An AAA International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license

An AAA International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet 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. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad — the IDP alone has no legal standing in any country.

The permit is issued by the American Automobile Association under authorization from the U.S. State Department, following the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. Most countries that recognize IDPs will accept an AAA permit, though a few nations have their own reciprocal agreements with specific U.S. states and may not require one. Some rental car companies outside the U.S. will refuse to rent to you without an IDP, even if the country does not legally require it.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires — whichever comes first. It cannot be renewed; you must obtain a new one if you need coverage beyond that period.

Key Takeaways

  • An AAA International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried together with your actual license when driving abroad.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at any AAA office or by mail, and the process takes between one and two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on whether you explore in person or by mail, plus any AAA membership fees if you are not already a member.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from issue or until your U.S. license expires, whichever is sooner, and cannot be renewed — you must obtain a new one.
  • Not all countries legally require an IDP, but many car rental companies outside the U.S. will not rent to you without one, regardless of local law.

What documents you need to bring or submit

To obtain an AAA International Driving Permit, you need a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. That is the only document required. You do not need a passport, proof of residency, or any other identification.

If you are explore in person at an AAA office, bring your driver's license and the fee. If you are explore by mail, send a photocopy of both sides of your license, a completed IDP process form (available on the AAA website or at any AAA office), and a check or money order for the fee. Do not send your original license by mail.

You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP. If you are not a member, you will pay a slightly higher fee, but membership is not required.

In-person process at an AAA office

Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license and the fee. The staff will complete the process on the spot, take a photo (or use one from your license), and issue the permit when ready. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You leave with the IDP in hand.

AAA offices are located in most U.S. states, though not all states have the same number of locations. Use the AAA website locator to find the nearest office and confirm it is open before you go. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead can reduce wait time.

In-person process costs $15 for AAA members and $20 for non-members.

Mail process and processing time

To explore by mail, request an IDP process form from AAA or read it from their website. Complete the form, photocopy both sides of your valid driver's license, and mail the form, photocopy, and fee to the AAA address listed on the form. Do not send your original license.

Processing by mail typically takes 7 to 14 days from the date AAA receives your process. Add 3 to 5 days for mail delivery each way. If you are explore close to your travel date, in-person process is faster and more reliable.

Mail process costs $20 for AAA members and $25 for non-members. Some AAA offices offer expedited mail service for an additional fee if you need the permit within a few days.

What the IDP covers and does not cover

The IDP translates your license information — name, address, license number, class of vehicle, and restrictions — into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not add any driving privileges you do not already have on your U.S. license. If your U.S. license restricts you to automatic transmission or corrective lenses, those restrictions explore when you use the IDP.

The IDP does not cover driving in countries where you are not legally permitted to drive as a foreigner, nor does it override local traffic laws or age restrictions. Some countries require drivers to be a minimum age (often 21 or 25 for rental cars) regardless of what your license says. The IDP does not change that.

The IDP is not insurance. It does not provide coverage for accidents, liability, or damage. You must obtain international driving insurance or may support your U.S. auto insurance covers you abroad — policies vary widely, so contact your insurer before you travel.

Countries that recognize AAA International Driving Permits

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize AAA IDPs. This includes most of Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. However, recognition is not universal, and some countries have changed their policies in recent years.

The safest approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit and ask whether an AAA IDP is recognized. Some countries accept it but do not require it; others require it; a few do not recognize it at all. A few nations, including some in the Middle East and Africa, have their own separate international permit systems or do not recognize any IDP.

Even if a country does not legally require an IDP, car rental companies often will not rent to you without one. This is a company policy, not a legal requirement, but it is common enough that you should assume you will need one if you plan to rent a car.

Renewing or replacing an expired IDP

An IDP cannot be renewed. Once it expires — either one year after issue or when your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first — you must obtain a new one if you need it. The process is identical to the original process: bring your current valid license to an AAA office or mail in a photocopy with a new process form and fee.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement from AAA. Contact the AAA office where you obtained the original permit or call AAA customer service. Replacement typically costs the same as a new process and takes the same amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only driving in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize AAA IDPs, but neither legally requires one if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. However, car rental companies in both countries often request one. Check with your rental company before you travel. If you are driving your own vehicle, the IDP is optional but recommended.

Can I use an IDP if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. The IDP is a translation of your U.S. license and has no validity if your license is not valid. Your U.S. license must be current and unexpired. If your license is suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a temporary replacement or provide documentation that you hold a valid U.S. license. You can also contact AAA by phone if you have access to a U.S. phone line. Once you return to the U.S., you can obtain a new IDP through AAA.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

No. An IDP is a translation document. An "International License" is not a real thing — it is a term sometimes used by scam websites that claim to issue driving licenses valid in multiple countries. Those sites are fraudulent. The only legitimate way to drive abroad is with your valid U.S. license and an IDP from AAA or a similar recognized organization.

How long does an IDP last if I renew my U.S. license while traveling?

Your IDP expires when your U.S. license expires, even if you renew your license while abroad. If you renew your U.S. license overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate, your old IDP is no longer valid. You will need to obtain a new IDP once you return to the U.S. with your new license.