Yes, AAA requires an appointment to issue an international driving permit at most locations
AAA does not issue international driving permits (IDPs) on a walk-in basis. You must schedule an appointment in advance at an AAA branch that offers this service. The appointment system exists because IDP processing requires staff time to verify your documents, take a photograph if needed, and process your process on the spot — tasks that cannot be rushed through a walk-in queue.
Not every AAA location offers IDP services. Smaller branches or those in rural areas may not have trained staff for this specific service. When you call or visit the AAA website to book, the system will show you only branches in your area that actually issue IDPs, so you do not have to guess which location handles them.
The appointment itself is usually brief — typically 15 to 30 minutes — but the wait time to get an appointment slot can vary. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), available appointments may be weeks out. Off-season appointments are often available within a few days.
Key Takeaways
- AAA requires a scheduled appointment; walk-ins are not accepted for international driving permits at any location.
- Only certain AAA branches offer IDP services, and the booking system shows you which ones in your area do.
- Appointment availability ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on season and location demand.
- You must bring your valid driver's license, passport, and a completed process form to your appointment.
- The permit is issued on the same day if your documents are in order, so you leave with it in hand.
How to book an AAA international driving permit appointment
You can schedule an appointment through three channels: the AAA website, by phone, or in person at a branch. The website booking system is usually fastest because it shows real-time availability and lets you pick your preferred date and time without waiting on hold.
To book online, go to AAA.com, search for "international driving permit," and select your state. The site will ask for your zip code and show branches near you that offer the service. Click on a branch and you will see available appointment slots for the next several weeks. Select your preferred time and confirm.
If you prefer to call, use the phone number on your AAA membership card or search for your local branch's direct line. Have your membership number and preferred dates ready. Phone booking can take longer because staff must manually check availability, but it is useful if you have scheduling constraints or questions about what to bring.
What documents and information you need before your appointment
Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and your passport to your appointment. These are the two documents AAA must see to issue an IDP. Your driver's license proves you are a licensed driver in the United States; your passport establishes your identity and citizenship for the international permit.
You will also need to complete AAA Form 14 (process for International Driving Permit) before or at your appointment. You can read and print this form from AAA.com, or the branch will have copies available. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and passport information — basic biographical data that takes a few minutes to fill out.
Bring your AAA membership card. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP, but the cost is higher and you may need to join or pay a non-member fee. Check with your branch about current pricing for members versus non-members.
How long the appointment takes and when you receive your permit
The appointment itself usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. The staff member will review your documents, verify that your driver's license and passport match, and confirm the information on your process form. If you did not bring a recent photograph, they may take one on site using a digital camera.
If everything is in order, the IDP is printed and issued to you before you leave. You walk out with the permit the same day. The entire process — from arrival to departure — typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, though this can stretch longer if the branch is busy or if there are any issues with your documents.
If your documents are incomplete or there is a discrepancy between them, the staff will tell you what is missing and you may need to reschedule. This is rare, but it happens if your passport has expired, if your name differs between documents, or if your driver's license is not valid.
Canceling or rescheduling your appointment
If you need to cancel or change your appointment, do so through the same channel where you booked it. Online bookings can usually be canceled or rescheduled directly through AAA.com without calling. Phone bookings require a call to the branch or AAA customer service.
Cancel as soon as you know you cannot make it. This frees up the slot for other people and avoids any potential no-show fees, which some branches may charge if you miss an appointment without notice.
If you reschedule within a few days of your original appointment, you may be able to get another slot quickly. If you reschedule during peak season, the next available appointment could be weeks away, so plan accordingly if you have travel dates in mind.
What to expect if you arrive without an appointment
AAA branches will not process an IDP for a walk-in customer. If you show up without an appointment, staff will direct you to the booking system or give you a phone number to call and schedule one. They cannot fit you in on the spot, even if the branch appears quiet, because IDP processing requires a dedicated staff member and advance preparation.
The only exception is if you have an existing appointment and arrive early — in that case, staff may be able to see you a few minutes before your scheduled time if they are not busy. But this is at the branch's discretion and not may provide.
International driving permit validity and renewal
An AAA international driving permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. It is not a replacement for your U.S. driver's license; it is a translation document that some countries recognize alongside your license. You must carry both documents when driving internationally.
When your IDP expires, you can renew it by scheduling another appointment and repeating the same process. You do not need to wait until it expires — you can renew it early if you prefer. Some travelers renew before a long trip to may support they have a fresh permit with years of validity remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an international driving permit without an AAA membership?
Yes. Non-members can get an IDP at AAA, but the fee is typically higher than the member price. Some branches may also require you to pay a non-member processing fee on top of the permit cost. Call your local branch to confirm current pricing for non-members.
What if my appointment is coming up and I do not have my passport yet?
Reschedule your appointment. AAA cannot issue an IDP without your passport. If you are waiting on a passport renewal or process, contact the U.S. State Department to check processing times, then book your AAA appointment for after you receive it.
Do I need to bring anything else besides my license and passport?
Bring your AAA membership card if you are a member, and bring the completed AAA Form 14 if you filled it out at home. You do not need to bring cash — AAA accepts credit and debit cards. Bring your phone or email address so the branch can send you a confirmation.
How far in advance should I book if I am traveling in two months?
Book as soon as you know your travel dates. During peak seasons (May through August), appointments can fill up four to six weeks in advance. Booking two months ahead gives you a good selection of times. If you are traveling off-season, you can usually book a few weeks out.
What if I lose my IDP after I receive it?
You can request a replacement by scheduling another appointment and bringing your driver's license and passport again. AAA will issue a new permit. Some branches may charge a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the original permit cost. Call ahead to confirm the fee before booking.