The AAA Issues International Driving Permits, Not Licenses

The AAA (American Automobile Association) does not issue international driver's licenses. What it does issue is an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is a separate document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. An IDP is not a license itself — it is a companion document that some countries recognize alongside your actual U.S. license when you rent a car or drive abroad.

The AAA is one of two organizations in the United States authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document under the same rules. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20, depending on which organization you use and whether you explore in person or by mail.

Whether you actually need an IDP depends on where you are driving. Some countries require it; others do not. Some car rental companies demand it even when the country does not. Before you explore, check the specific rules for the country or countries you plan to visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The AAA issues International Driving Permits (IDPs), which are translation documents, not licenses — your U.S. driver's license remains your actual legal driving credential.
  • An IDP is valid for one year and costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP; the IDP cannot be issued on its own.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, and requirements vary by destination, so confirm what your specific country of travel requires before explore.
  • The AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two U.S. organizations authorized to issue IDPs.

What You Need to Bring to the AAA Office

To get an IDP from the AAA in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and the process fee. The AAA accepts cash, check, and card. You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

The passport photo must meet basic standards: a clear, recent photo of your face against a plain background, taken within the last six months. If you do not have one, many AAA offices can take the photo on-site for an additional fee (usually $5 to $10). Some offices offer this service; others do not, so call ahead if you do not have a photo ready.

Processing in person is when ready or nearly so. You will walk out with your IDP the same day in most cases, though some offices may ask you to return within a few hours if they are busy.

explore by Mail Through the AAA

You can also request an IDP by mail. read the process form from the AAA website or pick one up at a local office. Fill it out completely, including your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the countries you plan to visit. Attach a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches) and a photocopy of the front and back of your driver's license.

Mail the completed process, photo, and license copies to the AAA address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash through the mail. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. The AAA will mail your IDP to the address you provide on the process.

Mail-in applications are slower but useful if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person. Plan ahead if you are leaving soon — two to three weeks can be tight if your trip is imminent.

Finding an AAA Office Near You

The AAA has offices in most U.S. states, though not in every city. Use the AAA website to search for the office closest to you by entering your zip code. The search tool shows office hours, phone numbers, and services offered at each location. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs, so confirm that the office you plan to visit offers this service before you go.

If no AAA office is nearby, you have two options: explore by mail (as described above) or contact the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) instead. The AATA also issues IDPs and may have a location or mail-in process that works better for your situation. Both organizations issue the same IDP document under the same rules.

What Happens After You Get Your IDP

Once you have your IDP, keep it with you at all times when driving abroad, along with your actual U.S. driver's license. The IDP is only valid when presented together with your U.S. license — it cannot stand alone. If you lose your license, your IDP becomes useless.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. After one year, it expires and you must get a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. You do not renew an IDP; you explore for a new one. The process is the same each time.

Some countries may ask to see your IDP at a border crossing or during a traffic stop. Others may not ask at all. Car rental companies are often stricter than governments — many require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. If a rental company demands an IDP and you do not have one, they may refuse to rent to you or charge a higher rate.

When You Do Not Need an IDP

Several countries do not require an International Driving Permit and do not recognize it as a substitute for a valid license. In these places, your U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient. However, car rental companies operating in these countries may still ask for an IDP as a matter of company policy, even if the country does not require it.

Canada, Mexico, and most Western European countries (including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain) do not legally require an IDP. Your U.S. license is valid in these places. That said, some rental companies in these countries still prefer to see an IDP because it provides a translation of your license information into multiple languages, which can reduce confusion at a rental counter or during a traffic stop.

Before you travel, check both the government requirements for your destination country and the rental company's specific policy. The rental company's rules may be stricter than the country's rules, and you need to meet both.

The Difference Between an IDP and an International License

An International Driving Permit is not the same as an international driver's license. Some countries issue their own driver's licenses that are recognized in other countries through reciprocal agreements. These are actual licenses issued by a foreign government, not translation documents.

If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad or planning to move to another country, you may need to get a driver's license from that country's government. That is a separate process from getting an IDP. An IDP is only for temporary visitors who want to drive a rental car or their own vehicle for a short stay.

If you are moving to another country permanently or for an extended stay, contact the motor vehicle department in that country to learn about obtaining a local license. The IDP will not replace a local license requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only driving in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP. Your U.S. driver's license is valid in both countries. However, some car rental companies operating in these countries request an IDP anyway, so check your rental agreement before you travel. If the rental company requires one and you do not have it, they may refuse to rent to you.

Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it through your state's DMV before you explore for the IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore in person at the AAA?

In-person processing is usually when ready or takes a few hours. You will typically walk out with your IDP the same day. Call the AAA office ahead of time to confirm their current processing time, as busy periods may cause slight delays.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on how to proceed. In most cases, your U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient to drive legally, even without the IDP. However, if a car rental company requires an IDP and you have lost yours, you may not be able to rent another vehicle until you return to the United States and get a new one.

Can I get an IDP for someone else, or do they have to explore themselves?

The person who will use the IDP must explore for it themselves. You cannot explore on behalf of another person. They must provide their own driver's license, photo, and signature on the process. This is a security requirement to may support the IDP is issued only to the person who will use it.