What an AAA International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA is a document that translates your 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 you drive abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is valid, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

AAA issues these permits at their local club offices. You do not order one by mail or online; you go in person with your documents, pay a fee, and usually leave with the permit the same day. The permit is valid for one year from the date AAA issues it, and it is only good when paired with your valid U.S. driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an AAA club office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed process form.
  • AAA charges a fee for the permit, which varies slightly by location but is typically in the $15 to $20 range.
  • The permit is ready the same day in most cases, though some offices may ask you to return later if they are busy.
  • Your International Driving Permit is valid for one year and must be carried together with your U.S. driver's license when driving outside the United States.
  • To find the nearest AAA office, use the AAA website locator or call your local AAA club directly for hours and any documents they ask you to bring.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license and either a U.S. passport or passport card. AAA will not issue a permit without both of these. Some offices also ask you to bring a completed process form, which you can print from the AAA website before you go, though many offices have forms available at the desk.

You do not need to bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, or any other driving records. AAA only verifies that your license is current and that you have valid travel identification.

How to find an AAA office near you

Go to the AAA website and use their club locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you every AAA office within a certain distance, along with their hours and phone numbers. Call ahead before you go — some offices are busier than others, and a quick call tells you whether you should expect a wait or whether the office is closed for lunch.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an International Driving Permit at any AAA office. Membership is not required. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount on the permit fee, so it is worth asking when you arrive.

What happens when you arrive at the office

Hand your documents to the staff member at the desk. They will check that your driver's license and passport are valid and current. They will ask you to sign the process form if you have not already, and they will take a small photo or use an existing photo from your license. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will pay the fee at the desk — typically $15 to $20, though the exact amount varies by AAA club. Some offices accept cash, card, or both; call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods. In most cases, you will receive your permit when ready and can leave with it the same day.

When you might have to wait or come back

If the office is very busy, staff may ask you to wait 30 minutes to an hour while they process your permit. Some offices print permits on-site; others send your process to a processing center and ask you to pick it up later that day or the next day. When you call ahead, ask whether the office prints permits when ready or whether you will need to return.

If your driver's license or passport is expired or expiring very soon, the office will not issue a permit. You will need to renew your license or passport first, then return to AAA.

Cost and how long the permit lasts

The fee is typically $15 to $20 per permit, depending on your AAA club location. This is a one-time fee for a one-year permit. When the year is up, you will need to return to an AAA office and pay the fee again if you plan to drive internationally again.

The permit is valid for exactly one year from the date AAA issues it. Some countries may have their own rules about how old a permit can be, so check with your destination country's embassy or consulate if you are planning a trip more than a few months away.

What to do if there is no AAA office near you

If you live far from any AAA club, you have two other options. Some AAA members can request a permit by mail, though this takes longer and requires membership. You can also contact the American Automobile Association directly to ask about mail-in options for your region.

Alternatively, some travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities issue International Driving Permits on behalf of AAA. Call your local AAA club and ask whether any travel agencies or passport offices in your area are authorized to issue permits. This can save you a trip if the nearest AAA office is far away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP — your U.S. driver's license is recognized there. Mexico does not legally require one either, but rental car companies often ask for one, and having it can prevent disputes. If you are renting a car in Mexico, check with the rental company before you travel to see whether they ask for an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a learner's permit or a suspended license?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. A learner's permit is not a full license, and AAA will not issue an IDP for it. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it is reinstated before you can get an IDP.

What if my passport is expiring soon?

AAA will issue an IDP as long as your passport is currently valid. However, some countries may refuse to recognize an IDP if your passport expires within a certain time frame — often six months. Check your destination country's rules before you travel, and consider renewing your passport if it is expiring soon.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in all countries?

Most countries recognize an IDP, but not all. Some countries have their own rules or may require additional documents. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to confirm that an IDP is accepted there and whether you need any other documents.