AAA is the easiest place to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

The American Automobile Association (AAA) issues International Driving Permits (IDPs) at most of its local club offices across the country. You do not need to be a AAA member to get one, though members often pay a lower fee. The process takes about 15 minutes, requires two documents, and costs between $15 and $20 depending on your location.

An IDP is a translation of 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. Most countries that recognize IDPs will accept one issued by AAA because AAA is authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.

You can find your nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com, using their office locator, and filtering for "International Driving Permit" services. Not every AAA office issues IDPs on-site, so confirm before you go. Many offices allow you to request an IDP by mail if no local office offers it.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues International Driving Permits at most local club offices without requiring AAA membership, though members receive a discount.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or government-issued photo ID to get an IDP from AAA.
  • The IDP process takes about 15 minutes in person and costs $15 to $20, depending on your AAA club location.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried with your U.S. driver's license when driving outside the United States.
  • If your local AAA office does not issue IDPs in person, you can request one by mail using AAA's online form.

What documents you need to bring to AAA

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and one additional form of government-issued photo identification. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID card all work. The IDP is a translation of your license, so your license must be current and not expired.

You do not need to bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, or any other driving documents. AAA will not ask for them. If you are renewing an IDP that has expired, bring the expired permit along with your current license and photo ID — this speeds up the process.

How to find an AAA office near you that issues IDPs

Go to aaa.com and click the "Find a Club" link at the top of the page. Enter your city or zip code. The results will show AAA offices in your area with their hours and phone numbers. Call ahead or check the office details page to confirm that location offers International Driving Permit services, because not all do.

If your nearest AAA office does not issue IDPs in person, you have two options: visit a different AAA club that does, or request an IDP by mail. To request by mail, visit aaa.com/travel and look for the International Driving Permit mail-in form. You will mail in a completed process, a photocopy of your driver's license, a photocopy of your photo ID, and a check or money order. Mail-in processing typically takes one to two weeks.

AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, but members usually pay $15 while non-members pay $20. If you are not a member and the fee matters to you, ask the office staff whether a short-term membership discount would bring your total cost down.

What happens after you receive your IDP from AAA

Your IDP will be a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. It contains your name, photo, license number, and driving record information translated into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. The permit is valid for one year from the date AAA issues it.

Before you travel, check the specific rules of the country or countries you plan to visit. Some countries recognize IDPs; others do not. Some require your IDP to be accompanied by your U.S. license at all times; others have different rules. Your travel insurance provider or the embassy website for your destination country can tell you what is required.

Keep your IDP in a safe place while traveling — do not leave it in a rental car or unattended. If your IDP is lost or stolen abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You can request a replacement IDP from AAA when you return home by visiting an office in person or submitting a mail-in request.

When to get your IDP before an international trip

Get your IDP at least one week before you travel if you are going in person to an AAA office. This gives you time to visit the office during business hours and receive your permit when ready. If you are requesting by mail, plan for one to two weeks of processing time, plus mail delivery on both ends.

If your trip is coming up very soon and no AAA office near you issues IDPs in person, some AAA clubs in major cities may be able to issue one the same day if you arrive early in the morning. Call the office directly and ask whether they can accommodate a same-day request.

Alternatives if AAA is not convenient for you

Some state motor vehicle departments issue International Driving Permits directly, though this is less common than going through AAA. Contact your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles to ask whether they issue IDPs. A few states do; most direct people to AAA instead.

If you are traveling to a country that does not recognize U.S. IDPs, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit from that country's government or explore for a local driving permit. Check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country well before your trip to understand their specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AAA issues IDPs to both members and non-members. Members typically pay $15 while non-members pay $20. You do not need to join AAA to get one.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP issued by AAA is valid for one year from the date of issue. After one year, you will need to request a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. You can renew it at any AAA office or by mail.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired to get an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's DMV first, then visit AAA to request the IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance. When you return home, visit an AAA office or submit a mail-in request for a replacement. Bring your current driver's license and photo ID, just as you would for a new IDP.

Will an International Driving Permit let me drive in any country?

No. Some countries recognize IDPs; others do not. Before you travel, check the rules for your specific destination through the country's embassy website or your travel insurance provider. An IDP is a translation tool, not a universal driving license.