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 — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license, and many countries will not accept it without one. The permit lets you rent cars and drive in roughly 150 countries, though some nations have their own rules about whether they recognize it.

AAA issues these permits through a straightforward in-person process at AAA branch offices. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and you cannot renew it by mail — you have to return to an AAA office when it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card to get an International Driving Permit.
  • AAA charges a flat fee (currently around $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary by location), and the permit is ready the same day or within a few days.
  • The permit is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license — it cannot be used alone.
  • Some countries do not recognize AAA permits and instead require an International Driving Permit issued by your state's DMV or a different authority, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to an AAA Office

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and either a passport or passport card. AAA will not issue a permit without both documents. If your passport has expired, most AAA offices will still accept it as proof of identity, but call your local branch first to confirm their specific policy.

You do not need to bring a completed form — AAA staff will fill out the process while you are there. Bring cash or a card; most offices accept both, though some locations may have payment restrictions, so check ahead.

Where to Find Your Nearest AAA Office

Visit AAA.com and use their branch locator tool, or call AAA membership services at 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357). If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an International Driving Permit — membership is not required. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount on the permit fee.

Not all AAA offices issue permits on the same day. Some locations can hand you the permit within minutes; others may ask you to return in a few days. Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment.

The Cost and How Long It Takes

AAA charges approximately $20 for a one-year International Driving Permit and $30 for a three-year permit. Prices can vary slightly by location and may change, so confirm the exact fee when you call or visit. The fee is typically non-refundable once issued.

Most offices issue the permit the same day you explore. Some may need a few business days to print and prepare it, especially if the office is busy. Ask when you call whether you can take it with you when ready or if you need to return to pick it up.

Checking Whether Your Destination Accepts AAA Permits

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask whether they recognize AAA International Driving Permits. Some nations accept them without question; others do not recognize them at all or accept them only under certain conditions.

If your destination does not accept AAA permits, you may need an International Driving Permit from your state's DMV instead. These are issued by state motor vehicle departments and are recognized under the 1926 Geneva Convention on Road Signs and Signals. The process and cost differ by state — contact your DMV directly to learn what they offer.

What Happens When Your Permit Expires

You cannot renew an International Driving Permit by mail or online. When yours expires, you must return to an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license and passport or passport card to get a new one. The process is identical to your first permit.

If you are traveling and your permit expires while you are abroad, you will need to use only your U.S. driver's license for the remainder of your trip. Many countries will still accept a valid U.S. license alone, but some require the International Driving Permit specifically. Plan ahead if your trip will extend past your permit's expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AAA issues International Driving Permits to both members and non-members. Members may receive a small discount on the permit fee, but membership is not required to purchase one.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. AAA will not issue a permit based on an expired, suspended, or revoked license.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide guidance on whether you can continue driving with only your U.S. license in that country. You will need to get a new permit from AAA when you return home.

Is an AAA International Driving Permit the same as an International Driving Permit from my state's DMV?

No. AAA permits and state DMV permits are separate documents issued by different organizations. Some countries recognize one but not the other. Check your destination's requirements to see which one you need.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

AAA offers one-year and three-year permits. The three-year option costs more but lasts longer, so choose based on how often you travel internationally.