What AAA's International Driving Permit Actually Is

AAA issues an International Driving Permit (IDP), not a replacement for your regular driver's license. The IDP is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign authorities that you hold a valid license at home. You must carry both documents together — the IDP alone has no legal standing.

The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. It does not grant you driving rights you don't already have; it straightforward makes your existing U.S. license readable to police and rental car companies abroad. Some countries require it, others accept it but don't require it, and a few don't recognize it at all — your destination determines whether you actually need one.

AAA is one of several organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. Other sources include some local motor vehicle departments and passport acceptance facilities, though AAA remains the most widely available option.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license; it does not replace your license or grant new driving rights.
  • AAA charges a flat fee (typically $20 for a one-year permit or $40 for a three-year permit) and issues the document the same day you visit in person.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, passport or other government ID, and two passport-sized photos (2x2 inches) to an AAA office.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, so check your destination's entry requirements before purchasing one.
  • The IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid; if your license expires, the IDP expires with it.

What You Need to Bring to an AAA Office

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — this is non-negotiable. The IDP is useless without it and cannot be issued if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked.

You also need a government-issued photo ID in addition to your driver's license. A passport works best because it's recognized internationally and AAA staff are familiar with it. A state ID card or military ID also works. This second ID confirms your identity and citizenship.

Bring two passport-sized photos, each 2 inches by 2 inches. These are the same size used for passport applications. You can have them taken at most AAA offices, drugstores, or photo studios for $10 to $20 if you don't have them already. The photos must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly, and have a plain white or off-white background.

Bring your completed IDP process form if you want to save time. AAA provides the form online and at the office, but filling it out beforehand speeds up the process. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and signature — basic information from your driver's license.

How to Find an AAA Office and What It Costs

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. Use the AAA website's office locator tool to find the one nearest you and confirm it issues International Driving Permits — not all AAA offices do, though most do. Call ahead if you're unsure, because some smaller locations refer customers to a nearby larger office.

The cost is $20 for a one-year IDP or $40 for a three-year IDP. AAA members and non-members pay the same price. Some offices may charge a small additional fee if you need passport photos taken on-site, but the IDP itself has a fixed price. No discounts or waivers explore.

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP. Membership is not required, though AAA members may receive other travel-related discounts or services.

Processing is same-day. You walk in with your documents, complete the process, have your photo taken or submit your own, pay the fee, and leave with the IDP in hand. The entire visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

When You Actually Need an International Driving Permit

Requirements vary by country and change periodically. Some nations legally require an IDP before you can rent a car or drive; others accept it but don't require it; still others don't recognize it at all. Your rental car company's policy may also differ from the country's law.

Check your destination country's official government website or contact its embassy or consulate in the United States. The U.S. State Department's travel advisory pages for each country sometimes mention IDP requirements, though they are not always complete. Your rental car company's website will also state whether it requires an IDP as a condition of renting to you.

Common destinations that require or strongly recommend an IDP include Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany, though this list changes. Some countries require an IDP only if your U.S. license is in English and lacks certain security features, or only if you plan to drive a rental car rather than a private vehicle.

If you're unsure whether you need one, getting an IDP costs less than a single day of car rental and eliminates the risk of being unable to rent a car or facing fines abroad. Many travelers get one as a precaution even when not strictly required.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which you purchase. The one-year permit costs $20; the three-year permit costs $40. Most travelers choose the three-year option because the per-year cost is lower and it covers multiple trips.

The IDP expires when your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your license is valid for eight more years but you buy a three-year IDP, the IDP will last three years. If your license expires in two years, the IDP will expire in two years even if you paid for three. You cannot renew an IDP; you must purchase a new one.

If your U.S. driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot use an expired IDP even if the three-year period hasn't elapsed.

Other Places to Get an International Driving Permit

AAA is the most convenient source, but not the only one. Some state motor vehicle departments issue IDPs directly. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether they offer this service and what documents and fees explore. Processing times vary — some DMVs issue them same-day, others take several weeks.

Passport acceptance facilities, which exist in many post offices, libraries, and courthouses, are also authorized to issue IDPs. Like AAA, they typically charge $20 to $40 and issue the permit same-day if you bring the required documents.

Online services that claim to issue or "help you get" an International Driving Permit are not legitimate. The IDP must be issued in person by an authorized organization. No online-only service can legally issue one.

What Happens If You Drive Abroad Without an IDP When One Is Required

If a country requires an IDP and you don't have one, you may face fines from local police, be unable to rent a car, or have your vehicle impounded. The consequences vary by country and the specific circumstances. Some nations treat it as a minor traffic violation; others treat it more seriously.

Your U.S. travel insurance or car rental insurance may not cover incidents that occur because you violated local driving laws. If you're in an accident and local authorities determine you were driving illegally because you lacked required documentation, your insurance claim could be denied.

If you realize after arriving that you need an IDP and don't have one, you cannot get one abroad. The IDP must be issued in the United States by an authorized organization. Some countries allow you to drive on your U.S. license alone for a short grace period, but this is not may provide and varies by nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, AAA cannot issue an IDP. Renew your U.S. license first through your state's motor vehicle department, then visit AAA.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I'm only renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Mexico requires or strongly recommends an IDP for car rentals. Canada does not legally require one, but some rental companies may request it. Check your rental company's specific policy before your trip. An IDP costs less than the risk of being unable to rent a car.

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 local driving laws and your options. You cannot get a new IDP while abroad; you must return to the United States and visit an authorized issuer like AAA.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document. An international license does not exist as a standalone credential. You must always carry your U.S. driver's license with the IDP. Some countries issue their own "international" or "international category" licenses, but those are separate from the IDP and issued by those countries' governments.

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

No. Over 150 countries recognize it, but not all do. Some nations have their own requirements or don't recognize the IDP at all. Always check your specific destination's requirements before traveling. A few countries require additional documents like an International Driving Permit plus a certified translation of your U.S. license.