You cannot get a real International Driving Permit online, but you can start the process and find legitimate providers
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a physical document issued in person by an authorized office in your home country. No government agency issues one by email, website, or mail-order service. However, you can research which organizations in your country issue them, check their requirements, and in some cases submit paperwork online before visiting in person to complete the transaction.
The catch: websites that claim to issue IDPs entirely online are either scams or selling something that is not a real IDP. A real IDP comes from a specific, government-recognized body — in the United States, that is the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). In Canada, it is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). These organizations issue the permit only after you appear in person with your valid driver's license and proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- A legitimate International Driving Permit must be issued in person by an authorized organization in your home country — AAA or AATA in the US, CAA in Canada.
- Websites offering to issue an IDP entirely online are fraudulent; a real IDP is a physical booklet that arrives after you visit an office in person.
- You can find the correct issuing organization and sometimes submit an initial form online, but you must complete the transaction face-to-face.
- The cost is typically $15 to $30 USD, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on your age and the country's rules.
- An IDP is not a replacement for your home country driver's license — you must carry both documents when driving abroad.
How the legitimate IDP process works in the United States
In the United States, the AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. To get one, you visit an AAA office or AATA office in person with your valid US driver's license and proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You fill out an process form on site, provide a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. The permit is printed and issued when ready or within a few days.
Some AAA locations allow you to read and fill out the process form before you arrive, which speeds up the in-person visit. This is the closest thing to an "online" process — you prepare paperwork at home, but you still must show up in person to verify your identity and receive the physical permit. AATA has a similar process: you can find your nearest office on their website, but the actual issuance happens face-to-face.
The cost is typically $15 to $20 at AAA and $20 to $30 at AATA, depending on whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. AAA members sometimes receive a discount. The permit is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, and you must carry it alongside your actual driver's license when driving in a foreign country.
How the legitimate IDP process works in Canada
In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the authorized issuer. You visit a CAA office in person with your valid Canadian driver's license and proof of residency. The process is completed on site, a photo is taken or provided, and the permit is issued the same day or within a few business days. Some CAA branches allow you to book an appointment online, which reduces wait time but does not eliminate the in-person requirement.
The cost is typically $20 to $25 CAD. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Like the US version, you must carry both your Canadian driver's license and the IDP when driving abroad.
Red flags: how to spot a fake IDP service
Scam websites use phrases like "get your IDP online in minutes," "no office visit required," "when ready approval," or "digital IDP." These are all false. A real IDP is a physical booklet with security features, your photo, and an official seal. It cannot be issued digitally or by email.
Other warning signs include websites that ask you to pay by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card; sites that do not list a physical office address or phone number; and services that charge significantly more than the official rate (more than $50 USD for a standard permit). Scammers often use domain names that sound official — for example, "international-driving-permit.com" or "idp-official.net" — but are not actually affiliated with AAA, AATA, CAA, or any government agency.
If you pay a scam site, you will receive either nothing or a worthless document that will not be recognized by police or rental car companies abroad. You will have no recourse because the site is not a legitimate business.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
If you live far from an AAA, AATA, or CAA office, you have a few options. First, check whether your organization offers mail-in service. Some AAA branches will mail you an process form, which you complete and return with a photo and payment. The permit is then mailed back to you. This takes longer — typically two to four weeks — but avoids a trip to the office.
Second, if you are traveling soon and cannot wait, ask a trusted friend or family member who lives near an office to visit on your behalf. They will need your driver's license, proof of residency, a photo of you, and a signed power of attorney or letter authorizing them to act for you. Not all offices accept this, so call ahead.
Third, some countries recognize a national driving permit issued by your home country as an alternative to an IDP. For example, some European countries accept a UK photocard license without an IDP. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country you are visiting — an IDP may not be necessary at all.
How an IDP differs from other online driving documents
You may see websites offering "digital driver's licenses" or "mobile driving credentials." These are not IDPs. A digital driver's license is a copy of your home country's license stored on your phone — it is not recognized internationally and is not a substitute for a physical license or IDP. Some US states and Canadian provinces are testing digital licenses for domestic use, but they do not replace an IDP for international travel.
An IDP is also not the same as an international driving record or a certified copy of your driving history. Those documents show your record with your home country's licensing authority; they do not permit you to drive abroad. An IDP is the only document that translates your home license into a format recognized by police and rental companies in other countries.
What to bring when you visit in person
Bring your valid driver's license (not expired), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last three months), and a passport-style photo (usually 2x2 inches or 35x45 millimeters). Some offices accept digital photos taken on site; others require you to bring a printed photo. Call your local AAA, AATA, or CAA office to confirm what they need.
Bring cash or a debit/credit card for the fee. Some offices accept only certain payment methods. If you are under 18 or over a certain age (rules vary by country), bring additional documents — ask your office what applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an IDP without my home country driver's license?
No. An IDP is a translation and supplement to your home license, not a replacement. You must carry both documents when driving abroad. Police and rental car companies expect to see your actual driver's license alongside the IDP.
How long does it take to get an IDP if I visit in person?
If you visit an AAA or AATA office in the US, or a CAA office in Canada, the permit is usually issued the same day or within a few business days. If you use mail-in service, allow two to four weeks. Online scam sites that promise when ready delivery are not legitimate.
Is an IDP valid in every country?
An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. However, some countries have additional requirements or do not recognize it at all. Check the specific rules for the country you plan to visit before you travel.
What happens if my IDP expires while I am abroad?
An expired IDP is not valid for driving. If you are traveling for longer than your permit's validity period, you will need to renew it before you leave your home country. You cannot renew an IDP while abroad.
Can I get an IDP for a motorcycle or commercial license?
Yes. The IDP you receive corresponds to the class of license you hold. If your home country license permits you to ride a motorcycle, your IDP will too. Bring your actual license to the office so the issuer can match the permit to your license class.