AAA issues International Driving Permits, but they are not a separate driver's license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that AAA can issue to you on the spot at most of their local offices. It translates your current U.S. driver's license into ten languages and certifies to foreign authorities that you hold a valid license at home. It is not a license itself — it does not replace your state license, and you cannot drive without your actual license present.

AAA members and non-members alike can get an IDP. The process takes about 15 minutes, costs around $20, and requires your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo. Some AAA offices can take the photo on-site for an additional fee. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize a U.S. license as proof of driving authority on its own. Rental car companies, police, and border officials in Europe, Asia, and Latin America often require the IDP alongside your U.S. license. Without it, you may face fines, car rental refusal, or complications if stopped.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit from AAA is a translation document, not a license, and you must carry your U.S. driver's license with it at all times.
  • AAA can issue an IDP in about 15 minutes at most local offices for roughly $20, with no membership required.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo to obtain an IDP.
  • The permit is valid for one year and is recognized in over 150 countries, though specific requirements vary by country and rental company.
  • Some countries do not require an IDP, but rental car companies almost always do, so check both your destination country and your rental agreement before traveling.

What you need to bring to an AAA office

To get an IDP from AAA, bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent and show your face clearly. If you do not have a photo ready, most AAA offices can take one for you on-site, usually for $10 to $15 extra.

Your driver's license must be valid — it cannot be expired or suspended. Your passport does not have to be valid for travel purposes; AAA only uses it to verify your identity. Bring the physical documents themselves; AAA does not accept digital copies or photos of documents.

If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign the process. Check with your local AAA office about their specific rules for minors, as policies can vary slightly by location.

How long the permit lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit issued by AAA is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you are traveling within that year, the permit will be recognized. If your travel plans extend beyond the one-year mark, you will need to renew it before you leave.

Renewal is the same process as the initial issue: bring your current U.S. license, passport, and a new photo to an AAA office. You cannot renew by mail or online. The new permit costs the same as the original.

Some travelers get a second IDP before their first one expires if they plan multiple international trips over the next year. This is allowed and can save you a trip to AAA later.

Where AAA offices are located and how to find one

AAA has local offices in most U.S. states and territories. You can find the nearest office by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not all AAA branches offer IDP services, so confirm that your local office does before you visit.

Many AAA offices are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with some offering Saturday hours. A few locations are open on Sunday. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but calling first can save you a wait.

If you live far from an AAA office or cannot visit in person, some AAA members have reported success mailing in their documents with a prepaid return envelope, though this is not the standard process and turnaround times are longer. Contact your local office to ask whether they offer this option.

Countries that require or recommend an International Driving Permit

Most European countries do not legally require an IDP if you carry your U.S. license, but rental car companies almost always do. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom all recognize U.S. licenses, yet Hertz, Avis, Budget, and other major rental chains will refuse to rent to you without an IDP. The rental agreement, not the country's law, is what binds you.

In Latin America, Mexico and Costa Rica do not require an IDP by law, but many rental companies there do. In Asia, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand officially recognize U.S. licenses but often require an IDP as well. Australia and New Zealand do not require an IDP if your license is in English, but some rental companies ask for one anyway.

A few countries — including China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern nations — do require an IDP by law, regardless of rental company policy. If you are traveling to any country outside North America, check both the country's official government website and your rental car company's terms before you book. The rental company's requirement will almost always be stricter than the country's law.

The difference between an IDP and a real driver's license

An International Driving Permit is not a license. It does not grant you the right to drive anywhere. It is a certified translation of your existing U.S. driver's license that tells foreign authorities you hold a valid license at home. You must carry both documents together — your U.S. license and the IDP — at all times while driving abroad.

If you are stopped by police in a foreign country and can show only the IDP without your U.S. license, you will likely be treated as an unlicensed driver. The IDP has no legal standing on its own. Similarly, if your U.S. license is expired, suspended, or revoked, the IDP is worthless — it certifies a license that is no longer valid.

Some travelers confuse an IDP with a temporary license or a permit to drive in a foreign country. It is neither. It is purely a translation and verification document. Your right to drive in another country depends on that country's laws, your U.S. license status, and your rental car agreement — not on the IDP itself.

Cost, membership, and alternative ways to get an IDP

AAA charges approximately $20 for an International Driving Permit, with an additional $10 to $15 if you need a photo taken on-site. You do not have to be an AAA member to get one. Non-members pay the same price as members.

AAA is not the only organization that issues IDPs in the United States. The American Automobile Association is the most common source, but some state motor vehicle departments also issue them. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether they offer IDP services and what their process and cost are. Some states charge less than AAA, while others charge more or do not offer them at all.

International automobile clubs in other countries can also issue IDPs, but only if you are traveling from that country. If you are a U.S. resident, you must get your IDP from a U.S. source — either AAA or your state DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. An IDP certifies that you hold a valid license at home; if your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, AAA will not issue an IDP. Renew your U.S. license first through your state's DMV, then visit AAA.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP, and your U.S. license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require one either, but many Mexican rental car companies ask for one anyway. Check your rental agreement before you book. If the company requires an IDP, you will need one; if not, your U.S. license alone is enough.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid. If you are abroad and your permit expires, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most countries, but rental car companies will not accept it. If you are renting a car, contact the rental company when ready to explain the situation. Some may allow you to continue; others may not. Plan ahead and renew before you travel if your trip extends beyond the one-year validity period.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail or online?

AAA does not offer online or mail-in IDP services as a standard process. You must visit a local AAA office in person. Some offices may accept mailed applications in rare cases, but this is not may provide and takes longer. Call your local AAA office to ask whether they offer this option.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Driver's License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or your state DMV. An "International Driver's License" is not a real thing issued by any U.S. government body. If you see a website offering to issue an "International Driver's License" for a fee, it is a scam. Stick with AAA or your state DMV.