What an AAA International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An AAA International Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license and proves to foreign authorities that you are a licensed driver in your home country. You need one if you plan to rent a car or drive in most countries outside the United States.

The permit is issued by AAA (American Automobile Association) and recognized by the United Nations and over 150 countries. Without it, a rental car company abroad may refuse to rent to you, or local police may not accept your U.S. license as proof of driving authority. Some countries technically allow a U.S. license alone, but carrying the permit removes doubt and can speed up interactions with rental agencies and law enforcement.

The permit costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue. You do not need to renew your U.S. license to get one — the permit stands on its own. However, if your U.S. license expires before the permit does, the permit becomes invalid, so timing matters if you are renewing soon.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a current AAA member and hold a valid U.S. driver's license to obtain an International Driving Permit from AAA.
  • The permit costs $20, is valid for three years, and is issued on the spot at most AAA offices — no waiting period.
  • You will need to bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and proof of AAA membership to the office.
  • The permit is a translation document only and must be carried with your U.S. license at all times when driving abroad.
  • Some countries have their own requirements or may not recognize the AAA permit, so check your destination's rules before traveling.

What You Need to Bring to an AAA Office

Gather these items before you visit an AAA office: your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo measuring 2 inches by 2 inches, and proof that you are an AAA member. The photo must be a recent color or black-and-white image with a plain background, taken within the last six months. Most drugstore photo services (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) can print passport photos for $10 to $15 if you do not have one.

Proof of AAA membership can be your membership card, a recent membership statement, or a digital membership card shown on your phone. If you are not yet an AAA member, you can join at the same office visit before requesting the permit — membership starts at around $50 per year, though rates vary by region and membership type.

Do not mail in the form or attempt to order by phone. AAA issues the permit only in person at a local AAA office. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you receive the permit when ready — there is no waiting period or mail delivery.

How to Find Your Nearest AAA Office and Schedule a Visit

Visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool to find the branch nearest you. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show all AAA offices within your area, their hours, and whether they offer International Driving Permit services. Not every AAA office issues permits, so confirm this detail before you go — the locator tool usually notes which services each location provides.

Most AAA offices do not require an appointment for International Driving Permit requests, but calling ahead is wise, especially if you are traveling during peak season or visiting a small branch. The phone number for your local office appears in the locator results. Ask the staff member whether they have passport photos available on-site if you do not have one yet — some offices can take the photo for you for a small fee, saving you a separate trip.

Hours vary by location. Many AAA offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours and Saturday mornings, but some close on Sundays or have limited weekend hours. Check before you visit to avoid a wasted trip.

The Step-by-Step Process at the AAA Office

When you arrive at the AAA office, tell the staff member you want to request an International Driving Permit. They will hand you the process form — this is a single-page document that asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. Fill it out completely and legibly. The form takes two to three minutes.

Hand the completed form, your driver's license, your passport photo, and proof of AAA membership to the staff member. They will verify that your license is valid and not expired, check your membership status, and confirm the photo meets requirements. If everything is in order, they will process the permit right then. If your photo is rejected (for example, if it is too old or does not meet size requirements), they will tell you when ready and may offer to take a new one.

Once approved, the staff member will print your permit — a small booklet with your information, photo, and translations of your license details into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian. You sign the permit in front of the staff member, and it is valid when ready. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit an AAA Office in Person

If you are not an AAA member and do not have time to join before your trip, you have limited options through AAA itself. However, some travel agencies and international driving permit services offer similar documents. These third-party permits are not issued by AAA but may be recognized in some countries — check your destination's specific rules before relying on one.

If you are an AAA member but cannot reach a local office before your departure, contact AAA customer service by phone to ask whether any nearby offices can issue the permit on short notice or whether they offer any expedited options. Some regions have mobile services or can coordinate with partner locations. Be honest about your timeline — staff can sometimes accommodate urgent requests.

If your trip is imminent and you cannot obtain an International Driving Permit, carry your U.S. license and a certified English translation of it (available from your state's DMV or a notary public). This is not ideal and may not be accepted everywhere, but it is better than nothing. Check your rental car company's requirements as soon as you book — they will tell you whether a permit is mandatory for your destination.

How the Permit Works When You Travel

Always carry your International Driving Permit and your valid U.S. driver's license together. The permit is not a replacement — it is a companion document. When you rent a car abroad, present both documents to the rental agency. When you are stopped by police, present both. Neither document is valid without the other.

The permit is written in ten languages, so rental agents and police in most countries can read it without translation. This speeds up transactions and removes confusion about whether your U.S. license is legitimate. Some countries have additional requirements — for example, an International Driving Permit alone does not satisfy age restrictions or insurance rules — so research your specific destination before you travel.

If your U.S. license expires while you are abroad, the permit becomes invalid when ready, even if the permit itself has not yet expired. Renew your U.S. license before your trip if it will expire within the next three years.

Common Reasons Your Request Might Be Denied

AAA will not issue a permit if your U.S. driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked. The license must be valid on the day you request the permit. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue with your state's DMV before AAA can help you.

Your request will also be denied if you are not an AAA member or if your membership has lapsed. Membership status is checked at the time of request, so renew your membership before you visit if it has expired. The staff member will tell you when ready if this is the problem and can help you rejoin on the spot.

If your passport photo does not meet requirements — wrong size, too old, poor quality, or does not clearly show your face — the office may ask you to provide a new one. Some offices can take a photo for you; others will ask you to return with a compliant photo. This is not a denial, but it does delay the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country and rental company. Most rental agencies in Europe, Australia, and other major destinations require one. Some companies in Canada and Mexico may accept a U.S. license alone. Check your rental agreement and your destination's rules before you travel. It is safer to have the permit than to arrive and discover the rental company will not rent to you without one.

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

The permit is no longer valid, and you cannot legally drive. If you are in the middle of a trip, contact your rental company when ready — they may allow you to return the car early or may have options for extending your rental under their own terms. Plan ahead and do not let your permit expire during a trip.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is from a state other than where I live now?

Yes. You do not need to update your license to match your current state of residence. Bring your valid U.S. license from any state, and AAA will issue the permit based on it. The license must be valid and not suspended or revoked.

Is the AAA International Driving Permit the same as an International Driving License?

No. An International Driving Permit (issued by AAA) is a translation document. An International Driving License is a separate credential issued by some countries and is not available through AAA. Most countries accept the AAA permit. Check your destination's specific rules to be sure.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit by mail or online?

No. You must visit an AAA office in person with the same documents required for a new permit: your valid U.S. license, a passport photo, and proof of AAA membership. There is no mail or online renewal process.