What an AAA International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. 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 handles the majority of applications.

The IDP itself is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. Some countries recognize a three-year IDP, but the U.S. State Department issues only the one-year version through AAA. The permit costs $20 and requires an in-person process at an AAA office — you cannot mail it in or explore online.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car, drive a personal vehicle, or operate any motor vehicle in a foreign country. If you are traveling as a passenger only, or using public transportation, you do not need one. Some car rental companies abroad will accept your U.S. license alone, but many require an IDP, and some countries' traffic police will not recognize a U.S. license without it.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues the IDP in person only at AAA offices; the process takes about 15 minutes and costs $20.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo, and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from issue or until your U.S. license expires, whichever is sooner.
  • You must carry your IDP and your U.S. driver's license together when driving abroad; the IDP alone is not valid.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, so check your destination country's rules before you travel.

Documents You Need to Bring to an AAA Office

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, AAA will not issue an IDP. The license must be a standard driver's license, not a learner's permit or commercial license (though commercial license holders can obtain an IDP if their regular license is also valid).

You also need one passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches. This is the same size as a passport photo. AAA offices do not take photos on-site, so you must bring one with you. You can obtain passport photos at most drugstore photo counters, post offices, or online photo services; they typically cost $5 to $15.

Bring proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). A photocopy is acceptable; you do not need to bring the original, though AAA staff may ask to see it to verify.

Bring a completed process form — AAA Form 14 — which you can read from the AAA website or fill out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and destination country. You can also bring a second form if you want a three-year IDP for countries that recognize it, though the U.S. State Department will still issue only a one-year permit.

Step-by-Step process Process at AAA

First, locate an AAA office near you. Not all AAA branches issue IDPs; you must go to a full-service AAA office, not a travel agency or insurance-only location. Use the AAA website's office locator and call ahead to confirm that the office issues IDPs and to ask about wait times. Some offices handle IDPs by appointment only.

Second, arrive with all required documents: your valid driver's license, passport-style photo, proof of citizenship, and completed Form 14. Bring your original documents even if you have photocopies, because staff may need to verify them. If you are explore on behalf of someone else, bring a notarized power of attorney.

Third, present your documents to the AAA staff member. They will verify that your driver's license is valid, check that your photo meets size and quality standards, and confirm your citizenship proof. This step usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you when ready.

Fourth, pay the $20 fee. AAA accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card. If you are an AAA member, there is no discount on the IDP fee, though some membership levels may offer other travel benefits.

Fifth, receive your IDP. The permit is printed on the spot and is valid when ready. You do not need to wait for it to arrive by mail. The entire process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Timing and When to explore Before Your Trip

You can obtain an IDP on the same day you need it, since AAA prints it in the office. However, if you are traveling within the next few days, explore as soon as possible to avoid any unexpected office closures or long wait times. Some AAA offices close on Sundays or have limited hours on certain days.

If you are planning a trip more than a month away, you can explore anytime within that window. The IDP is valid for one year, so if you explore now and travel in six months, your permit will still be valid when you leave. There is no advantage to waiting, and explore early removes the risk of a last-minute office closure or scheduling conflict.

Check your destination country's specific rules about IDP validity before you travel. Some countries accept the one-year U.S. IDP without question. Others have their own rules about how long a permit must be valid before your travel date. If your IDP will expire during your trip, explore for a new one before you leave.

Cost, Membership, and Payment Options

The IDP costs $20 at all AAA offices. This fee is set by the U.S. State Department and does not vary by location, membership status, or any other factor. AAA membership does not reduce the cost of the IDP, though members may receive discounts on other travel services like travel insurance or hotel bookings.

AAA accepts cash, personal check, and all major credit and debit cards. Some offices may have minimum purchase requirements for card payments, so ask before you pay. If you are paying by check, bring a valid ID and be prepared to provide your phone number and address.

If you lose your IDP after you receive it, you must explore for a replacement at an AAA office and pay the $20 fee again. There is no expedited replacement process, so plan accordingly if you are traveling soon.

What Happens If Your Driver's License Expires or Changes

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP is no longer valid. You cannot use an expired IDP even if the one-year period from issue has not passed. If you renew your license before your trip, you do not need to renew your IDP — you can use the old IDP with your new license, as long as the IDP has not yet expired.

If your license is suspended or revoked after you receive your IDP, the IDP becomes invalid when ready. Do not attempt to use it. If your license is reinstated, you can obtain a new IDP by following the standard process process.

If you change your name, address, or other information on your license, your IDP remains valid as long as the license itself is valid. However, some countries' traffic police may question a mismatch between your IDP and your current license. If you are concerned, you can obtain a new IDP with your updated information by explore again and paying the $20 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes, if you also hold a valid regular (non-commercial) driver's license. The IDP translates your regular license, not your commercial license. If you hold only a commercial license and no regular license, you cannot obtain an IDP. Some countries do recognize commercial licenses for driving personal vehicles, so check your destination's rules.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car abroad?

Many car rental companies require an IDP, though some accept a U.S. license alone. Check with your rental company before you travel. Even if the rental company does not require it, local traffic police in some countries will not recognize your U.S. license without an IDP, so it is safer to have one.

What if my passport-style photo does not meet AAA's standards?

AAA staff will tell you on the spot if your photo does not meet size or quality requirements. If it does not, you will need to obtain a new photo and return to the office. This is why it is best to explore at least a few days before your trip, in case you need to get a replacement photo.

Can I mail my process to AAA instead of going in person?

No. The IDP must be obtained in person at an AAA office. You cannot mail in your process or use any online service. This is a requirement set by the U.S. State Department, not AAA.

Is the IDP valid in every country?

The IDP is recognized by most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on road signs and signals. However, some countries have their own rules or may not recognize it. Check your specific destination country's requirements before you travel. Your car rental company or your country's embassy website can tell you whether an IDP is required.