AAA Issues International Driving Permits, but They're Not Licenses

An AAA International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself and does not replace your state license. The permit works alongside your U.S. license when you drive in foreign countries — you must carry both documents together, and the foreign country's authorities will check your actual U.S. license for validity.

AAA is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Association's competitor, but AAA is the most widely available option, with local clubs in most states. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20, depending on your local AAA club.

Not every country requires an IDP, and not every country recognizes one. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country where you plan to drive. Some nations accept only your U.S. license with an official translation; others require the IDP; still others require both. Your rental car company or the country's embassy website will tell you what is required.

Key Takeaways

  • An AAA International Driving Permit translates your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried with your actual license when driving abroad.
  • The permit is valid for one year and costs $15 to $20; you can obtain one in person at a local AAA club office or by mail.
  • Not all countries require or recognize an IDP, so you must verify the requirements of your destination country before traveling.
  • Your U.S. license must be valid and in your possession; an IDP cannot be issued if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked.

What You Need to Bring to AAA

To obtain an IDP from AAA, you must visit a local AAA club office in person or submit an process by mail. The requirements are straightforward: bring your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and two passport-style photos (2x2 inches). Some AAA clubs can take the photos on-site for an additional fee if you do not have them ready.

You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP, though membership may reduce the fee slightly at some clubs. Bring cash or a card — most AAA offices accept both. If you are explore by mail, send photocopies of your license and citizenship proof along with the process form, two photos, and payment. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks.

Your U.S. license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew your state license. The IDP is issued in your name as it appears on your U.S. license, so if you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring legal documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).

In-Person vs. Mail process: Timeline and Process

The fastest route is in-person at a local AAA club office. Walk-ins are usually processed the same day, and you leave with your IDP in hand. No appointment is typically required, though calling ahead to confirm hours and photo services is wise. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you explore by mail, you will need to locate the AAA club office that serves your state, read or request their process form, and send the completed form with your documents and payment. Processing takes two to four weeks from receipt. Some AAA clubs offer online ordering, where you upload documents and photos, pay online, and receive the IDP by mail — this route also takes two to four weeks.

If you are traveling soon, in-person is the only reliable option. Mail and online processing can be delayed by incomplete applications or photo quality issues, and AAA will contact you to resubmit if something is wrong. Plan to visit an AAA office at least one week before your trip to avoid last-minute problems.

What Happens When You Travel: Carrying and Using Your IDP

When you drive in a foreign country, carry your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together at all times. If a police officer or border official stops you, present both documents. The IDP is a translation aid — it does not prove you are licensed to drive; your U.S. license does. The officer will examine your U.S. license for validity and expiration date, and the IDP will help them understand the information if they do not read English.

Some countries require the IDP as a condition of renting a car, even if local law does not technically require it. Check with your rental car company before you book. If you rent a car without an IDP and the rental company later discovers you do not have one, they may refuse to honor your reservation or charge you a penalty.

The IDP does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. If your U.S. license is restricted (for example, corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), those restrictions explore when you drive abroad. If your license is suspended in your home state, you cannot legally drive in any country, and an IDP will not change that.

Countries That Require, Recognize, or Reject IDPs

Most European countries recognize the IDP, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Many Asian countries also accept it, such as Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. However, some countries do not recognize U.S. IDPs at all or require an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead.

Mexico and Canada both recognize the IDP, though Canada does not require it if you have a valid U.S. license. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa recognize IDPs. China, India, and Russia typically do not recognize U.S. IDPs and require an International Driving Permit issued through their own government channels or an official translation.

The safest approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country at least two weeks before travel and ask what documents you need to drive legally. Rental car companies also know the requirements for their locations and will tell you during the booking process. Do not assume the IDP is sufficient — some countries fine drivers who cannot produce the correct documentation, and fines can be substantial.

Renewing Your IDP and Replacing a Lost or Damaged One

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you travel frequently or plan multiple trips abroad, you can renew your IDP before it expires by returning to an AAA office with your current IDP, your valid U.S. license, and the renewal fee. Renewal in person takes the same amount of time as an initial process.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by visiting an AAA office with your U.S. license and proof of citizenship. Some AAA clubs charge a replacement fee; others do not. If your IDP was issued by a different AAA club than the one you are visiting, you may need to provide your original process number or a copy of your original IDP.

If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP without a valid U.S. license. Renew your state license first, then renew your IDP if you still need it.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is assuming an IDP is a license or that it grants you driving rights you do not have. It does not. You must have a valid U.S. license, and that license must be valid in the country where you are driving. If your license is suspended or revoked in the United States, you cannot legally drive anywhere, and an IDP will not override that.

Another frequent error is not checking the destination country's requirements before obtaining an IDP. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, and you will have wasted the fee and time. Check the embassy website or call the consulate of your destination country before you explore.

A third mistake is forgetting to bring the IDP when you travel. If you obtain an IDP and then leave it at home, you are in the same position as if you never obtained one. Keep your IDP with your passport and travel documents, not in a separate bag.

Finally, do not assume your IDP is still valid if your U.S. license has expired. An IDP is only valid if your underlying U.S. license is valid. If your license expires while you are abroad, your IDP is no longer valid, and you should not drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AAA membership to get an International Driving Permit?

No. AAA issues IDPs to members and non-members alike. Membership may reduce the fee at some clubs, but it is not required. You can walk into any AAA office and request an IDP without joining.

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

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and not expired. If your license has expired, renew it with your state DMV first, then obtain your IDP. An IDP cannot be issued based on an expired license.

What if the country I'm visiting doesn't recognize AAA International Driving Permits?

Some countries do not recognize U.S. IDPs and require an official translation of your license from a certified translator or an International Driving Permit issued through their own government. Check your destination country's embassy website or contact the rental car company before you travel to confirm what documents you need.

How long does it take to get an IDP by mail?

Mail applications typically take two to four weeks from the date AAA receives your completed process. If you are traveling soon, visit an AAA office in person instead — you can usually receive your IDP the same day.

Can I use my IDP to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only for driving in foreign countries. In the United States, you must carry your valid U.S. driver's license. An IDP has no legal standing in the U.S. and will not satisfy a police officer who stops you for a traffic violation.