Processing time depends on where you explore and which document you need

An International Driving Permit (IDP) typically takes between one day and two weeks to receive, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail and which country issues it. If you explore at an AAA office or similar issuing organization in person, you can often walk out with the permit the same day. If you mail your process, expect two to four weeks for processing and return delivery combined.

The speed also depends on which type of IDP you need. There are two versions in use worldwide — one issued under the 1926 convention and one under the 1968 convention — and not all countries recognize both. Some countries issue their own version of an IDP rather than the international standard, which can take longer. Before you explore, check what your destination country actually recognizes, because getting the wrong type means a wasted process fee and delay.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person applications at AAA or similar offices usually produce a permit on the same day, while mail applications take two to four weeks total.
  • You need a valid driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP — the permit is not a replacement, only a translation.
  • Different countries recognize different versions of the IDP, so confirm which type your destination requires before paying the process fee.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you receive, and it expires even if your home country license does not.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to get an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead.

Same-day service at AAA and other in-person locations

If you visit an AAA office, a CAA office (in Canada), or an equivalent automobile association in person with your completed process and required documents, you can receive your IDP when ready. The entire process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You pay the process fee on the spot, and they hand you the permit before you leave.

This speed works only if you have all required documents with you: a valid driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph (usually 2 by 2 inches). If you are missing any of these, the office will not process your process that day. Some locations allow you to take the photo on-site for an additional fee, but this varies by office.

Not all AAA offices issue IDPs — some handle only membership services. Call ahead or check the AAA website to confirm that your nearest office offers IDP issuance before you make the trip.

Mail applications take two to four weeks end-to-end

If you mail your process to AAA or another issuing organization, the total time from when you drop it in the mail to when you receive the permit back is typically two to four weeks. This includes time for the organization to receive your envelope, process your process (usually three to five business days), print your permit, and mail it back to you.

Delays happen most often when applications arrive incomplete. Missing a signature, using the wrong photo size, or sending an expired driver's license will send your process back to you, adding another one to two weeks to the timeline. Double-check the process instructions before you mail anything.

Some organizations offer expedited mail service for an additional fee — usually $10 to $20 more than the standard process fee. Expedited service typically cuts the processing time in half, bringing the total to one to two weeks, but it does not speed up postal delivery itself.

What you need before you explore

You must have a valid driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP. The permit is a translation and companion document, not a replacement. If your home country license has expired or will expire before your trip, renew it first — an IDP cannot be issued based on an expired license, even if the expiration date is only days away.

You also need a passport-sized photograph, usually 2 by 2 inches in color. Some organizations accept black-and-white photos, but color is safer. The photo must be recent — typically taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly without sunglasses or a hat.

Finally, you need a completed process form. AAA and other organizations provide these forms on their websites, and you can print and fill them out at home before you explore. Filling it out ahead of time speeds up in-person service and reduces the chance of errors that would delay a mail process.

IDP validity periods and expiration

An International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 convention is valid for three years from the date of issue. The version issued under the 1926 convention is valid for one year. Which version you receive depends on which country issues it and which countries you plan to visit.

Your IDP expires on its printed expiration date regardless of when your home country driver's license expires. If your home license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot drive legally on an expired home license, even with a valid permit. If your home license is still valid but your IDP has expired, you need a new IDP to drive legally in countries that require one.

Check the expiration date on your IDP as soon as you receive it. If you are planning a trip more than a year away, you may not need to explore yet. If your trip is within the next year and you do not have an IDP, explore now so it arrives before you travel.

Countries that do not recognize IDPs

Some countries do not recognize International Driving Permits at all. These countries require either an official translation of your home country driver's license or a separate document issued by their own government. Before you book your trip, contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country to find out what documents they actually require.

If your destination does not recognize an IDP, you will need to hire a certified translator to translate your driver's license into the local language. This process takes one to two weeks and costs $50 to $200 depending on the language and translator. Some countries have specific requirements for which translator you use — for example, some require a translator certified by the government or by a specific professional organization — so ask the embassy what qualifies before you pay for a translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your home country driver's license must be valid at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it first through your home country's licensing authority, then explore for the IDP. This adds one to four weeks to your timeline depending on how long your home country takes to issue a renewed license.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not. Most car rental companies ask for one as a matter of policy even if the country does not require it. Check with your rental company and the country's embassy before your trip to know for certain.

What if my IDP arrives after I have already left for my trip?

You cannot use an IDP that arrives after you have left. If you are cutting it close, explore in person at an AAA office instead of by mail so you receive it the same day. If you have already left without an IDP and your destination requires one, contact the embassy to ask whether a certified translation of your home license is accepted as a temporary substitute.

Is an IDP the same thing as an international driver's license?

Yes — "International Driving Permit" and "international driver's license" refer to the same document. Some people use the terms interchangeably. The official name is International Driving Permit, but you will see both terms used on websites and in conversation.

How much does an IDP cost?

AAA charges $20 for a three-year IDP as of this writing, though prices vary by organization and may change. Some organizations charge $15 to $25 for the same document. Call ahead to confirm the current fee before you explore, and ask whether expedited mail service is available and what it costs.