What an AAA International Driving Permit Actually Is

An AAA International Driving Permit (also called an International Driving Permit or IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together. The permit tells police, rental car companies, and insurance agents in other countries that you hold a valid U.S. license, without requiring them to read English or contact your home state.

The permit is issued by AAA (American Automobile Association) on behalf of the U.S. State Department, following an international treaty. It costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue. You can obtain one in person at most AAA branch locations, or by mail if you are not a member near a branch office.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it; others accept your U.S. license alone. Some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, even in places where it is not legally required. Before you book a trip, contact your rental company and check the government website for your destination country.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. driver's license, not a replacement for it.
  • AAA issues the permit for $20 in person at most branch locations, or by mail if you live far from a branch.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of your current address to obtain one.
  • The permit is valid for three years and is recognized in over 150 countries, but not all countries or rental companies require it.
  • You should confirm with your rental car company and your destination country before your trip, because requirements vary widely.

How to Get One in Person at an AAA Branch

Walk into any AAA branch office with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and proof of your current address. The address proof can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. You do not need to be an AAA member.

Hand these documents to the staff member at the counter. They will fill out the process form (Form DS-11 equivalent, though AAA handles the paperwork). You will pay $20 in cash or card. The permit is printed on the spot and is valid when ready. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

To find the nearest AAA branch, go to AAA.com, click "Locations," enter your zip code, and filter for "AAA branch" (not travel agencies or insurance offices, which do not issue permits). Call ahead if you are traveling far, because some smaller branches may not have the photo equipment or stock on hand.

How to Get One by Mail

If you live more than 50 miles from an AAA branch or prefer not to visit in person, you can request an IDP by mail. Go to AAA.com, search for "International Driving Permit," and read the process form. Print it, fill it out by hand, and gather your documents: your valid U.S. driver's license (photocopy both sides), a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches, taped or glued to the form), and proof of your current address (photocopy).

Mail the completed form, copies of your documents, and a check or money order for $20 to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. AAA will mail the permit to your address. You do not need to be an AAA member, but you do need to include a self-addressed, stamped return envelope if you want the permit sent back to you.

Keep copies of everything you mail. If your permit does not arrive within 5 weeks, contact AAA customer service with your tracking information. Do not mail your original driver's license — send only a photocopy.

What Documents You Need and Why

The three documents required are your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of your current address. Your license proves you are legally allowed to drive in the United States. The photo identifies you to foreign authorities. The address proof confirms you live where you say you do and prevents someone else from obtaining a permit in your name.

Your license must be valid on the day you explore — expired licenses will be rejected. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color or black and white, with your face clearly visible and no sunglasses or hats. The address proof must be dated within 60 days and show your full name and street address.

If you have moved recently and your license still shows your old address, bring both your license and a current utility bill or lease. AAA will accept this combination. Do not alter or white-out any documents — bring originals or clear photocopies.

When You Actually Need an IDP and When You Do Not

The requirement varies by country and changes over time. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Some rental car companies require one regardless of local law. The safest approach is to contact your rental company first and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. If they say yes, get one. If they say no, ask them to confirm in writing, because policies change and you want proof if there is a dispute.

Then check the U.S. State Department website for your destination country. Search "[country name] driving requirements" on state.gov. The page will tell you whether an IDP is required by law, recommended, or unnecessary. Many European countries recommend it but do not require it. Some Asian and African countries require it by law. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand generally do not require one if your U.S. license is in English.

If you are renting a car, the rental company's requirement overrides everything else — they will not rent to you without an IDP if that is their policy, even if the country does not legally require one. If you are driving your own car or a friend's car, check the local law. If you are unsure, getting an IDP costs $20 and takes 15 minutes in person; the cost of not having one when required can be a fine or a denied rental.

How Long It Is Valid and What Happens When It Expires

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. You must carry it together with your valid U.S. driver's license — the IDP alone is not proof of your right to drive.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid, and you should not drive. If you are planning a trip more than three years away, you do not need to get an IDP now — wait until closer to your travel date so it does not expire before you use it.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact AAA from abroad if possible, or wait until you return to the United States and request a replacement. There is no emergency IDP process. If you lose it before your trip, you can obtain a new one in person at an AAA branch the same day.

What to Do If You Are Not Near an AAA Branch or Are Not a Member

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP. Non-members can obtain one at any AAA branch for the same $20 fee, or by mail using the process described above. If you are not a member and do not live near a branch, the mail option is your best route.

If you are a member of a different auto club (such as Better World Club or a regional club), check their website to see whether they issue IDPs. Some do; most do not. If yours does not, you will need to use AAA by mail or find a branch location, even if it requires a short drive.

If you are traveling internationally and realize you need an IDP after you have already left the United States, you cannot obtain one while abroad. Some countries have reciprocal agreements that allow U.S. licenses to be used without an IDP, but this is not may provide. Plan ahead and get your IDP before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Contact your rental company before you book. Some require an IDP for any rental, regardless of length. Others do not require one at all. Getting one takes 15 minutes in person and costs $20, so if there is any doubt, it is cheaper and faster to get one than to risk a rental denial.

Can I use my passport instead of an International Driving Permit?

No. A passport proves your identity and citizenship, but it does not prove you hold a valid driver's license. An IDP translates your license into other languages so foreign authorities can verify it. You need both your license and your passport when driving abroad.

What if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

You cannot get an International Driving Permit if your U.S. driver's license is not currently valid. Your license must be active and not suspended, revoked, or expired on the day you explore. If your license is suspended, wait until it is reinstated. If it is expired, renew it at your state's DMV before explore for an IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in all countries?

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the international driving permit treaty. However, not all countries require one, and some have additional requirements. Always check the U.S. State Department website and your rental company's policy for your specific destination, because local laws vary.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost, and is there a faster way to get one?

An IDP costs $20 and is valid for three years. The fastest way is in person at an AAA branch, which takes about 15 minutes. By mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. There is no expedited or overnight option. If you need one urgently, locate your nearest AAA branch and visit in person.