You get an International Driving Permit from the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance, not from your state DMV

An International Driving Permit (IDP) 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 together when driving abroad. Only two organizations in the United States issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue them, and neither does the federal government.

Both organizations charge a fee and require you to appear in person with your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo. The process takes about fifteen minutes, and you walk out with the permit the same day. Most AAA branches can issue an IDP on the spot; AATA locations are fewer and mainly in larger cities, but both organizations maintain searchable location finders on their websites.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA issue International Driving Permits in the United States; your state DMV cannot issue one.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment to either organization's office.
  • The permit is issued the same day and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • AAA has thousands of branches nationwide; AATA has fewer locations but covers most major metropolitan areas.
  • An IDP is a translation document only and must be carried alongside your actual driver's license when driving outside the United States.

Finding an AAA office near you

The American Automobile Association operates over 1,000 branches across the United States. Most AAA members can walk into any branch and request an IDP without an appointment, though calling ahead to confirm the branch offers the service is wise. Non-members can also obtain an IDP at any AAA branch, though some branches may charge a slightly higher fee or require membership.

To find the nearest AAA branch, visit AAA.com and use their branch locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show all nearby locations, their hours, and their phone numbers. Call the branch directly to confirm they issue IDPs and to ask about current fees, which typically range from $15 to $20 for members and $25 to $30 for non-members.

Finding an AATA office near you

The American Automobile Touring Alliance has a smaller network than AAA, with offices primarily in major cities and some suburban areas. AATA offices are often located in travel agencies, passport acceptance facilities, or standalone locations. Like AAA, AATA issues the IDP the same day and charges a fee, typically in the $15 to $25 range depending on location.

To locate an AATA office, visit AAITAlliance.com and use their office finder. The search tool works similarly to AAA's — enter your location and see nearby branches. Because AATA has fewer locations, you may need to travel farther than you would for AAA. If no AATA office is within reasonable distance, AAA is almost certainly your faster option.

What to bring and what it costs

Bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph (usually 2x2 inches), and payment. The photograph requirement is strict — it must meet U.S. passport photo standards, which means a plain white or off-white background, your face centered and filling most of the frame, and no sunglasses or hats. Many AAA and AATA offices can take the photo on-site for an additional fee if you do not have one ready.

Fees vary slightly by location and membership status. AAA members typically pay $15 to $20; non-members pay $25 to $30. AATA fees are usually similar. Both organizations accept cash and card. The permit is issued when ready and is valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries recognize IDPs for up to three years, but U.S. organizations issue them for one year only.

How long the permit is valid and when to renew

An International Driving Permit issued in the United States is valid for one year from the date printed on the document. If you plan to drive internationally again after that year ends, you will need to obtain a new permit. There is no renewal process — you straightforward return to an AAA or AATA office and pay the fee again to receive a new one.

Some travelers obtain a second IDP before their first one expires, particularly if they plan multiple trips. This is allowed and can save a trip if you know you will be driving abroad again within the next year. Keep your old permit with your documents even after it expires; some countries or rental car companies may ask to see it as proof of your driving history.

What the IDP does and does not do

The International Driving Permit is a translation of your driver's license into multiple languages. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have, and it does not replace your actual license. When you drive in another country, you must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. Rental car companies, police, and border officials expect to see both documents.

The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic. However, some countries have their own rules about which documents they accept. Before traveling, check the specific requirements of the country where you plan to drive — your rental car company or the country's embassy website can tell you whether an IDP is sufficient or whether you need additional documentation.

Alternatives if you cannot reach an AAA or AATA office

If no AAA or AATA office is accessible to you before your trip, a few alternatives exist. Some travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities partner with AAA or AATA to issue IDPs on their behalf. Call ahead to confirm before visiting. Online services that claim to issue IDPs are not legitimate — the IDP must be issued in person by AAA or AATA, and no online-only service can provide one.

If you are traveling very soon and cannot reach an office in time, some countries will accept your U.S. driver's license alone, particularly if you are renting a car from a major company. Rental agencies often have their own policies and may not require an IDP. Contact your rental company before your trip to ask what documents they need. However, an IDP is inexpensive and quick to obtain, so obtaining one before you leave is the safest approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license has expired, renew it with your state DMV first, then visit AAA or AATA. The renewal process at your DMV varies by state but typically takes a few days to a few weeks.

Do I need to be an AAA member to get an IDP from AAA?

No. Non-members can obtain an IDP at any AAA branch, though the fee is usually higher than for members. If you are not a member and plan to get an IDP, ask whether joining AAA for the year would be cheaper than paying the non-member fee, especially if you might use other AAA services.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement or provide documentation that you hold a valid U.S. license. Keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup. When you return to the United States, you can obtain a new IDP from AAA or AATA.

Can I get an IDP by mail?

No. Both AAA and AATA require you to appear in person with your license and photo. There is no mail-in option. Some offices may allow you to submit your photo in advance and pick up the permit later, but you must still visit in person to complete the transaction.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document only. An international license does not exist in the United States. You drive under the authority of your U.S. state driver's license, and the IDP straightforward translates it into other languages so foreign officials and rental companies can understand it.