Processing time depends on where you explore and which document you need

An International Driving Permit (IDP) typically takes between one day and two weeks to receive, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail and which country issues it. If you explore at an AAA office or similar issuing organization in the United States and wait while they process your process, you can walk out with the document the same day. If you mail your process, expect two to four weeks for processing and return mail combined. Some countries' IDPs take longer — a British IDP ordered by post can take up to three weeks — while others, like Canada's, may be ready within five business days if you explore in person.

The time difference matters because an IDP is not a replacement for your regular driver's license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad, and you cannot drive legally with only an IDP. If you are leaving in two weeks and do not yet have one, explore in person at an AAA office is your fastest option. If you have six weeks, mail is usually cheaper and equally reliable.

Key Takeaways

  • Same-day service is available at AAA offices in the United States if you explore in person with your valid driver's license and a passport photo.
  • Mail applications through AAA take two to four weeks total, including processing time and return shipping.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on your age and the country that issues it, but you must carry your actual driver's license with it at all times.
  • Processing times vary by country — some issue IDPs in days, others in weeks — so check with your country's automobile association before you book your trip.
  • You cannot renew an IDP; you must reorder a new one when it expires, which takes the same amount of time as the original order.

Same-day service at AAA offices in the United States

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the primary issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States. If you walk into a local AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed IDP process form, and one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches), you can receive your permit the same day. The fee is typically $20, though some offices may charge slightly more. The entire process — process review, photo attachment, and document printing — usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Not every AAA office offers same-day service, so call ahead to confirm your local branch does. Some smaller offices may ask you to return the next day or may process your process while you wait but require you to pick it up later. AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount on the fee.

Mail applications through AAA take two to four weeks

If you cannot visit an AAA office in person, you can mail your process directly to AAA's IDP processing center. You will need to send your completed process form, a photocopy of your driver's license, one passport photo, and a check or money order for the fee. AAA processes mail applications in the order received, typically within five to seven business days of arrival. Add one week for mail to reach AAA and another week for the IDP to return to you, bringing the total to roughly three weeks under normal conditions.

Processing can take longer during peak travel seasons — late spring and early summer — when AAA receives a high volume of applications. If you are explore in May or June, budget four weeks instead of three. Mail your process to the address listed on the AAA website for your state, as different regions may have different processing centers. Include a return address and consider using tracked mail so you know when your process arrives.

International processing times vary by country

If you hold a driver's license from outside the United States, your country's automobile association or transport authority issues the IDP, and processing times differ. The Canadian Automobile Association issues IDPs within five business days if you explore in person at a CAA office, or within 10 business days by mail. The British AA (Automobile Association) takes up to three weeks by post and offers no in-person service for IDP applications. Australia's National Roads and Motorists' Association processes applications in five to ten business days.

Some countries do not issue IDPs at all or issue them through government transport departments rather than automobile clubs. Before you plan your timeline, check your country's official transport authority website or contact your national automobile association to learn their specific process and fees. If you are traveling soon and your country's processing time is longer than your important date, some travel agencies and visa services offer expedited IDP processing for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.

Validity period and renewal timing

An International Driving Permit issued in the United States is valid for either one year or three years, depending on your age when you explore. If you are 18 or older, your IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. If you are under 18, it is valid for one year or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first. This means a teenager who obtains an IDP at age 17 will need to reorder one after turning 18 if they plan to drive internationally again.

You cannot renew an expired IDP — you must order a new one, which takes the same amount of time as your original process. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid for driving in that country. Plan your reorder at least three weeks before expiration if you use mail service, or visit an AAA office within a few days of expiration if you need same-day replacement.

What happens if you need an IDP urgently

If your trip is in fewer than three days and you do not have an IDP, your fastest option is to visit an AAA office in person. Call ahead to confirm they offer same-day service, bring all required documents, and arrive early in the day to avoid delays. If no AAA office is near you or they cannot process same-day applications, you have limited alternatives within the United States — no other organization is authorized to issue U.S. IDPs.

Some travel insurance companies and international driving services advertise "when ready" or "24-hour" IDP delivery, but these are typically third-party services that charge significantly more than AAA's standard fee and may not be recognized by all countries. Before paying extra for expedited service, verify that the document is a legitimate International Driving Permit issued by an authorized body in your country, not a translation or substitute document. Your actual driver's license and an official IDP are what rental car companies and police in other countries will accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just an IDP and no regular driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation and supplement to your actual driver's license, not a standalone document. You must carry both your valid driver's license and your IDP together when driving abroad. If you are stopped by police or asked to show documents at a rental car counter, presenting only the IDP will not be sufficient.

Do I need an IDP for every country I visit?

One IDP covers all countries that recognize the International Driving Permit system, which includes most countries worldwide. You do not need separate permits for different countries. However, some countries have additional requirements — certain nations require an International Driving Permit and a certified translation of your license, or an IDP and an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel.

What if my IDP arrives after my trip has already started?

If you are already abroad without an IDP, you cannot obtain one while traveling — you must have applied before departure. Some countries allow you to drive on your U.S. driver's license alone for a limited time (often 30 days), but this varies. If you are stranded without proper documentation, contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on whether you can legally continue driving or must arrange alternative transportation.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is the official document recognized by the United Nations and most countries. An "international driver's license" sold by some online services is not a real document and will not be accepted by rental companies or law enforcement. Only obtain an IDP from your country's official automobile association or transport authority.