What AAA offers for international drivers

AAA issues the International Driving Permit (IDP), a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid US license — but many countries require it or will accept it when your US license alone might not be recognized.

AAA is one of two organizations in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Association's competitor, but AAA has the larger network of local offices, which matters because you must explore in person at a physical location.

The IDP costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue. You will need to bring your valid US driver's license, a passport or other government ID, and one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). Some AAA offices accept photos taken on-site for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an AAA office in person with your valid US driver's license, a passport, and a passport-sized photo to receive an IDP.
  • The IDP costs $20 and lasts three years, and you can request it on the same day you visit if the office has availability.
  • An IDP is not required by US law but is required or recommended by many countries; check your destination's rules before you travel.
  • AAA is one of only two organizations authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs, so you cannot obtain one elsewhere in the United States.

Finding an AAA office near you

AAA has thousands of local offices across the United States, but not every office issues IDPs. The fastest way to find one that does is to visit AAA.com, click "Locations," enter your zip code, and filter for offices that offer IDP services. You can also call your local AAA office directly and ask whether they issue permits on-site.

Some offices issue IDPs during walk-in hours, while others require an appointment. Call ahead to confirm the office's hours and whether you need to schedule a time. If you are not an AAA member, you can still request an IDP at any AAA office, though membership may give you a small discount at some locations.

Processing time is usually the same day if you arrive during business hours with all required documents. Some offices may ask you to return later that day or the next business day if they are busy, but you should not need to wait weeks.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current, valid US driver's license. It must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. AAA will not issue an IDP if your license is not valid.

Bring a government-issued photo ID in addition to your driver's license. A US passport, passport card, or state ID card all work. This second ID confirms your identity and citizenship.

Bring one passport-sized photo measuring 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. If you do not have a photo, most AAA offices can take one for you on-site for a fee.

What happens after you receive your IDP

Your IDP is a booklet about the size of a passport. Keep it with your US driver's license whenever you drive abroad — they work as a pair, and neither is valid without the other. If you lose your US license, your IDP becomes useless for driving.

The IDP expires three years from the date it was issued. You cannot renew it; you must explore for a new one at an AAA office. If your US driver's license expires before your IDP does, you will need to renew your US license but can keep using the same IDP as long as it has not expired.

Different countries have different rules about whether they will accept an IDP. Some require it; some accept it but do not require it; some do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific rules for the country or countries you plan to visit. Your rental car company or the country's tourism website can tell you what documents they need.

When you might not need an IDP

Many countries accept a valid US driver's license on its own, especially in Western Europe, Canada, and Australia. An IDP is most useful in countries where English is not widely spoken or where officials are unfamiliar with US licenses. It is also useful if you plan to rent a car, because some rental companies require it even in countries that do not legally mandate it.

If you are only visiting a country for a short time and do not plan to drive, you do not need an IDP. If you are moving to another country permanently, you will eventually need to obtain a local driver's license instead; an IDP is temporary and meant for tourists and short-term visitors.

Replacing a lost or damaged IDP

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must return to an AAA office and request a replacement. Bring the same documents you brought the first time: your valid US driver's license, a government ID, and a passport-sized photo. The replacement costs the same as a new IDP ($20) and will have a new expiration date three years from the replacement date.

If your US driver's license is suspended or revoked after you receive your IDP, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot use it to drive, and you do not need to formally cancel it — it straightforward stops working the moment your US license is no longer valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA office. The State Department requires a passport-sized photo and verification of your identity, which can only happen face-to-face. Online services that claim to issue IDPs are not legitimate.

Do I need to be an AAA member to get an IDP?

No. Non-members can request an IDP at any AAA office. Some offices offer a small discount to members, but membership is not required. Call your local office to ask about pricing for non-members.

What if my US driver's license is expired?

Your license must be valid (not expired) at the time you request the IDP. If your license is expired, renew it first at your state's DMV, then visit AAA. You cannot get an IDP with an expired US license.

How long does the IDP last if I renew my US driver's license?

Your IDP lasts three years from the date you received it, regardless of when your US license expires. If your US license expires before your IDP does, renew your US license but keep using the same IDP. If your IDP expires first, you must get a new one at AAA.

Will an IDP work in every country?

No. Some countries require it, some accept it but do not require it, and some do not recognize it. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit. Your rental car company or the country's official tourism site can tell you what documents are needed.