What the AAA International Driving Permit is and who issues it

The AAA International Driving Permit (often called an IDP) is 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 strongly prefer it when you rent a car or drive as a visitor.

AAA (the American Automobile Association) is the main issuer in the United States. You cannot get an IDP from your state's DMV or from any government office. AAA is a private membership organization, but you do not have to be a member to request one. Some travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities also issue them, but AAA is the most widely available and fastest option.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires whether you use it or not, so timing your request to your travel dates matters if you plan to drive abroad more than once in a year.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license in hand before you can get an AAA International Driving Permit; the IDP cannot be issued without it.
  • AAA issues the permit in person at local club offices or by mail, and processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks.
  • The cost is usually between $15 and $20, and you will need to bring or mail a completed process form, your license, and a passport-style photo.
  • The permit is valid for one year only and is useless without your actual U.S. driver's license, so you must carry both when driving abroad.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, but rental car companies often do, so check your destination and rental agreement before you travel.

What you need to bring or mail to AAA

To request an AAA International Driving Permit, you will need four things: a completed process form (Form DL-44 or the AAA-specific form, depending on which AAA office you visit), your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (usually 2 by 2 inches), and payment.

The process form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number. You can pick up the form at any AAA club office, read it from AAA's website, or request it by mail. Some AAA offices have the form ready at the counter. The passport photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have one taken at AAA offices, drugstore photo counters, or passport acceptance facilities.

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it at your state's DMV. Bring the original license, not a copy.

how the process works in person at an AAA office

Walk into any AAA club office with your completed form, license, photo, and payment. Staff will verify your information, check that your license is valid, and issue the permit on the spot or within a few minutes. You will walk out with the IDP in hand.

AAA offices are located in most states, though not all towns have one. You can find the nearest office and its hours on AAA's website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to confirm they have the form and can process you same-day is worth doing if you are in a hurry.

The cost at an AAA office is typically $15 to $20, though some offices charge slightly different amounts. Payment is usually cash or card. If you are not an AAA member, you will still be served, but membership may give you a small discount at some locations.

how the process works by mail

If no AAA office is near you or you prefer not to visit in person, you can mail your process, license, photo, and payment to AAA's processing center. The address is on the process form or AAA's website.

Processing by mail takes one to two weeks in most cases, though it can take longer during busy travel seasons (spring and summer). You will receive your IDP and your original license back by mail. Use a tracked mailing service so you can confirm delivery and know when to expect your documents back.

Include a cover letter with your name and phone number in case AAA needs to contact you about your process. Do not send cash — use a check or money order made out to AAA.

What happens if your license is suspended or expired

AAA will not issue an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. A suspension means you are not legally allowed to drive in the United States, and an IDP would be meaningless because you cannot use it without a valid license anyway.

If your license is expired, renew it at your state's DMV first. Renewal is usually fast — many states allow online renewal or renewal by mail — and takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. Once your renewed license arrives, you can then request the IDP from AAA.

If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension period ends and you have completed any required steps (such as paying a fine or taking a defensive driving course) before your license is reinstated. Only then can you explore for an IDP.

Countries that require or recommend an IDP

Requirements vary by country and change periodically. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not require it but rental car companies will not rent to you without one; still others accept your U.S. license alone.

European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan are among the places where an IDP is commonly required or strongly expected. Mexico and Canada often accept a U.S. license without an IDP, though some rental companies may ask for one anyway. Before you book a rental car or travel, check the specific country's driving rules and your rental agreement.

Your rental car company's website or your travel agent can tell you whether an IDP is needed for your destination. Do not assume — a rental company may refuse to hand over keys if you do not have one, even if the country does not legally require it.

How long the permit lasts and what to do if you need another

An AAA International Driving Permit is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. After that, it expires and is no longer valid, even if you have not used it.

If you plan to drive abroad more than once in a year, you can request a second IDP before the first one expires. There is no limit to how many you can get, but each one costs the same and is valid for one year only. Some people request a new one each time they travel internationally, especially if their travel is months apart.

If your IDP is lost or damaged before it expires, contact AAA to request a replacement. You will need to provide proof of the original issue date and pay a replacement fee, which is usually the same as the original cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AAA member to get an International Driving Permit?

No. AAA issues the permit to anyone with a valid U.S. driver's license, whether or not you are a member. Some AAA offices may offer a small discount to members, but membership is not required to request or receive the permit.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is from a different state than where I live now?

Yes. Your license just needs to be valid and not suspended. It does not matter which state issued it. Bring the license itself and follow the same process as anyone else.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling abroad?

Contact AAA from abroad if you can, though they cannot issue a replacement overseas. Your U.S. driver's license alone may be enough to drive or rent a car in some places, but not all. Check with your rental company or local authorities. When you return to the U.S., you can request a replacement IDP from AAA.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only — it is not a license itself. You must carry your actual U.S. driver's license with it at all times when driving abroad. Some countries issue their own international licenses to residents, but the AAA IDP is what U.S. visitors use.

How much does an AAA International Driving Permit cost?

The cost is typically $15 to $20, depending on which AAA office issues it. Prices may vary slightly by location. Payment is usually cash or card in person, or check or money order by mail.