An AAA International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license replacement
An AAA International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your U.S. license, does not grant you driving rights you do not already have, and is only useful in countries that recognize it. You must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP together; neither works alone.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only organization in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot get one from the DMV, from any other private company, or online. The permit costs $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at a AAA office, or you can mail in your process and receive it by post.
An IDP is useful only if you plan to rent a car or drive in a foreign country that recognizes it. If you are moving to another country permanently, or if you need to exchange your U.S. license for a local license, an IDP will not help you—you will need to follow that country's licensing process instead.
Key Takeaways
- An AAA International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual license.
- Only AAA can issue an IDP in the United States; you cannot obtain one from the DMV, online, or from any other organization.
- An IDP costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue, but only in countries that recognize it.
- You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to get an IDP; the permit cannot be used as a standalone document.
- An IDP is for temporary travel and car rental only—it does not help you relocate, work, or obtain permanent residency in another country.
What countries actually accept an AAA International Driving Permit
Not every country recognizes an IDP. Some nations require only your U.S. license; others require a local license regardless of an IDP; and some accept an IDP but only alongside your U.S. license. Before you travel, contact the rental car company or the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to confirm whether an IDP is necessary or even accepted.
Countries that generally recognize an IDP include most of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom), Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. However, recognition varies by region and changes over time. Some countries accept an IDP only if your U.S. license is in English; others have additional requirements such as a minimum age or a specific class of license.
Rental car companies often require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required by law. If you plan to rent a car abroad, check the rental company's website or call them directly before you travel. Many rental companies will not rent to you without an IDP, regardless of what the country's government requires.
How to get an AAA International Driving Permit in person
To get an IDP from AAA, you must be a AAA member or willing to pay a non-member fee. Visit a local AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a completed AAA International Driving Permit process form (Form DS-11 equivalent, though AAA uses its own form). Bring one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches) and $20 in cash or card. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.
You do not need to make an appointment at most AAA offices, but calling ahead is wise during busy times. The IDP is issued on the spot and is valid for three years from the date of issue. Your U.S. license must be valid and not expired; if your license is expired or will expire within the next three years, renew it at your state DMV before explore for the IDP.
Not all AAA offices issue IDPs. Call your local AAA office or check the AAA website to confirm that the office near you offers this service. Some smaller or rural offices do not have the authority to issue permits and will direct you to the nearest office that does.
How to get an AAA International Driving Permit by mail
You can explore for an IDP by mail if you cannot visit a AAA office in person. read or request the AAA International Driving Permit process form from the AAA website or by calling AAA customer service. Complete the form, attach a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and include a photocopy of both sides of your valid U.S. driver's license.
Mail the completed process, photo, license copy, and $20 payment (check or money order) to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. AAA will mail the IDP to the address you provide on the process. Do not send cash through the mail; use a check or money order instead.
Keep a copy of your process and proof of mailing for your records. If you do not receive your IDP within four weeks, contact AAA customer service with your process reference number.
What documents you need and what to bring
| Document or Item | In Person | By Mail | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Original | Photocopy (both sides) | Must not be expired; if expiring within 3 years, renew first |
| Passport-sized photo | 1 photo, 2×2 inches | 1 photo, 2×2 inches | Color or black and white; recent photo preferred |
| AAA IDP process form | Completed | Completed | Available at AAA offices or online |
| Payment ($20) | Cash or card | Check or money order | Do not send cash by mail |
| AAA membership | Optional (non-member fee applies) | Optional (non-member fee applies) | Non-members pay a higher fee; confirm current amount with AAA |
How long an IDP lasts and when you need to renew
An AAA International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of the booklet. You cannot renew an IDP; when it expires, you must explore for a new one using the same process.
If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid. You must renew your U.S. license at your state DMV and then explore for a new IDP. An IDP is only as valid as the U.S. license it translates.
If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive using your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some rental car companies may refuse to rent to you. Contact AAA or your country's U.S. embassy to ask about obtaining a replacement while abroad, though this is rarely possible in real time.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
The most common mistake is assuming an IDP works without your U.S. license. It does not. You must carry both documents together at all times when driving abroad. A police officer or rental car company will reject an IDP presented alone.
Another mistake is buying an IDP from a third-party website or service that claims to be faster or cheaper than AAA. These are scams or fraudulent documents. Only AAA is authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. If a website offers an IDP for less than $20 or promises overnight delivery, it is not legitimate.
Do not assume your IDP will be accepted everywhere. Always confirm with the rental car company and the country's government before you travel. Some countries have stopped recognizing IDPs or have specific rules about which types of U.S. licenses may have access to. Arriving at a rental counter without confirmation can leave you unable to rent a car.
Do not explore for an IDP if your U.S. license is expired or will expire within three years. The IDP is only valid as long as your license is valid. Renew your license first, then explore for the IDP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in another country with just an IDP and no U.S. license?
No. An IDP is only a translation of your U.S. license and must be carried with your actual license at all times. Neither document works alone. If you lose your U.S. license while abroad, you cannot drive legally using only the IDP.
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico generally accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP, though some rental car companies require one anyway. Check with your rental company before you travel. An IDP does not hurt and may be required by the company even if the country does not require it by law.
What if my U.S. license is about to expire?
Renew your U.S. license at your state DMV before explore for an IDP. An IDP is only valid as long as your U.S. license is valid. If your license expires before the IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid and you cannot use it.
Is an IDP the same as a work visa or residency permit?
No. An IDP is only for temporary travel and car rental. It does not allow you to work, live, or stay in another country. If you are relocating or working abroad, you need a visa or work permit from that country's government, not an IDP.
Can I get an IDP if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
Yes, but check with the country you are visiting. Some countries do not recognize U.S. commercial licenses for personal driving, even with an IDP. Contact the country's embassy or your rental car company to confirm before you travel.