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AAA International Driver's License Application: How It Works and What to Expect

If you're planning to drive abroad, you may have heard that you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) — and that AAA is one of the few places in the U.S. authorized to issue one. Here's a clear look at what the AAA international driver's license application process involves, what the permit actually does, and the variables that shape your experience.

What Is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone license. It's a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into multiple languages — currently 12 — so that foreign authorities, rental agencies, and law enforcement in other countries can read and verify your credentials.

The IDP works alongside your U.S. license, not in place of it. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. On its own, the IDP has no legal driving authority.

The permit is formatted according to a 1949 United Nations treaty and is recognized in over 150 countries. Some countries also accept IDPs issued under a 1968 treaty, though the U.S. version is based on the 1949 convention. Before traveling, it's worth confirming which version your destination country recognizes.

Why AAA Issues IDPs — and Who Else Can

In the United States, only two organizations are federally authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs:

  • AAA (American Automobile Association)
  • AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)

Any other website or service claiming to issue "official" international driver's licenses or permits is not a recognized issuer under U.S. or international treaty standards. Scam services do exist in this space — the State Department has flagged this repeatedly.

You do not need to be an AAA member to apply for an IDP through AAA. Membership status does not affect eligibility.

What the AAA IDP Application Requires

The application itself is straightforward, but you'll need to gather the right documents before you go. AAA's process generally requires:

  • ✅ A completed application form (available at AAA branch offices or downloadable from their website)
  • ✅ Two passport-style photos (2" x 2", taken within the last 6 months)
  • ✅ A photocopy of both sides of your valid U.S. driver's license
  • ✅ The application fee (typically around $20, though this can vary)
  • ✅ Your physical presence at a AAA branch office — in most cases, IDPs cannot be processed entirely by mail or online

The permit is typically issued on the spot at a branch. Some AAA locations may offer mail-in processing, but this varies by region and can take longer.

How Long the Permit Is Valid

A standard IDP issued through AAA is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you would need to reapply when it expires.

If you're traveling for an extended period and your IDP will expire while abroad, it's worth timing your application to avoid a gap in validity.

Variables That Affect Your Experience 🌍

Several factors can change how the process plays out for you:

Your nearest AAA branch location determines whether walk-in service is available, what hours are offered, and whether mail-in options are supported. AAA has regional clubs that operate somewhat independently, so service details can differ.

Your destination country matters significantly. Some countries require an IDP. Others don't. Some accept your U.S. license alone for short tourist stays. A handful have their own permit requirements that go beyond what an IDP provides. Rental car companies in certain countries may require an IDP regardless of local law.

Your driver's license status is foundational. If your U.S. license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot get a valid IDP. The IDP mirrors whatever your underlying license status is.

Timing relative to your trip shapes urgency. If you're applying weeks in advance, standard processing at a branch is comfortable. If you're leaving soon, you'll want to confirm that your local AAA office can issue the permit the same day.

Age requirements may apply. Applicants generally need to be at least 18 years old.

What the IDP Does Not Cover

The IDP is a translation document, not an insurance instrument, not a visa, and not a permit to drive any vehicle you haven't already been licensed to operate in the U.S. If your U.S. license only authorizes you to drive passenger vehicles, your IDP reflects that restriction.

It also doesn't override local driving laws. Speed limits, road rules, and traffic regulations in the country you're visiting still apply fully.

The Gap Between General Process and Your Specific Trip

The AAA IDP application process is relatively consistent across the U.S. — but your destination country's recognition of the permit, the availability of your local AAA branch, your license type, and your travel timeline all feed into how straightforward or complicated the process becomes for your situation.

Knowing the general framework puts you ahead. Matching it to where you're going, when you're leaving, and what your license covers is the part only you can fill in.