What an AAA International Driving Permit Is

An AAA International Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages — typically English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad, and the permit is only valid when presented alongside your valid U.S. driver's license.

AAA issues these permits through its membership program, though you do not have to be an AAA member to obtain one. The permit is recognized in over 150 countries and is based on the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. It serves as proof that your U.S. license is legitimate and that you meet your home state's driving standards — useful when renting a car, passing through a police checkpoint, or dealing with an accident in a country where English is not widely spoken.

The permit itself contains no photograph, no driving restrictions, and no information beyond what appears on your U.S. license. It is purely a translation tool, not a credential that grants you any driving rights you do not already have. Your actual driving privileges come from your state license alone.

Key Takeaways

  • An AAA International Driving Permit is a translated version of your U.S. driver's license and must be carried together with your actual license when driving outside the United States.
  • You can obtain one through AAA in person at a local branch, by mail, or online, and the process takes between one day and two weeks depending on your method.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you order.
  • Some countries require an International Driving Permit; others do not recognize it at all, so you should check your destination's specific rules before traveling.
  • A permit does not change your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where you would not be permitted to drive with your U.S. license alone.

How to Get an AAA International Driving Permit

You have three ways to obtain a permit: in person at an AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA's website. The in-person route is fastest — you can walk out with a permit the same day if you bring the required documents. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photograph (2x2 inches), and a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent, depending on your state).

If you order by mail, send your license, photograph, completed process, and payment to your state's AAA office. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. Online ordering through AAA's website allows you to upload a digital photograph and pay by credit card, though you will still need to print and mail in your physical license and process — this method takes about the same time as standard mail.

The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. AAA membership is not required, though members sometimes receive a small discount. You do not need to renew your U.S. license to renew your International Driving Permit — they operate on separate schedules.

What Countries Require or Recognize the Permit

Recognition varies widely. The permit is officially recognized in countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention, which includes most of Europe, many Latin American countries, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. However, "recognized" does not always mean "required." Many countries will accept your U.S. license alone, especially if you are renting from an international car rental company.

Some countries — notably the United Kingdom, Ireland, and several others — do not require an International Driving Permit at all and will accept a valid U.S. license. Others, like France and Germany, technically do not require it but strongly recommend it. A few countries, including China and Russia, either do not recognize it or require additional documentation beyond the permit.

Before traveling, check the specific requirements of your destination country through its embassy website or your car rental company. The permit is useful as a backup and can smooth interactions with police or rental agencies, but it is not a universal requirement and should not be your only reason for obtaining one.

Differences Between One-Year and Three-Year Permits

The main difference is validity period and cost. A one-year permit costs $15 and expires one year from the date of issue. A three-year permit costs $20 and remains valid for three years. Both documents are identical in function and recognition — the longer version straightforward saves you money if you plan multiple international trips over several years.

Choose the one-year permit if you are taking a single trip or are unsure whether you will travel internationally again soon. Choose the three-year permit if you travel abroad regularly or know you will need it for multiple trips within the next few years. The three-year option breaks down to roughly $6.67 per year, compared to $15 per year for the one-year version.

What the Permit Does Not Do

The International Driving Permit does not change your driving privileges. If you are not permitted to drive in a country with your U.S. license — because you are under the legal driving age, because your license is suspended, or because the country does not recognize U.S. licenses — the International Driving Permit will not override that restriction. It is a translation, not a waiver.

The permit also does not cover insurance, does not extend your driving privileges to vehicle types you are not licensed for (such as motorcycles if your license does not permit them), and does not protect you from traffic laws or speed limits in other countries. If you receive a traffic ticket abroad, the permit does not shield you from fines or legal consequences.

Additionally, the permit has no photograph and cannot be used as a form of identification for purposes other than driving. It is not accepted as proof of identity for boarding flights, entering buildings, or any non-driving purpose.

When You Should and Should Not Get One

You should consider getting an International Driving Permit if you plan to rent a car in Europe, Latin America, or other countries that recognize it; if you are concerned about language barriers during a traffic stop; or if you want a backup document that proves your U.S. license is valid. The low cost ($15–$20) makes it a reasonable precaution for any international driving trip.

You do not need one if you are traveling to a country that does not recognize it (check first), if you are not planning to drive, or if you are renting from a major international car rental company that accepts U.S. licenses without it. Some travelers skip it and have no problems; others find it invaluable. The decision depends on your destination, your comfort level with potential language barriers, and your risk tolerance.

How Long the Permit Remains Valid

A one-year permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. A three-year permit is valid for three years. Both expire on a specific date printed on the document. Unlike your U.S. driver's license, the International Driving Permit does not automatically renew — you must order a new one if you need it after expiration.

The permit is only valid when carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license. If your U.S. license expires, the permit becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not yet expired. Conversely, if your permit expires but your U.S. license is still valid, you can continue driving with your U.S. license alone in countries that accept it, but you will not have the translation benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AAA member to get an International Driving Permit?

No. AAA issues the permits to both members and non-members. Members may receive a small discount, but the permit is available to anyone with a valid U.S. driver's license. You can order online, by mail, or in person at any AAA office regardless of membership status.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my U.S. license?

No. You must carry both documents together. The permit is a translation only and has no legal standing on its own. If you are stopped by police or need to prove your driving status, you must present your actual U.S. driver's license along with the permit.

What if my U.S. license expires before my International Driving Permit does?

The permit becomes invalid when your U.S. license expires, even if the permit itself still has time remaining. You cannot use an expired U.S. license with a valid permit. Renew your U.S. license first, then order a new International Driving Permit if you still need it.

Will an International Driving Permit help me if I get a traffic ticket abroad?

No. The permit does not protect you from traffic laws or fines in other countries. It only translates your license information. If you receive a ticket, you are subject to that country's traffic laws and penalties just as you would be with your U.S. license alone.

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

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended U.S. driver's license to obtain a permit. The permit is issued based on the validity of your U.S. license, and a suspended license disqualifies you. Once your suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated, you can then order a permit.