You cannot get a full international driver's license online, but you can start the process

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — it is a translation document that works alongside it. You cannot obtain one entirely online. However, you can begin the process through certain organizations' websites, and some steps happen digitally before you complete the process in person or by mail.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States. Both organizations allow you to start your request online, but you must provide an in-person signature or mail in physical documents to finish. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks if you use in-person service at a local AAA office, or three to four weeks by mail.

Your regular driver's license remains your primary document. The IDP straightforward translates your license information into multiple languages so rental car companies and police in other countries can read it. Many countries do not legally require an IDP, but some rental agencies refuse to rent without one, and having it eliminates confusion at borders.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA and AATA are the only organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States, and neither offers fully online issuance.
  • You must provide a signed passport-style photo and your valid U.S. driver's license in person or by mail — these cannot be submitted digitally.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • In-person service at an AAA office typically takes one to two weeks; mail service takes three to four weeks.
  • Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license — it does not work alone.

How the online process works with AAA

AAA's website lets you fill out the IDP request form and pay the fee online. You enter your personal information, driver's license number, and travel dates. The form itself is digital, but the submission does not complete the transaction.

After you submit the online form and payment, AAA sends you instructions for the next step. If you choose in-person service, you print the form or bring your confirmation number to a local AAA office. You bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). An AAA staff member verifies your information, watches you sign the form, and issues the permit on the spot.

If you choose mail service, you print the form, sign it by hand, and mail it to AAA along with your driver's license and photo. AAA processes the envelope, creates your permit, and mails it back. This route takes longer because of postal time on both ends.

What you need before you start online

Gather these items before you visit the AAA website or AATA's website. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired, and you must have held it for at least one year. You also need a passport-style photo: 2 inches by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible.

You will also need to know your travel dates or at least the month and year you plan to travel. The IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, so knowing when you leave helps you choose the right duration. Finally, have a credit or debit card ready for the fee.

Do not order an IDP if your driver's license expires within the next year. The IDP is only valid while your license is valid, so you would be paying for a document that becomes useless when your license does.

AAA versus AATA: which one to use

Both AAA and AATA issue the same International Driving Permit and follow the same rules. The difference is membership and location. AAA is a membership organization with local offices in most states. If you are already an AAA member, you can use your membership account on their website. If you are not a member, you can still order an IDP without joining, but you will pay a small non-member fee on top of the permit cost.

AATA does not require membership and has no local offices. You order entirely by mail through their website. AATA is useful if you live far from an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person. The trade-off is that mail service takes longer than walking into an AAA office and leaving with your permit the same day.

Both organizations' websites are straightforward. AAA's site is aaa.com, and AATA's is aataidp.com. Start on whichever matches your situation, fill out the form, and choose your service method.

What happens after you submit online

If you chose in-person service, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number and instructions to visit a local AAA office. Bring that confirmation, your driver's license, and your photo. The office staff will verify everything, have you sign the form in front of them, and hand you the IDP. You walk out with it the same day.

If you chose mail service, you will receive an email with a mailing address and instructions on what to include. Print the form from the email, sign it, and mail it in an envelope with your driver's license and photo. Include a return address. AAA or AATA will process the envelope within a few business days, print your permit, and mail it back to you. The entire round trip usually takes three to four weeks.

Once you receive your IDP, store it with your passport. Always carry both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license when you drive abroad. The IDP alone is not valid — it only works as a companion to your license.

Countries that recognize the International Driving Permit

Most countries recognize the IDP, but not all require it. Many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada accept it. Some countries like the United Kingdom and France do not legally require it but rental agencies often ask for one anyway.

A few countries do not recognize the IDP at all, including some in Central America and Africa. Before you travel, check the specific country's driving requirements through its embassy website or your rental agency. The IDP is inexpensive enough that getting one before an international trip removes one source of confusion, even if the country does not strictly require it.

The IDP is not a substitute for a valid U.S. driver's license, and it does not change traffic laws or insurance rules in any country. It straightforward translates your license information so officials can read it.

Cost and validity period

The IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you are an AAA member and which organization you use. AAA members typically pay $15 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. Non-members pay slightly more. AATA's pricing is similar. These are one-time fees — you do not renew or pay annually.

The permit is valid for one year or three years from the date it is issued, whichever you choose when you order. Your IDP expires when your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your license expires in six months but you order a three-year IDP, the permit becomes invalid when your license does.

If you lose your IDP or it is damaged, you can order a replacement through the same organization. You will need to pay the fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the IDP without my U.S. driver's license?

No. The IDP is only valid when you carry it together with your original U.S. driver's license. Police and rental agencies will ask to see both documents. The IDP alone proves nothing.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I go in person to AAA?

If you have already filled out the online form and paid, you can walk into a local AAA office with your driver's license and photo and receive the permit the same day. The entire process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in the office.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico recognize the IDP, but not all rental agencies require it. Many will rent to you with just your U.S. driver's license. Call the rental company before you travel to ask what they need. Having an IDP removes the risk of being turned away.

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

You cannot get an IDP with a suspended or expired license. Your license must be valid and in your possession. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's DMV before you order the IDP.

Is the 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 a translation of your U.S. license, not a separate license that replaces it.