You don't need AAA membership to get an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into multiple languages so rental car companies and police in other countries can verify your driving status. You can obtain one through AAA if you're a member, but AAA is not the only source — and membership is not required. The U.S. State Department recognizes two organizations authorized to issue IDPs to American citizens: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Car Rental Association. Most people use AAA straightforward because it has physical offices nationwide, but you have other options.

The key difference between the two is cost and convenience. AAA requires membership, which costs $50 to $150 per year depending on your region and coverage level, plus the IDP fee of around $15 to $20. The American Car Rental Association charges only the IDP fee with no membership requirement, but operates primarily by mail rather than through walk-in offices. If you don't want to pay for AAA membership and don't need their roadside information or travel discounts, the American Car Rental Association is a cheaper path to the same document.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership is not required to get an International Driving Permit; two U.S. organizations are authorized to issue them.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card to obtain an IDP, regardless of which issuer you choose.
  • AAA charges a membership fee plus the IDP fee, while the American Car Rental Association typically charges only the IDP fee with no membership requirement.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not replace your regular driver's license — you must carry both documents when driving internationally.

What an International Driving Permit actually does

An IDP is not a license itself. It's a companion document that sits alongside your regular U.S. driver's license and translates your driving information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. When you rent a car abroad or are stopped by police, the IDP shows that your U.S. license is valid and explains what class of vehicle you're licensed to drive.

Some rental car companies overseas require an IDP before they'll hand over keys, while others accept it but don't require it. A few countries — including Italy, Spain, and Germany — technically recommend one but don't legally mandate it. The safest approach is to carry one if you're renting a car internationally, because the cost is low and it removes any friction at the rental counter.

How to get an IDP through AAA

If you choose AAA, you'll need an active AAA membership. Membership costs vary by region but typically run $50 to $150 per year depending on the level of coverage you select. Once you're a member, you can visit a local AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, passport or passport card, and a completed process form (AAA Form 14). The IDP itself costs around $15 to $20. You'll receive the permit on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office.

AAA membership does provide other benefits — roadside information, travel discounts, insurance products — so if you're already a member or plan to use those services, the membership cost may make sense for you beyond just the IDP. But if you only need the permit and don't want to pay for membership, the American Car Rental Association is the alternative.

Getting an IDP through the American Car Rental Association

The American Car Rental Association is the second U.S. organization authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a member of this organization to obtain a permit from them. You'll need the same documents: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed process. The IDP fee is similar to AAA's — typically $15 to $20 — with no additional membership charge.

The American Car Rental Association primarily operates online and by mail rather than through walk-in offices. You'll submit your process and documents by mail, and the IDP will be mailed back to you within one to two weeks. This route takes longer than AAA but costs less if you're not already a member and don't plan to use AAA's other services.

Documents you'll need either way

Regardless of which organization you choose, you must bring or submit the same core documents. You need a valid U.S. driver's license that won't expire before your trip. You also need either a U.S. passport or a passport card — a state ID or other form of identification won't work. Both AAA and the American Car Rental Association require proof of identity and citizenship, and the passport serves that purpose.

You'll also complete an process form. AAA uses Form 14; the American Car Rental Association has its own form. Both ask for basic information: your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the class of vehicle you're licensed to drive. The form takes about five minutes to complete.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it's issued. If your trip is six months away and you get the IDP now, it will still be valid when you travel — but it will expire one year from today, not one year from your departure date. Plan accordingly if you're booking a trip more than a year in advance.

When your IDP expires, you'll need to obtain a new one through the same process: visit AAA or mail documents to the American Car Rental Association. There's no renewal option; you start fresh each time. Your regular U.S. driver's license doesn't expire just because your IDP does, so you can continue driving domestically without interruption.

What happens if you drive internationally without an IDP

Carrying an IDP is not legally required in the United States or in most countries you'll visit. However, not having one can create problems at a rental car counter or during a traffic stop abroad. A rental company may refuse to rent to you without one, leaving you without a car in a foreign country. A police officer may take longer to process your documents or may be more skeptical about your license's validity if they can't read English.

The IDP removes these friction points and costs very little. It's not mandatory, but it's practical insurance against delays and misunderstandings when you're traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain a permit. Renew your U.S. license first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I'm only visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP, and most rental companies in those countries accept a U.S. driver's license alone. However, some rental companies still prefer one, so it doesn't hurt to carry it. The decision depends on your comfort level and the specific rental company's policy.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

An IDP is not replaceable while you're abroad. If you lose it, you still have your U.S. driver's license, which is the actual legal document. Most rental companies and police will accept your license alone, though you may face delays. When you return home, you can obtain a new IDP if you need one for future trips.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or the American Car Rental Association. An International License is a different document issued by some countries to their own citizens. You need the IDP, not an International License, when traveling from the United States.

How far in advance should I get an IDP before my trip?

If you're using AAA, you can get one the same day at a local office. If you're using the American Car Rental Association, allow two to three weeks for mail processing. Plan to obtain your IDP at least three weeks before departure to avoid any delays, especially if you're mailing your process.