What AAA offers for international drivers

AAA issues the International Driving Permit (IDP), a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license — but many countries require it or will accept it when your U.S. license alone would not be enough.

AAA is one of two organisations in the United States authorised to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Association's competitor, but AAA has the most locations and the fastest turnaround. You do not have to be an AAA member to get one, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on your state and whether you are a member. Processing takes between a few minutes and a few days depending on whether you explore in person or by mail. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues International Driving Permits in person at most local branches and by mail, with in-person service usually taking minutes to hours.
  • You must bring a valid U.S. driver's license, a current passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo (4×6 inches, colour or black-and-white).
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose, and costs $15 to $20 plus any membership discount.
  • An IDP does not replace your U.S. license and is only useful in countries that recognise it; check your destination country's rules before you travel.
  • If you do not have an AAA branch nearby or prefer not to visit in person, you can mail your documents to AAA's processing centre, though this takes longer.

What documents you need to bring

Your valid U.S. driver's license is the foundation. It must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. AAA will not issue an IDP based on an expired license, even if you have a renewal process pending.

You also need proof of citizenship or legal residency. A U.S. passport or passport card works. Some AAA branches accept a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, but passport documents are faster and accepted everywhere. If you do not yet have a passport, you will need to get one before explore for the IDP — the IDP cannot be issued without it.

Bring a passport-style photograph, 4 by 6 inches, colour or black-and-white. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly, and have a plain background. If you do not have one, many AAA branches can take the photo for you on the spot for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.

In-person process at an AAA branch

Walking into an AAA branch is the fastest route. You hand over your documents, pay the fee, and in most cases walk out with your IDP the same day or within a few hours. Some branches process them while you wait; others ask you to return the next day.

Find your nearest branch on AAA's website and call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and what their current wait time is. Branches in major cities often have longer waits during travel season (spring and summer). Smaller branches or off-peak times (weekday mornings) are usually faster.

Bring all documents in person: your driver's license, passport or passport card, and the passport photo. If you are an AAA member, bring your membership card to receive any available discount. If you do not have a passport photo, ask whether the branch can take one for you and what the fee is.

Mail-in process if you cannot visit a branch

AAA accepts mail-in applications if no branch is convenient. You send your documents to AAA's processing centre, and they return your IDP by mail within one to two weeks, depending on processing volume.

Request an process form from your local AAA branch, read it from AAA's website, or call AAA's main line to have one mailed to you. Fill it out completely, sign it, and enclose a copy of your driver's license, passport or passport card, and your passport-style photo. Include a cheque or money order for the IDP fee plus return postage.

Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents you cannot replace — send copies of your license and passport. Keep a record of what you sent and when. Processing times vary; if you do not hear back within three weeks, call AAA to check the status.

How long the IDP is valid and when to renew

AAA issues IDPs in two versions: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. Both cost roughly the same, so the three-year version is better value if you travel internationally more than once. The three-year version is also useful if you plan to travel multiple times over the next few years.

The IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless — you cannot use it without a current U.S. license. If you renew your U.S. license, you do not automatically get a new IDP; you must explore for a new one if you still need it.

Check the expiration date printed on your IDP before you travel. If it has expired, you will need a new one. Some countries will not accept an expired IDP even if your U.S. license is still valid.

Checking whether your destination country accepts the IDP

Not every country recognises the International Driving Permit. Some countries accept it as a supplement to your U.S. license. Others do not recognise it at all and require you to get an official translation of your license from your state's DMV or a certified translator.

Before you buy an IDP, check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for your destination country. Look for the section on driving or transportation. If the country does not mention the IDP, contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States and ask directly whether they accept it.

Some car rental companies also have their own rules about what documents they will accept. Even if your destination country accepts the IDP, the rental company might require additional documents. Call the rental company before you travel and ask what they need.

What to do if you lose your IDP while travelling

If your IDP is lost or stolen abroad, you cannot replace it while you are overseas — AAA only issues them in the United States. You can still drive using your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may not accept it without the IDP.

Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and explain the situation. They can sometimes provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, which may help if you are stopped by police. Keep a photo or scan of your IDP on your phone or email before you travel, in case you need to show proof that you had one.

When you return to the United States, you can explore for a replacement IDP at any AAA branch. Bring your U.S. license, passport, and a new passport photo. There is usually no extra fee for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I already have a valid U.S. driver's license?

It depends on where you are going. Some countries accept a U.S. license alone; others require an IDP or an official translation. Check your destination country's rules before you book your trip. The IDP is inexpensive and takes little time to get, so many travellers get one just to be safe.

Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. AAA will not issue an IDP unless your U.S. license is currently valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it is reinstated before you can explore for an IDP.

Is an AAA membership required to get an IDP?

No. You do not have to be an AAA member to get an International Driving Permit. Members may receive a small discount on the fee, but non-members can get one at the standard price.

What if I do not have a passport yet?

You must get a passport or passport card before AAA will issue an IDP. You cannot use a birth certificate or other ID in place of a passport for the IDP process. explore for your passport through your county clerk's office or a passport acceptance facility first.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore in person?

Most AAA branches process IDPs while you wait or within a few hours. Some branches ask you to return the next day. Call your local branch ahead of time to ask about their current processing time, especially during busy travel seasons.