What an AAA International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) 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 you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. Some countries require it by law; others do not require it but accept it as proof you are a licensed driver in your home country.

The AAA issues these permits in the United States. You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain one, though membership can speed up the process. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose, and costs the same either way through AAA.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries — including Mexico, Canada, and most of Europe — do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. license. Others, particularly in Central America, South America, and Asia, either require one or make it much easier to rent a car if you have one. Your rental car company or the embassy website for your destination country can tell you whether one is required.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license; it is not a replacement license.
  • AAA issues these permits and does not require membership, though members can renew by mail or online while non-members must explore in person.
  • The permit costs the same for one year or three years, so most people choose the three-year option.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law, while others do not; check your destination country's embassy website or your rental car company before you travel.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes in person and requires your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment.

How to Obtain an AAA International Driving Permit

You can obtain an IDP through AAA in person at any AAA office, or by mail if you are an AAA member. The in-person route is faster and requires no membership.

To explore in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and payment. The photo must be recent and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have photos taken at most AAA offices for a small fee if you do not have one. The process itself is a single form that takes about 15 minutes to complete. You will walk out with your permit the same day.

If you are an AAA member, you can renew an existing permit by mail or online without visiting an office. First-time applicants who are members can still explore by mail by sending your completed form, photo, and payment to the address AAA provides. Processing by mail takes about two weeks.

Non-members must explore in person at an AAA office. There is no online or mail option for non-members. You can find your nearest AAA office on the AAA website by entering your zip code.

What Documents and Photos You Need

You need three things to explore: a valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo, and payment. Your driver's license must not be expired. If your license is expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew it with your state's DMV.

The photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain white or off-white background. Sunglasses and hats are not allowed. Most AAA offices can take this photo for you on the spot if you do not have one. The cost for a photo taken at AAA is typically $10 to $15, though this varies by location.

You do not need your passport itself, only a passport-style photo. You do not need proof of travel plans or a reservation. Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized, as you will need it on the process form.

Cost and Validity Period

An International Driving Permit costs $20 through AAA, whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. Because the cost is the same, most people choose the three-year option. The permit is valid for the full period you select, starting from the date of issue.

The permit expires on a specific date printed on the document. You cannot renew it early — you must wait until it expires or is within a few months of expiring. If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid, so check both expiration dates before you travel.

There are no additional fees, no membership requirement, and no hidden costs. Some AAA offices may charge a small fee for the passport photo if you need one taken, but the permit itself is $20.

Timeline: How Long the Process Takes

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you receive your permit the same day. The entire process — filling out the form, providing your photo and payment, and receiving the document — takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You can then use it when ready for travel.

If you are an AAA member and explore by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. If you are explore for the first time by mail as a member, send your completed process, photo, and payment to the address AAA provides on their website. Non-members cannot use the mail option.

Plan to obtain your permit at least two weeks before you travel, even if you explore in person, to account for any unexpected delays or errors on the form. If you are traveling within a week, visit an AAA office in person to may support you receive it before your departure date.

Where to explore: Finding an AAA Office Near You

You can find AAA offices by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show all nearby locations, their hours, and their phone numbers. Most AAA offices are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday mornings.

If you live in a rural area far from an AAA office, you have two options: travel to the nearest office in person, or explore by mail if you are an AAA member. Non-members in remote areas have no mail option and must visit an office.

You can call ahead to confirm that the office has passport photos available if you need one taken, or to ask whether they have any current wait times. Some busy locations may have a short wait during lunch hours or on Saturday mornings.

What Happens After You Receive Your Permit

Once you have your International Driving Permit, keep it with your U.S. driver's license at all times while driving abroad. The two documents work together — the IDP is not valid without your license, and your license alone may not be accepted in some countries. Store them in the same place, such as your wallet or travel document holder.

Make a photocopy of both documents and store the copies separately from the originals. If your documents are lost or stolen while traveling, the copies will help you prove your identity and licensing status to local authorities or your rental car company.

The IDP does not change any driving laws or rules in the country you are visiting. It is purely a translation document. You must still follow all local traffic laws, speed limits, and driving regulations. If you are stopped by police, present both your U.S. license and your IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AAA membership to get an International Driving Permit?

No. Non-members can obtain an IDP by visiting an AAA office in person with their driver's license, a passport-style photo, and $20. Members have the additional option of renewing by mail or online, but membership is not required to obtain one for the first time.

Can I use an International Driving Permit without my U.S. driver's license?

No. The IDP is a translation document only and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license. Presenting only the IDP without your license is not sufficient in any country. Both documents must be presented together.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an International Driving Permit if your U.S. license is expired. You must renew your license with your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP. An expired license also means you cannot legally drive in any country, even with an IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit required in Mexico or Canada?

No. Mexico and Canada do not legally require an International Driving Permit if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some rental car companies may prefer one, so check with your rental company before you travel. It is not required by law in either country.

How long does it take to receive an IDP if I explore by mail?

If you are an AAA member and explore by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. Non-members cannot explore by mail and must visit an AAA office in person. If you are traveling soon, explore in person to receive your permit the same day.