What AAA International Driving Permits Are and Where to Get Them
An AAA International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license — but many rental car companies and police officers in other countries recognize it as proof that you are a licensed driver in the United States.
AAA issues these permits at its local club offices across the country. You do not order one by mail or online; you must visit an AAA office in person with your U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form. The permit costs between $15 and $20, takes about ten minutes to issue, and is valid for three years.
If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP at an AAA office — membership is not required. However, the process is the same whether you are a member or not: you show up, fill out the form, and walk out with the permit the same day.
Key Takeaways
- AAA International Driving Permits are issued only at AAA club offices, not online or by mail, and you must visit in person with your U.S. driver's license and a passport photo.
- The permit costs $15 to $20 and is ready the same day; you do not need to be an AAA member to get one.
- You can find your nearest AAA office by searching the AAA website or calling 1-800-AAA-HELP to locate the closest branch.
- Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and be prepared to complete a short process form on the spot.
- The permit is valid for three years and must be carried with your U.S. license when driving in other countries.
How to Locate an AAA Office Near You
The fastest way to find an AAA office is to visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the nearest branches, their hours, and their phone numbers. Most AAA offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and many are also open on Saturday mornings.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, you can reach AAA's main line at 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357). A representative can tell you the address and hours of the closest office and answer questions about what to bring. Some AAA offices are located inside grocery stores or shopping centers, so the locator tool will also show you the exact location.
Not all AAA offices issue International Driving Permits on the same day. A few very small branches may ask you to come back later or may refer you to a larger office nearby. When you call or search online, confirm that the office you plan to visit issues IDPs before you make the trip.
What to Bring to the AAA Office
You will need three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photograph (2 inches by 2 inches), and your signature. The photo must be recent and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get a passport photo at most AAA offices, drugstores, or photo studios for $5 to $15 if you do not already have one.
The AAA office will provide the process form — you do not need to fill it out beforehand. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and signature. It takes less than five minutes to complete. Bring your license and photo, and the staff will handle the rest.
If you are not a U.S. citizen but hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you can still get an IDP. Your license is all the proof AAA needs. Bring the same documents as anyone else.
Cost and How Payment Works
An AAA International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on your location. Some AAA clubs charge $15, others charge $20; the price varies slightly by region. The office will tell you the exact cost when you arrive or when you call ahead.
AAA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are an AAA member, ask whether your membership includes any discount on the IDP fee — some clubs offer small discounts to members, though most do not. The permit is issued the same day you pay, so you walk out with it in hand.
What Happens After You Receive Your Permit
Your International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. You must carry it together with your valid U.S. driver's license whenever you drive in another country. The permit alone is not a license; it is only a translation of your U.S. license, so both documents must be present.
Some countries require the IDP, some accept it but do not require it, and a few do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit. Your car rental company can also tell you whether they require an IDP for your destination.
If your U.S. driver's license expires, your IDP is no longer valid, even if the permit itself has not reached its three-year expiration date. If you renew your license, you will need to get a new IDP as well.
When You Cannot Get an IDP at AAA
If there is no AAA office near you, or if you need an IDP urgently and cannot reach an AAA location, the American Automobile Association is the only organization authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States. There is no alternative source.
However, you may be able to visit an AAA office in a nearby city or town. Some travelers plan a trip to the closest AAA office as part of their travel preparation. If you live in a very rural area, calling 1-800-AAA-HELP can help you find the nearest office, even if it is an hour or more away.
Some travel agencies or passport services advertise that they can obtain an IDP for you, but they are not authorized to issue them. They may offer to take your documents to an AAA office on your behalf, which can save you a trip but will cost extra. AAA itself does not offer mail-in or online ordering for IDPs.
International Driving Permits and Rental Cars
Many car rental companies outside the United States ask to see an International Driving Permit along with your U.S. driver's license. Some require it; others accept it but do not require it. A few rental companies in major cities do not ask for one at all.
Before you book a rental car, check the rental company's website or call them to ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. If they do, get your permit before you travel. If you arrive at the rental counter without one and the company requires it, you may not be able to rent the car.
The IDP is also useful if you are stopped by police in another country. While it is not required by law in most places, it provides a clear translation of your license information and can make the interaction smoother if the officer does not speak English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit without visiting an AAA office in person?
No. AAA issues IDPs only in person at their offices. You cannot order one online, by mail, or by phone. You must visit an office with your driver's license and a passport photo.
Do I need to be an AAA member to get an International Driving Permit?
No. AAA membership is not required. You can walk into any AAA office and get an IDP whether you are a member or not. The process and cost are the same for members and non-members.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit at AAA?
The permit is issued the same day. Once you arrive at the office with your license and photo, the staff will complete the process and give you the permit in about ten minutes. You leave with it in hand.
What if I do not have a passport-style photo?
Most AAA offices can take a passport photo for you on the spot for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. You can also get one at a drugstore, Walmart, or a professional photo studio before you visit. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches and show your face clearly.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your valid U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and cannot be used alone. You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP when driving in another country.