Delivery time depends on which organization issues it and how you order

An International Driving Permit (IDP) typically arrives within 1 to 3 weeks if you order through the American Automobile Association (AAA) in person, or 2 to 4 weeks if you order by mail. The National Auto Club offers similar timelines. Both organizations print and mail the permit themselves, so speed depends on their processing queue and postal delivery to your address. If you need it faster, AAA locations can sometimes issue a permit on the same day you visit in person, though availability varies by branch.

The IDP is not a government document — it is issued by private motor clubs under a treaty agreement with the U.S. State Department. This means there is no federal processing delay, but it also means the timeline is controlled entirely by the organization you order from. Ordering online typically takes longer than ordering in person because the organization must receive your process by mail, process it, print the permit, and mail it back to you.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA and the National Auto Club issue IDPs within 1 to 3 weeks for in-person orders and 2 to 4 weeks for mail orders.
  • Same-day issuance is sometimes available at AAA locations if you visit in person with the required documents.
  • The IDP is issued by private motor clubs, not by government agencies, so there is no State Department processing step.
  • Mail delivery time is included in the stated timeline, so the permit must travel to you after it is printed.
  • If you need the permit urgently, calling your local AAA or National Auto Club branch is faster than ordering online.

What AAA requires and how long each step takes

AAA requires a completed process form, your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). If you order in person at an AAA office, staff can verify your documents and issue the permit the same day in many cases, though some branches may need to mail it to you afterward. The in-person visit itself takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you order by mail, you send AAA a completed form, copies of your driver's license and passport, and a photo. AAA receives the package, verifies the documents, prints the permit, and mails it back. This entire cycle typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can stretch to 5 or 6 weeks during peak travel seasons (spring and summer) when AAA processes higher volume. The organization does not provide tracking, so you will not know when it ships.

AAA membership is required to order an IDP. If you are not a member, you can join at the same time you order the permit, and membership begins when ready. The IDP itself costs around $20, and AAA membership starts at roughly $50 per year, though prices vary by region and membership tier.

National Auto Club processing and alternatives

The National Auto Club, which is affiliated with the AAA network but operates independently, follows a similar timeline: 1 to 3 weeks for in-person orders and 2 to 4 weeks for mail orders. Like AAA, it requires a valid U.S. driver's license, passport or passport card, and a passport photo. National Auto Club membership is also required.

If neither AAA nor National Auto Club is convenient, some travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities also issue IDPs, though availability is limited and varies by location. Call ahead to confirm. Online-only services that claim to issue IDPs are typically not legitimate — the IDP must be issued by an organization authorized by the State Department, which currently means AAA or the National Auto Club in the United States.

Why mail orders take longer than in-person visits

When you order by mail, the timeline includes four separate steps: postal delivery of your process to AAA, AAA's internal processing and printing, postal delivery of the permit back to you, and any delays in between. Even if AAA processes your process in 3 business days, the mail legs alone can add 5 to 10 days depending on where you live and where AAA's processing center is located.

Peak travel seasons (April through August) also slow processing because AAA receives far more orders during these months. If you order in June or July, expect the longer end of the 2 to 4 week range. Ordering in fall or winter typically results in faster processing, sometimes as little as 10 business days from receipt to mailing.

What to do if you need the permit urgently

Call your local AAA branch directly and ask if they can issue the permit same-day or next-day. Many branches keep blank permits in stock and can print one while you wait if you bring all required documents. This is not may provide — some branches do not have the capability — but it is worth asking before you assume you must wait weeks.

If same-day issuance is not available, ask the branch how long their current backlog is. During slow seasons, they may be able to mail it to you within 5 to 7 business days. If you are leaving the country soon and cannot get the permit in time, some countries do not require an IDP if you carry your U.S. driver's license and an official English translation of it, though this varies by country and rental car company. Check with your destination country's embassy or your rental car company before you assume the IDP is mandatory.

How to track your order and what to do if it does not arrive

AAA and the National Auto Club do not provide order tracking numbers or email updates. Once you submit your process, you have no way to check its status until the permit arrives. If you ordered by mail and more than 4 weeks have passed, contact the organization by phone to confirm they received your process. Bring your receipt or process reference number if you have it.

If the permit does not arrive within the stated timeframe, AAA and the National Auto Club will reissue it at no charge. Call the organization, explain that you did not receive it, and provide your name and address. They will print a replacement and mail it to you, which typically takes another 1 to 3 weeks. If you need it sooner, ask if you can pick up a replacement at a local branch.

The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It does not renew — you must order a new one when it expires. There is no online renewal option; you must go through the same process again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit the same day I need it?

Some AAA branches can issue it the same day if you visit in person with all required documents and the branch has blank permits in stock. Call your local branch first to confirm they offer same-day service. If they cannot, the fastest option is in-person ordering, which typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.

What if I order online and it gets lost in the mail?

AAA and the National Auto Club will reissue the permit at no charge if it does not arrive within the stated timeframe. Contact them by phone with your name and address, and they will mail a replacement. This takes another 1 to 3 weeks, so call as soon as you realize it is missing rather than waiting longer.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car abroad?

Requirements vary by country and rental car company. Some countries require it, others do not. Check with your rental car company and your destination country's embassy before you order. If the IDP is not required, your U.S. driver's license may be enough, though some companies ask for an official English translation.

Can I get an IDP without being an AAA member?

No. AAA membership is required to order an IDP through AAA. You can join at the same time you order the permit. The National Auto Club also requires membership. Both organizations offer membership starting around $50 per year, though prices vary by region.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically. When it expires, you must order a new one through AAA or the National Auto Club using the same process.