How do I get an international driving permit at AAA?

[SanTessa]

You can obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) at AAA by visiting a branch in person for same-day issuance, applying online, or mailing in your application. The process requires your valid U.S. driver's license, two passport photos, a completed application, and a $20 fee. The IDP, valid for one year in over 150 countries, is a translation document that must always be used alongside your physical U.S. license.

The most efficient method is an in-person visit to a full-service AAA branch. You do not need to be a AAA member to apply. Bring your current U.S. driver's license, two original passport-sized photos (2x2 inches), and the $20 permit fee. Many branches can take your photo on-site for an additional charge. The entire process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, and you leave with your IDP in hand.

For those unable to visit a branch, AAA offers mail-in and online options. The online application portal is convenient but involves processing and shipping time, which can extend to 5 business days or more. The mail-in process requires sending your application form, photocopy of your license, photos, and payment to AAA's designated office in Heathrow, Florida.

Your eligibility hinges on holding a valid U.S. driver's license and being at least 18 years old. The IDP itself is not a standalone license but a recognized translation of your existing credentials. Its validity is strictly tied to your underlying U.S. license; if your domestic license expires or is suspended, the IDP becomes invalid.

Key operational details are critical for trouble-free use abroad. The permit is valid from its issue date for one year and is recognized in over 150 countries. You must carry both your original U.S. license and the IDP together whenever you drive overseas. It translates your license details into ten languages, aiding rental car agencies and local authorities.

Requirement/Detail	Specification
Application Fee	$20 USD (plus applicable sales tax)
Primary Documents Needed	Valid U.S. Driver's License, Completed IDP Application Form
Photos Required	Two (2) identical, original 2x2 inch passport-style photos
Standard Processing (In-Person)	15-20 minutes
Online/Mail Processing Time	5+ business days (plus shipping)
IDP Validity Period	1 year from date of issue
Key Use Constraint	Must be accompanied by your physical U.S. license at all times

AAA serves as the sole authorized issuer of IDPs in the United States, sanctioned by the U.S. Department of State. If you are already overseas, you can still mail your application to the Florida processing center, though international shipping times will apply. Planning ahead, especially before peak travel seasons, is advised to avoid delays.

[EdwardAnn]

I just got mine last week before a trip to Italy. Walked into my local AAA office with my driver’s license and two passport photos I had leftover from a renewal. The whole thing took maybe 15 minutes and cost twenty bucks. The lady at the counter was super helpful. She stapled the permit together, and I was out the door. Easiest part of my trip planning. Just remember, it’s just a translation—you still need to bring your actual U.S. license with you to rent the car and drive over there.

[StephenMarie]

As someone who has worked at a AAA branch for several years, here’s what I tell members and non-members who come in for an IDP. Please bring two original passport photos. We can take them here for a fee, but having them ready speeds things up. Have your current, valid U.S. driver’s license—not a temporary paper copy. The fee is $20 plus any local tax. We fill out the standard U.N.-format booklet together, I verify your details, stamp it, and attach a photo. You walk out with a valid permit. The most common mistake people make is thinking the IDP replaces their license. It doesn’t. It works with it. Keep them together.

[MakaylaMarie]

I travel internationally for work frequently. My advice: go in person. The online option sounds good but adds days for processing and shipping for the same price. At a AAA branch, it’s done immediately. I keep a few extra passport photos at home just for this. The one-year validity is standard, so time your application close to your departure. It’s accepted in most countries, but always double-check your specific destination’s requirements. The $20 fee is minimal compared to the hassle of being turned away at a rental counter. This isn’t a complex process; it’s a straightforward administrative task. Treat it that way—be prepared, go to AAA, get it done.

[MariaFitz]

Let me break down the rules from my experience living abroad. The AAA-issued IDP is a treaty-mandated translation. Its core function is to bridge the language gap for authorities. The one-year validity is fixed; you cannot get one that lasts longer, even if your U.S. license does. It’s crucial to understand it’s not an independent license. If a traffic officer abroad asks for your “license,” you must present both booklets. Some countries, like Japan or Spain, require it by law for U.S. drivers. Others may not but rental companies often insist. The $20 fee and simple paperwork are a small price for legal compliance. Always apply in your home country before you travel; getting one after you’ve left is much more difficult.