Who issues the AAA International Driving Permit?
In the United States, AAA (American Automobile Association) and AATA are the only two bodies authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue the official UN International Driving Permit booklet. The IDP is an official translation of your U.S. licence into the languages of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna conventions — so police and rental desks abroad can read it. It is often called the "AAA international driver's license," but it is the same document: the International Driving Permit.
AAA IDP application — step by step
- Complete the AAA IDP application form (available at a branch or on AAA's site).
- Bring your valid U.S. driver's licence and two passport-style photos (AAA can usually take them for a small fee).
- Apply in person at a participating AAA branch or by mail.
- Pay the fee and receive the printed booklet — on the spot at a branch, or by mail.
AAA IDP cost, membership & what to bring
The AAA International Driving Permit fee is about $20, plus the cost of two photos. You do not need to be a AAA member, and the price is the same either way. Bring: your valid U.S. licence, two identical passport-style photos, the completed form, and the fee.
AAA locations & appointments
Not every AAA location processes IDPs in person, and hours vary — call your branch ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and whether you need an appointment. If there's no convenient branch, use the mail option (allow extra time) or skip the visit entirely with an online IDP.
Processing time & validity
In branch, the booklet is typically issued on the spot; by mail it can take 1–3 weeks, so don't leave it to the last minute before a trip. An IDP is valid for one year from the start date you choose and cannot be renewed — you simply apply for a new one when it expires.
AAA IDP vs an online IDP — which is right for you?
- AAA (in person / mail): the official State-Department-authorized booklet. Best if you have a branch nearby and time before your trip.
- Online (International DL): a digital certified translation of your licence, issued in minutes from $39.00, with an optional printed booklet shipped worldwide. Best when your trip is close or there's no convenient branch.
Get your IDP online with International DL, compare on our AAA alternative page, or check whether your destination even requires one with the free IDP checker.
Searching for the "AAA international driving license"? Same document — the IDP — under its everyday name. Whichever route you choose, an IDP never replaces your national licence; always carry both, plus your passport.
Is AAA the only place to get an International Driving Permit?
In the United States, AAA and AATA are the two organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue the official IDP booklet. Online services like International DL offer a faster digital certified translation you carry as a companion to your licence.
How much does the AAA International Driving Permit cost?
The AAA IDP fee is about $20, plus two passport-style photos (roughly $10–15 if AAA takes them). You do not need to be a AAA member to apply.
Is the AAA "international driving permit" the same as an "international driver's license"?
Yes. "AAA international driver's license" is just the everyday name for the International Driving Permit (IDP) — an official translation of your U.S. licence. There is no separate standalone international licence.
Do I need to be a AAA member to get an IDP?
No. AAA issues IDPs to members and non-members at the same fee. You need a valid U.S. driver's licence, two passport photos and the fee.
Do all AAA locations issue International Driving Permits?
Not every branch processes IDPs in person — call ahead to confirm, or apply by mail. If you are short on time, an instant online IDP avoids the branch visit entirely.
How long does the AAA IDP take, and how long is it valid?
In-branch it is usually issued on the spot; by mail it can take 1–3 weeks. The IDP is valid for one year from the date you specify and cannot be renewed — you reapply for a new one.
Can I get an International Driving Permit faster than AAA?
Yes. A digital IDP / certified licence translation can be issued online within minutes from $39.00, versus a branch visit or a mailed booklet. You carry it alongside your national licence.
Skip the branch — get your IDP online in minutes
Digital issuance plus optional worldwide shipping — ready before you fly.
Get my IDP →International DL is not affiliated with AAA or the American Automobile Association. An IDP is a translation companion to your national licence, not a standalone government licence. Acceptance varies by country — confirm requirements before you travel.