Understanding International Driving Permits and AAA's Role
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license information into ten different languages. It works alongside your valid U.S. driver's license when you travel outside the country. The IDP contains your photo, signature, and driving record information presented in a format recognized by many countries around the world.
Learn Why Your Stomach Makes Noise and How to Stop It →
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is one of two organizations in the United States authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. AAA has been providing this service for decades, making it widely available to their members and non-members alike. AAA operates through local club offices across all 50 states, and they handle the distribution of IDPs according to State Department guidelines.
Many people confuse an International Driving Permit with an international driver's license. These are different documents. An international license is not a real thing—countries issue only their own national licenses. The IDP is strictly a translation document that supports your actual U.S. driver's license. Together, these two documents allow you to rent vehicles, drive, and prove your driving status in foreign countries.
The permit is particularly useful in countries where English is not widely spoken or where officials are unfamiliar with U.S. driver's licenses. According to the American Automobile Association, over 150 countries recognize International Driving Permits. However, some countries have specific requirements about when an IDP must accompany your license, so checking with your destination country before travel is important.
Practical Takeaway: Before traveling internationally, research whether your destination country requires or recommends an International Driving Permit. Contact the embassy or tourism bureau of the country where you plan to drive to learn their specific requirements.
Where to Obtain Your IDP Through AAA
AAA operates over 1,000 local club offices throughout the United States. You can visit any AAA office to obtain an International Driving Permit, regardless of whether you are a current AAA member. AAA offices are typically located in urban and suburban areas, and many are open during standard business hours as well as some evening and weekend hours.
How To Make A Basic Water Filter At Home →
To find your nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Simply enter your zip code or city name, and the system shows all nearby locations with their hours of operation and services offered. AAA also operates some offices inside retail locations such as grocery stores and shopping centers, which may offer extended hours for your convenience.
In addition to in-person visits, some AAA offices offer mail-in services for International Driving Permits. This option allows you to request an IDP by mail if traveling to an office is not practical for you. The mail-in process involves completing the required forms, submitting your documentation, and sending payment through the postal service. Processing times for mail-in requests typically take 1-2 weeks from the date AAA receives your materials.
AAA also maintains partnerships with travel agencies and some travel-related retailers in certain areas. These partner locations may offer limited IDP services, though the full range of services is usually available only at official AAA offices. When contacting a partner location, confirm they provide IDP services before making a trip.
The cost of an International Driving Permit through AAA is typically between $15 and $20 for a single permit that remains valid for three years. Prices may vary slightly by location. AAA accepts various payment methods including cash, credit cards, and debit cards at most office locations.
Practical Takeaway: Use the AAA website office locator at least two weeks before your travel date to find your nearest office, confirm their hours, and check if they offer mail-in services if office visits do not fit your schedule.
What Documents You Need to Bring
To obtain an International Driving Permit from AAA, you need to bring specific documents to verify your identity and current driving status. The primary document required is your valid U.S. driver's license. This license must not be expired and must be the one you plan to use while traveling. AAA staff will examine your license to confirm it is valid and will use the information on it to create your IDP.
Learn About Immigration Resources and Support →
You will also need a government-issued photo identification document in addition to your driver's license. This can be a passport, passport card, or state ID card. This secondary identification helps AAA verify your identity during the application process. If your passport or state ID is expired, it may still be used for identification purposes, though AAA staff will verify their policy on expired IDs at your specific office.
AAA typically requires a passport-style photo for your International Driving Permit. This photo must meet standard specifications: usually 2x2 inches in size, taken within the last six months, showing your full face clearly without sunglasses or hats, and with a plain white or light background. Many AAA offices can take this photo on-site for an additional fee if you do not have one available. This service typically costs $10-15 and takes just a few minutes.
You will need to complete an International Driving Permit application form. AAA provides this form at their offices, and many offices also make the form available on their website so you can complete it before visiting. The form asks for basic information including your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. Most of this information can be taken directly from your driver's license.
Bring your payment method to cover the IDP cost. Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are generally accepted. Some AAA offices may also accept checks, though it is best to confirm payment methods with your local office before visiting.
Practical Takeaway: Gather your driver's license, a second government ID, and a recent passport-style photo before visiting an AAA office. Call ahead to confirm your office can take photos on-site if you need one taken, to avoid making multiple trips.
The Process of Getting Your Permit in Person
When you arrive at your AAA office to obtain an International Driving Permit, the process typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether you need a photo taken. Staff members will greet you and direct you to the appropriate counter or area where IDP services are handled.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes Care and Management →
First, AAA staff will verify your documents. They will examine your driver's license to confirm it is current and valid, check your secondary government ID to verify your identity, and review your passport-style photo. They may ask you questions to confirm information matches across your documents. This verification step ensures the IDP is issued to the correct person with accurate information.
Next, you will complete the application form if you have not already done so. The form is straightforward and asks for information already contained in your driver's license. You will sign the form in the presence of the AAA staff member. Your signature on the IDP must match your signature on your driver's license, so make sure to sign exactly as you do on your license.
AAA staff will collect your photo and your documents. If your office offers on-site photo services and you need a photo taken, they will do this before processing your application. The photo will be printed onto your IDP document.
You will provide payment for the permit. As of recent years, the cost has been approximately $15-20 depending on your location. AAA will provide you with a receipt. If you are an AAA member, staff may apply any member discounts at this time.
Once your payment is processed, AAA will print your International Driving Permit on the spot in most locations. The document is a small booklet that fits in your wallet or bag, similar in size to a passport. You will receive your IDP immediately, and you can begin using it for international travel right away. The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue.
Practical Takeaway: Plan to visit your AAA office during off-peak hours if possible, such as mid-morning on a weekday, to minimize wait times and get your permit processed quickly.
Understanding Your IDP's Validity and Usage Rules
Your International Driving Permit from AAA remains valid for three years from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed clearly on the front of your IDP booklet. Once this date passes, the permit is no longer valid for travel, though your U.S. driver's license remains valid. If you travel frequently or have plans for multiple international trips over