You cannot get a true international driver's license in one day from any government office

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into multiple languages so rental car companies and police in other countries can read it. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document to your existing license. The catch: the only places that issue them are certain automobile clubs and travel agencies, and they require your valid driver's license in hand before they can print one.

If you have your license with you right now, some AAA offices and travel agencies can issue an IDP the same day you walk in. But this is not may provide everywhere, and it depends on whether that specific location has the forms and photos in stock. You cannot order one online and pick it up later — you must appear in person with your license and a passport photo.

If you do not yet have a driver's license, or yours is expired, you will need to renew or obtain it first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). That process takes days or weeks, not hours, so an IDP cannot happen in one day in that situation.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA, some travel agencies, and a few other automobile clubs — never by the DMV.
  • You must have a valid, current driver's license in your possession to get an IDP, along with a passport photo.
  • Some AAA offices can issue an IDP the same day you visit, but you need to call ahead to confirm they have the forms and photos available.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $20.
  • If your driver's license is expired or you do not have one yet, you must go to the DMV first, which takes much longer than one day.

Where to get an IDP on the same day

AAA is the most reliable source for same-day International Driving Permits. Most AAA offices keep the forms and passport photos on hand and can issue an IDP while you wait. You walk in with your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and payment (usually $15 to $20), and leave with the permit in hand. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Not every AAA office stocks IDP forms, so call your local branch before you go. Ask whether they have the forms in stock that day and whether they can issue it while you wait. Some smaller or rural AAA offices may not carry them and may need to order one, which takes several days.

Travel agencies and some automobile clubs (like CAA in Canada) also issue IDPs, but availability varies widely. Call ahead to confirm they have the forms and can issue one the same day. A few online travel services advertise same-day IDPs, but these typically mean they print and mail it to you overnight, which is not the same as walking out with it in your hand.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license issued by your state. If your license expired more than a certain period ago (rules vary by state), you will need to renew it at the DMV first. An IDP cannot be issued without a current license to accompany it.

You also need a passport photo. This is a 2x2-inch color photo with a plain background, taken within the last six months. You can get passport photos at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or most photo studios for $10 to $15. Some AAA offices can take the photo for you on the spot, but call ahead to confirm — not all locations offer this service.

Bring your payment method. IDPs cost $15 to $20 depending on whether you want the one-year or three-year version. Most AAA offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards.

How long an IDP is valid and what it covers

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The three-year version costs slightly more but is the better value if you travel internationally more than once. Both versions are valid only if your underlying driver's license is also valid — if your license expires, the IDP becomes useless.

The IDP translates your license information into French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. It straightforward makes your existing license readable to authorities and rental companies in other countries. Some countries require it; others accept it but do not require it. A few countries do not recognize it at all, so check the rules for your specific destination before you travel.

The IDP is not a replacement for your driver's license. You must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. If you lose the IDP, you can get another one from AAA or a travel agency, but your underlying license is what actually permits you to drive.

What to do if your driver's license is expired or you do not have one

If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it. Renewal at the DMV takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and whether you renew in person or by mail. Some states allow online renewal for certain situations, which can be faster, but you still cannot get an IDP until your new license arrives.

If you do not have a driver's license at all, you will need to take the written test and driving test at your state's DMV, which typically requires at least two separate visits and takes several weeks total. An IDP is not possible until you have passed both tests and received your license in the mail.

If you are traveling internationally soon and do not yet have a license, focus on getting your license first. Once it arrives, you can get an IDP from AAA the same day if you have a passport photo ready. Plan for the license to take at least two to three weeks, so explore now if you need it before your trip.

International Driving Permits versus other travel documents

An IDP is not the same as a passport, visa, or travel permit. A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department and is required to enter most countries. A visa is a separate permission from a foreign country to enter and stay there. An IDP is only for driving — it has no effect on your ability to enter a country or stay there.

Some countries require an IDP to rent a car; others do not. Many rental car companies will rent to you with just your U.S. driver's license, but some require an IDP as well. Before you book a rental car, check the rental company's requirements for your destination. If they require an IDP, you now know you can get one from AAA the same day if your license is current.

If you are traveling by air and do not plan to drive, you do not need an IDP at all. You need only a valid passport and any visas required by your destination.

How to prepare if you want an IDP before your trip

If you know you are traveling internationally and will need to drive, start by confirming your driver's license is current and will not expire before your trip. Check your license now — if it expires within the next few months, renew it at the DMV before you try to get an IDP.

Next, get a passport photo. You can do this at any pharmacy or photo studio, or at some AAA offices. Keep it with you.

Finally, locate your nearest AAA office (or travel agency) and call to confirm they have IDP forms in stock and can issue one while you wait. If they can, you can get your IDP the same day you visit. If they cannot, ask how long it will take and plan accordingly. Do this at least a few days before your trip, not the day before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is about to expire?

No. Your IDP is only valid as long as your underlying driver's license is valid. If your license expires in the next few months, renew it at the DMV first, then get your IDP. Renewing your license takes at least a few days, so plan ahead.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car internationally?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental companies accept a U.S. driver's license alone, but some require an IDP as well. Check your rental agreement or call the company before you book. If they require one, you can get it from AAA the same day if your license is current.

Can I get an IDP without a passport photo?

No. You must provide a passport photo (2x2 inches, color, plain background, taken within six months). Some AAA offices can take the photo for you on the spot, but call ahead to confirm. Otherwise, get one at a pharmacy or photo studio before you visit.

What if my nearest AAA office does not have IDP forms in stock?

Ask how long it takes to order one and when it will arrive. Some offices can order and mail it to you in a few days. If you need it urgently, try calling other AAA offices in your area or nearby travel agencies — one of them may have forms in stock.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "international driver's license" refer to the same document. It is not a separate license — it is a translation of your existing U.S. driver's license into multiple languages.