AAA issues International Driving Permits at most of its club locations, but the permit is not a separate license — it is a translation document that works alongside your valid U.S. driver's license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your driver's license information into ten languages. It does not replace your U.S. license and is not valid on its own. Most countries that recognize it require you to carry both documents together. AAA is one of two organizations in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs, and you can obtain one at most AAA club offices.

The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on your location, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you walk in during business hours. You do not need to be an AAA member to get one, though members sometimes receive a small discount. The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA locations issue International Driving Permits in person; you need your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card to get one.
  • The permit costs $15 to $20 and is valid for three years, but it must be carried with your actual driver's license to be recognized abroad.
  • Not all AAA locations issue permits on-site; call ahead or check the AAA website to confirm your local office handles them.
  • The American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance are the only two State Department–authorized issuers in the U.S.

What you need to bring to an AAA location

You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license and one form of identification with a photograph. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID card all work. If your passport has expired, it is still acceptable as long as the photograph is recognizable.

You will also need to fill out a one-page process form at the office. AAA staff provide this form and can answer questions while you complete it. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number — information you already have on hand.

Bring cash or a card; most AAA locations accept both. Some offices may have a minimum card purchase, so calling ahead about payment methods is worth doing if you prefer one over the other.

How to find an AAA location that issues permits

Not every AAA club office issues International Driving Permits on-site. Some smaller branches refer customers to a nearby location. The fastest way to confirm is to call your local AAA office directly and ask whether they issue permits and what their hours are.

You can also visit the AAA website and use their club locator tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the results will show nearby offices. Call the number listed for the office closest to you and ask about IDP availability before you visit.

If your area has no AAA location that issues permits, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the other State Department–authorized issuer. AATA operates through mail order only; you send your documents and payment, and they mail the permit back to you within two weeks.

Processing time and when to explore

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you receive the permit the same day. There is no waiting period. This makes AAA the faster option if you need the permit before an upcoming trip.

If you use AATA's mail service, allow two to three weeks for processing and return shipping. You must mail in your driver's license and a copy of your passport photo page, so plan accordingly if you need your license for driving in the U.S. during that time.

There is no rush or expedited service through either issuer. If your trip is within the next week, an in-person visit to an AAA office is your only option.

What the International Driving Permit covers

The IDP translates your license class, restrictions, and expiration date into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not change what you are licensed to drive or add any permissions you do not already have on your U.S. license.

If your U.S. license restricts you to corrective lenses, automatic transmission, or daylight driving only, those restrictions appear on the IDP as well. If your license is suspended or expired, the IDP is not valid.

The permit is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, some countries do not recognize it, and a few require an IDP even though they do not formally recognize U.S. licenses. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit.

When you do not need an International Driving Permit

Canada, Mexico, and most Caribbean nations do not require an IDP. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient for car rentals and driving in those countries. Some car rental companies in Canada and Mexico may ask for an IDP anyway, but it is not legally required.

Within Europe, the situation varies by country. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and most EU member states recognize U.S. licenses without an IDP, though an IDP can be helpful if you do not speak the local language and want the translation. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan also accept U.S. licenses without an IDP.

If you are unsure whether you need one for your destination, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. They can tell you what documents are required for driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license has expired, renew it at your state's DMV before visiting AAA. The IDP is only a translation of your current license status.

Do I have to be an AAA member to get a permit?

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

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement or confirm that your U.S. license alone is sufficient for the remainder of your trip. Keep a photo of your license on your phone as backup.

How long is the International Driving Permit valid?

The permit is valid for three years from the date AAA issues it. It expires on the date printed on the back cover. If your U.S. license expires before the three-year mark, the IDP is no longer valid.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit by mail?

No. You must visit an AAA office in person or mail your process to AATA. There is no online renewal option. Plan to get a new permit before your current one expires if you travel frequently.