What AAA Does With Your Driver License

AAA does not issue or renew your driver license — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles does that. What AAA offers is an International Driving Permit (IDP), a separate document that translates your valid driver license into ten languages and confirms your driving status to police and rental agencies abroad. You need your current state driver license to get one, and the IDP is only valid when you carry both documents together.

An IDP is useful if you plan to rent a car, drive, or ride a motorcycle outside the United States. Some countries require it; others accept it as helpful backup documentation. It costs less than $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain at most AAA branches, though you can also order by mail.

AAA membership is not required to get an IDP. Non-members pay a slightly higher fee, but the document itself is identical.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a separate document from your state driver license and must be carried with it at all times when driving abroad.
  • AAA issues IDPs at most branch locations for a fee under $20, with no membership requirement, though members pay less.
  • You must bring your valid state driver license, proof of residency, and a passport-style photo to get an IDP in person.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it does not extend or renew your state driver license.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not, so check your destination's rules before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to AAA

To get an IDP at an AAA office, bring three things: your valid state driver license, a form of identification showing your current address (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). Some AAA locations have photo services on-site if you need one taken.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign the process. Bring their ID as well.

You do not need to be a AAA member, but if you are, bring your membership card — it reduces the fee. Non-members pay the full price, which varies slightly by state but is typically $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 to $35 for a three-year permit.

Getting an IDP by Mail

If no AAA branch is near you, you can order an IDP by mail. Visit AAA.com, find the International Driving Permit section, and read the process form. Fill it out, attach a passport-style photo and a photocopy of your driver license, and mail both to the address on the form along with a check or money order for the fee.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the time AAA receives your envelope. If you are leaving soon, the in-person route at a branch is faster. Some AAA locations also accept online orders for in-store pickup, which can be quicker than waiting for mail delivery.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which you purchase at the time. The expiration date is printed on the front. Your IDP expires on that date regardless of whether your state driver license is still valid, so check the expiration before you travel.

Renewing an IDP is the same process as getting a new one — you return to AAA with your current driver license, proof of address, and a new photo. There is no separate renewal form. If your state driver license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid, so keep both documents current.

Countries That Require or Recommend an IDP

Requirements vary by country and change over time. Some nations legally require an IDP; others accept it as optional backup documentation. Common destinations that require or strongly recommend an IDP include Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Spain, though this list is not exhaustive.

Before you travel, check the official government website of your destination country or contact their embassy or consulate in the United States. They can tell you whether an IDP is required, recommended, or unnecessary. Some car rental companies also have their own rules about IDPs, so ask when you reserve.

Even if an IDP is not required, carrying one can speed up interactions with police or rental agencies and reduce confusion if your state license is damaged or unclear.

What an IDP Does Not Do

An IDP does not extend your state driver license, renew it, or change its status. If your license is suspended, expired, or restricted, an IDP will not override those conditions. You must have a valid, unrestricted state driver license to get an IDP, and the IDP is only valid when carried alongside that license.

An IDP also does not cover insurance, provide roadside information, or may provide that you can rent a car. Insurance and rental policies are separate matters between you, your insurance company, and the rental agency. Some rental companies require an IDP; others do not. Check with your rental company before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting another country and not driving?

No. An IDP is only for people who plan to drive, ride a motorcycle, or operate another motor vehicle. If you are traveling as a passenger only, you do not need one.

Can I get an IDP if my driver license is suspended or expired?

No. Your state driver license must be valid and unrestricted. If it is suspended, expired, or has restrictions, you must resolve that with your state's DMV before AAA can issue an IDP.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide a letter confirming your identity and driving status, which may help with local police or rental agencies. Keep a photocopy of your IDP separate from the original as backup.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver license?

Yes — "International Driving Permit" and "international driver license" refer to the same document. It is the official name used by the United Nations and most countries. AAA issues the U.S. version.

How much does an IDP cost for non-AAA members?

Prices vary by state but typically range from $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 to $35 for a three-year permit. AAA members pay $5 to $10 less. Contact your local AAA branch or visit AAA.com for the exact price in your state.