An AAA International Driving Permit is a document that translates your US driver's license into multiple languages so rental car companies and police in other countries can read it

It is not a separate license and does not replace your US driver's license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and is recognized in over 150 countries as a companion document to your valid US license.

The permit itself contains your photograph, signature, and driving information printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese. A police officer or rental agent in another country can look at it and understand your license status without needing a translator or waiting for a document to be verified by mail.

You cannot drive legally on the permit alone. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your actual US driver's license, you are driving without a license in that country's eyes, even if you have the permit. The permit is purely a translation tool.

Key Takeaways

  • An AAA International Driving Permit is a translation of your US driver's license into six languages and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase.
  • You must carry your actual US driver's license along with the permit at all times when driving outside the United States; the permit cannot be used alone.
  • AAA issues the permit in person at AAA offices or by mail, and you will need your valid US license, a passport-style photograph, and a completed process form.
  • Rental car companies in many countries require the permit before they will rent to you, even if your US license is valid, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on how long you need it, and processing takes one to two weeks by mail or is when ready in person at an AAA office.

When rental companies and foreign police actually require the permit

Most major rental car companies operating in Europe, Central America, South America, and Asia will not rent to you without an International Driving Permit on file. Some companies state this in their terms; others enforce it only when you arrive to pick up the car. If you show up without one, you may be turned away or charged a significant fee to have a local translation made.

Police in some countries—particularly in Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several Central American nations—can fine you for not carrying the permit if you are stopped, even though your US license is valid. The fine is usually modest, but it is a hassle you can avoid. Other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, do not require it at all, though rental companies may still ask for it.

The safest approach is to check the specific requirements of the country and rental company you plan to use before you book. Contact the rental company directly and ask whether they require an International Driving Permit. If they do, obtain one before you travel.

How to get an AAA International Driving Permit

You must be a AAA member to obtain the permit. If you are not a member, you can join at any AAA office or online at aaa.com. Membership costs vary by region but typically range from $50 to $150 per year depending on the level of coverage you choose.

Once you are a member, you can request the permit in two ways. The first is to visit a AAA office in person with your valid US driver's license, a passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches), and a completed process for an International Driving Permit form (which AAA provides). You will receive the permit when ready. The second is to mail the same documents to AAA along with the process form and a check or money order. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks.

You do not need to renew your US driver's license to get the permit, and the permit does not extend the validity of your license. If your US license expires while you are holding the permit, the permit becomes invalid as well.

The difference between the one-year and three-year permits

AAA offers two versions of the International Driving Permit: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year permit costs approximately $15 and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The three-year permit costs approximately $20 and is valid for three years. Both are valid only if your US driver's license remains valid during that time.

Choose the one-year permit if you are taking a single trip or are unsure whether you will drive internationally again soon. Choose the three-year permit if you travel internationally regularly or plan multiple trips over the next few years. The three-year permit is better value if you will use it more than once.

Neither permit can be renewed. When your permit expires, you must explore for a new one through AAA if you need to drive abroad again.

What to bring to a AAA office or include in your mail process

If you are explore in person, bring your valid US driver's license, a passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches, color or black and white), and the completed process for an International Driving Permit form. You will also need to pay the fee in cash, check, or card. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are explore by mail, send the same documents along with a check or money order for the fee to your regional AAA office. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the permit returned by regular mail. Some AAA offices offer expedited mail service for an additional fee, which can reduce processing time to five to seven business days.

Do not send your original passport or US driver's license through the mail. The permit process requires only a copy of your license or the license number. If you are unsure what your regional AAA office requires, call them before you mail anything.

What happens if your US license expires or is suspended

Your International Driving Permit is only valid if your US driver's license is valid. If your US license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, the permit becomes invalid when ready, even if the permit itself has not yet expired. You cannot drive legally in another country on an expired or suspended permit.

If you are planning a trip and your US license will expire during your travel, renew your license before you leave. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain or use an International Driving Permit until your license is reinstated.

Some countries will not accept a permit if your US license has been expired for more than a few months, even if you have since renewed it. To avoid problems, keep your US license current and carry both documents together at all times when driving abroad.

Alternatives if you cannot get to a AAA office

If you are not a AAA member and do not want to join, some travel agencies and international driver's license services offer permits for a higher fee. These services are legitimate but typically charge $30 to $50 compared to AAA's $15 to $20. They still require the same documents and processing time.

If you are traveling very soon and cannot wait for mail processing, visiting a AAA office in person is your fastest option. Many AAA offices are open on Saturdays, and some major cities have multiple locations. Use the AAA office locator at aaa.com to find the nearest office and confirm their hours.

If you are in a country and realize you do not have the permit, some rental companies can arrange a local translation or temporary document. This is more expensive and less reliable than having the permit before you travel, so plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require it, and your US license alone is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require it either, but Mexican rental car companies often will not rent to you without one, and Mexican police may fine you for not carrying it. Check with your rental company before you book.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my US license is suspended?

No. Your US license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain the permit. Renew or resolve your license status first.

What if I lose the permit while I am traveling?

Contact your nearest US embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a new permit, but they can provide documentation that you hold a valid US license, which some rental companies and police will accept. You can also request an emergency replacement from AAA by phone if you have access to a credit card.

Is the International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA. An International License does not exist as an official document. Some websites advertise "International Licenses," but these are not recognized by governments or rental companies. Use only the AAA permit.

How long does it take to get the permit if I explore by mail?

Standard mail processing takes one to two weeks from the date AAA receives your process. Some regional offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the time to five to seven business days. explore at least three weeks before your trip to allow for mail delivery time in both directions.