it, and some countries will not recognize your U.S. license without it, even though technically the IDP is optional in many places.

AAA is one of the easiest ways to get an IDP in the United States. You do not need to visit a government office or wait for mail processing through the State Department. You can obtain one at most AAA branches in person, and some locations offer same-day issuance.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license when driving abroad.
  • AAA issues IDPs at most branch locations for a flat fee, typically between $15 and $20, with no additional government fees.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued ID, and a passport-sized photo to obtain an IDP from AAA.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not extend your driving privileges beyond what your U.S. license allows.
  • Some countries have specific rules about IDPs — a few do not recognize them, and some require them even when your U.S. license would normally be accepted.

What you need to bring to an AAA branch

To get an IDP from AAA, bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (your passport works), and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent and show your face clearly. AAA will not accept photos from a smartphone or printed at home — they must be a professional passport photo or one taken at a photo booth.

You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP. Non-members can purchase one at the same price as members. However, some AAA branches may charge a small additional fee for non-members, so call ahead to confirm the total cost at your location.

Bring the original license and ID documents — photocopies are not accepted. The staff member will verify that your driver's license is current and has not been suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at your state's DMV before AAA can issue an IDP.

How the process works at AAA

Walk into any AAA branch during business hours with your documents and photo. The staff will fill out a form with your name, address, driver's license number, and passport number. You will sign the form in front of the staff member. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Most AAA branches issue the IDP on the spot. You will receive a small booklet with your information printed in it, along with a translation of your license details in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian. The booklet is about the size of a passport.

Some AAA branches in smaller towns or rural areas may not stock IDPs and will order one for you, which takes three to five business days. Call your local branch before visiting to confirm they have them in stock.

Cost and validity period

AAA charges a flat fee of $15 to $20 for an International Driving Permit, depending on your location. There are no additional government fees or processing charges. This is significantly cheaper than obtaining an IDP through the State Department by mail, which costs $20 and requires mailing documents and waiting two to three weeks.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where your U.S. license would not be valid. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid — you must have a current U.S. license to use it.

If you need an IDP for longer than one year, you will need to renew it at an AAA branch. There is no limit to how many times you can renew, but each renewal requires a new photo and a new fee.

When you actually need an IDP abroad

Requirements vary by country. Some nations, including Canada, Mexico, and most of Western Europe, will accept your U.S. driver's license alone without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in these countries will refuse to rent to you without an IDP, even though the country itself does not require it.

Other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, strongly recommend or require an IDP. A few countries, such as some in the Middle East and parts of Asia, will not recognize a U.S. license at all and require an IDP or an official translation from your state's DMV.

Before traveling, check the specific requirements for the country where you plan to drive. Contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States, or check the State Department's travel advisory for that country. This will tell you whether an IDP is required, recommended, or unnecessary.

Alternatives if AAA is not available to you

If you do not have access to an AAA branch or prefer not to use AAA, you can obtain an International Driving Permit through the State Department by mail. You will need to complete Form DS-11 or DS-82, include a passport-sized photo, a copy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for $20. Mail these to the address listed on the State Department website. Processing takes two to three weeks.

Some AAA-affiliated organizations in other countries can also issue IDPs if you are traveling internationally and need one urgently. However, these are less common and may charge higher fees.

You cannot obtain an IDP online or through a third-party website. Any website claiming to issue an IDP for a fee is either a scam or is straightforward collecting your information and mailing it to AAA or the State Department on your behalf — you are paying a middleman for something you can do yourself.

What happens if you drive without an IDP when one is required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be denied the right to drive. Some countries treat driving without proper documentation as a serious traffic violation. In rare cases, you could face legal consequences beyond a fine.

If you are in a car accident and do not have an IDP when one is required, your insurance may not cover the damage. Rental car companies may also refuse to cover accidents if you violated the country's driving requirements.

The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you travel if there is any chance it will be required or requested. The cost is low, and the document takes up no space in your luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico both recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies may request one anyway. Check with your rental company before you travel to know what they require.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must resolve that with your state's DMV before AAA can issue an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP from AAA?

Most AAA branches issue an IDP the same day you explore, in about 10 to 15 minutes. Some smaller branches may order one and have it ready in three to five business days. Call your local branch to confirm.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your driving status. You can also obtain a new IDP from AAA when you return home.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your existing U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not allow you to drive in countries where your U.S. license is not valid. You must carry both documents together.