You get an International Driving Permit from the American Automobile Association or American Express, not from the DMV

New York State does not issue International Driving Permits. Instead, you obtain one from a private organization — either the American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Express — both of which are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. The permit is a translation of your valid New York driver's license and is recognized in over 150 countries. It costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person, or you can order by mail and receive it in one to two weeks.

The permit itself does not replace your New York license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad — the International Driving Permit alone is not valid without your actual license. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it expires when your New York license expires, whichever comes first.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Automobile Association and American Express are the only two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States.
  • You must have a valid New York driver's license before you can obtain an International Driving Permit.
  • The permit costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one or three years, but it expires if your New York license expires first.
  • You must carry both your New York license and the International Driving Permit together when driving outside the United States.

Getting an International Driving Permit from AAA

The American Automobile Association has multiple locations throughout New York City. To obtain a permit in person, bring your valid New York driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (which AAA provides on-site). You do not need to be an AAA member, though members may receive a small discount on the fee.

AAA locations in Manhattan include offices in Midtown and Lower Manhattan. Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx each have at least one location. You can find the nearest office and current hours on the AAA website by entering your zip code. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day — calling ahead is recommended.

If you prefer not to visit in person, you can order by mail. read the process from the AAA website, include a photocopy of your driver's license and a passport photo, and mail both with a check or money order to AAA's processing center. Processing takes one to two weeks, and the permit arrives by mail.

Getting an International Driving Permit from American Express

American Express issues International Driving Permits through their Travel Services division. You can order online at americanexpress.com or by phone at 1-800-221-7282. You do not need to be an American Express cardholder to purchase a permit.

To order online, you provide your driver's license number, state of issue, and expiration date. You upload a digital copy of your license and a passport-style photo. The fee is charged to a credit or debit card. Processing takes five to seven business days, and the permit is mailed to your address.

By phone, you can speak with a representative who will walk you through the same process. This option is useful if you have questions about what documents to submit or if you need the permit on a specific timeline.

What documents you need before you start

Your valid New York driver's license is the only document required to obtain an International Driving Permit. Both AAA and American Express will ask for it, and neither will issue a permit without it. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot get a permit until your license is restored.

You will also need a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or state ID) and a passport-style photo for the process. The photo must be recent, in color, and meet standard passport photo dimensions — typically 2 by 2 inches. If you are ordering by mail from AAA, the photo must be a physical print. If you are ordering from American Express online, you can upload a digital image.

Have your driver's license number and expiration date ready before you begin, whether you are explore in person or by mail or online.

How long the process takes and when you can use the permit

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you receive the permit the same day. The entire transaction takes about 15 minutes. If you explore by mail to AAA, expect one to two weeks. American Express online orders take five to seven business days by mail.

Once you have the permit, you can use it when ready for international travel. However, you must carry it together with your valid New York driver's license at all times while driving outside the United States. The permit is not valid on its own. Some countries may also require an International Driving Permit even if they recognize U.S. licenses, so check the specific requirements of the country you plan to visit before you travel.

The permit is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue. A one-year permit costs less than a three-year permit. Both expire automatically when your New York driver's license expires, so if your license expires in six months, a three-year permit will only be valid for six months.

Renewing or replacing an International Driving Permit

If your permit expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it outside the United States. You must wait until you return to the U.S. and then explore for a new one through AAA or American Express using the same process as a first-time process.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from the organization that issued it. AAA and American Express both charge a replacement fee, which is typically lower than the original fee. Contact the organization directly with your original process information and proof of identity.

If your New York driver's license is renewed or replaced, your International Driving Permit remains valid until it expires on its own schedule — you do not need to obtain a new permit. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, your permit becomes invalid and cannot be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit from the New York DMV?

No. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue International Driving Permits. You must obtain one from the American Automobile Association or American Express. Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get an International Driving Permit?

No. You need a valid New York driver's license, which is available to residents and non-residents. If you have a valid New York license, you can obtain an International Driving Permit from AAA or American Express regardless of citizenship status.

What countries accept an International Driving Permit?

Over 150 countries recognize International Driving Permits, including most countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. However, some countries have additional requirements or do not recognize them. Check the specific requirements of the country you plan to visit before you travel.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?

No. An International Driving Permit is only valid outside the United States. Within the U.S., you must use your valid New York driver's license. The permit is a translation of your license for use in foreign countries only.

What if my New York driver's license expires before my International Driving Permit expires?

Your International Driving Permit becomes invalid when your New York license expires, even if the permit itself has not expired yet. You must renew your New York license before you can use the permit again. Once your license is renewed, you can continue using the same permit until it expires.