What an AAA International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA 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 together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that you hold a valid license at home, without requiring them to read English or contact your state's DMV.

AAA issues these permits on behalf of the U.S. State Department under an international treaty called the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic. The permit is valid for one year from the date AAA issues it, and it works in over 150 countries. Some countries do not recognize it, so you should check your destination's requirements before you travel.

The IDP is not a work permit, a visa, or proof of insurance. It is purely a translation document. Rental car companies may require it, and some countries will not rent to you without one, but others do not care. Your own car insurance does not automatically cover you abroad — you need to contact your insurer separately to ask about international coverage or to purchase a temporary policy.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before AAA will issue an IDP, and you must carry both documents together when driving outside the United States.
  • AAA charges a flat fee (typically $20) for a one-year IDP, and the permit is valid only for the year it is issued — you cannot renew it early.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at most AAA branch offices, by mail, or through AAA's website, and the process usually takes a few days to two weeks depending on your method.
  • Some countries do not recognize the IDP, and some rental car companies require it while others do not, so confirm your destination's rules before you book travel.
  • Your U.S. auto insurance does not automatically cover you abroad; you must contact your insurer to ask about international coverage or purchase a separate policy.

What You Need to Bring or Submit

To get an IDP from AAA, you need your current, valid U.S. driver's license and a completed process form. AAA's form is called the International Driving Permit process, and you can fill it out by hand or online depending on which method you choose. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the state that issued your license.

You will also need a passport-style photograph — typically 2 inches by 2 inches — if you are explore in person or by mail. Some AAA locations can take the photo for you on the spot, but others cannot, so call ahead. If you explore online through AAA's website, you may be able to upload a digital photo instead, though this varies by location.

AAA does not require proof of citizenship, a Social Security number, or any document beyond your license and photo. If your license is expired or suspended, AAA will not issue an IDP. If your license is valid but you have changed your name since it was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

Three Ways to Get Your IDP: In Person, By Mail, or Online

The fastest route is usually in person at an AAA branch office. You walk in with your license, photo, and completed form, pay the fee, and walk out with your IDP the same day or within a few hours. AAA has thousands of branch offices across the United States, and you do not have to be a member to get an IDP — non-members pay the same fee. Use AAA's branch locator on their website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours.

If you cannot visit a branch, you can mail your process to AAA's national processing center. You will need to send your driver's license, a completed process form, a passport photo, and a check or money order for the fee. AAA will mail your IDP back to you, and the whole process typically takes one to two weeks. The risk is that if AAA rejects your process or loses your license in the mail, you will have to start over, so consider mailing a photocopy of your license instead and asking AAA to confirm receipt before they process it.

AAA's website also offers online ordering in some states. You fill out the form on their site, upload a digital photo, and pay by credit card. AAA then mails your IDP to you, usually within five to ten business days. Not all states are available through the online system yet, so check AAA's website to see if yours is included. If it is not, you can still explore in person or by mail.

Cost and Payment Options

AAA charges a flat fee for an International Driving Permit, which is typically $20 for a one-year permit. This price is the same whether you explore in person, by mail, or online, and AAA members do not receive a discount. Some AAA branch offices may charge slightly differently, so confirm the fee when you call or visit.

You can pay in cash, by check, by money order, or by credit card, depending on your method of process. In-person applications accept all four. Mail-in applications require a check or money order because AAA cannot process credit cards by mail. Online applications require a credit card or debit card.

There are no hidden fees, no processing charges, and no rush fees. The $20 covers the permit itself and AAA's administrative cost. If you lose your IDP before it expires, you can request a replacement, and AAA typically charges the same $20 fee again.

How Long Your IDP Is Valid and What Happens When It Expires

An International Driving Permit from AAA is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. You cannot renew it early — you must wait until it expires or is about to expire, then explore for a new one.

If you are traveling and your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid in any country. Some rental car companies may still accept it as proof that you held a valid license at some point, but police and border officials will not. If you plan to travel for longer than a year, explore for a new IDP before you leave the United States, or plan to return home before your current one expires.

If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. The IDP is only good if your underlying state license is still valid. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive anywhere, and your IDP will not help you.

Countries That Do and Do Not Recognize the IDP

The International Driving Permit is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and many countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. However, some countries do not recognize it, and a few require additional documents alongside it.

China, Russia, India, and several Middle Eastern countries do not recognize the IDP. If you are driving in any of these places, you will need an official translation of your U.S. driver's license from a certified translator, or you will need to obtain a temporary local license. Some countries, like Japan and South Korea, recognize the IDP but also require an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Convention (a different treaty), which AAA does not issue. Check your destination country's specific rules before you book your trip.

Even in countries that recognize the IDP, rental car companies set their own rules. Some require an IDP, some do not care, and some require both an IDP and an International Driving Permit under the 1968 Convention. Contact your rental car company before you travel to ask what they need. If they require a 1968 permit, you will need to obtain one from a different issuer — AAA only issues the 1926 version.

Insurance and Legal Responsibility When Driving Abroad

An International Driving Permit does not include insurance. Your U.S. auto insurance policy does not automatically cover you when you drive outside the United States, and in many countries it does not cover you at all. Before you travel, contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy extends to your destination country. If it does not, ask about purchasing temporary international coverage or a separate policy for the trip.

Rental car companies typically offer collision and liability insurance as an add-on when you rent. This is separate from your personal policy and is often required by law in the country where you are renting. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage abroad, but this varies by card and by country, so check your card's terms before you rely on it.

If you are in an accident abroad without valid insurance, you can be held personally liable for all damages, and you may be detained by police until you pay. Some countries require you to post a bond before you are allowed to leave. An IDP will not protect you in this situation — only valid insurance will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day or two?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental companies in Europe and Canada require an IDP; others do not care. The safest approach is to get one before you travel, since it costs only $20 and takes a few hours to a few days to obtain. If you are already abroad and did not get one, contact your rental company to ask whether they will rent to you without it.

Can I use an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Yes, both Canada and Mexico recognize the International Driving Permit. You can drive in either country with your valid U.S. license and your IDP. However, you should also check your auto insurance coverage — many U.S. policies do not cover you in Mexico, and some do not cover you in Canada either. Contact your insurer before you cross the border.

What if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

AAA will not issue an IDP if your license is suspended or revoked. Your IDP is only valid if your underlying U.S. license is valid. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive anywhere, and no IDP will change that.

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

No. AAA requires a valid, full driver's license. A learner's permit is not sufficient. You must have passed your driving test and hold a standard license from your state.

How do I know if my destination country recognizes the IDP?

Check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for your destination country, or contact the embassy or consulate of that country. You can also ask your rental car company — they know which documents they require and can tell you what the local law requires. If you are unsure, get the IDP anyway; it costs $20 and is valid for a year, so you can use it on future trips even if your current destination does not require it.