Can I apply for an IDP entirely online?

Not from AAA — AAA requires in-person or mail submission. AATA accepts online application submission with document uploads, then mails your permit. Any site promising an instant downloadable “digital IDP” is not issuing a legitimate permit: only AAA and AATA are authorized by the US State Department.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The permit itself is $20 from either AAA or AATA. Budget another $10–17 for two passport-style photos if you don't have them (AAA branches can take them for a small fee), plus postage if you apply by mail.

How fast can I get an IDP?

Same day — often within 30 minutes — if you walk into a AAA branch that issues IDPs. By mail, plan on 10–15 business days door to door. If your trip is less than two weeks away, the in-person AAA route is the safe choice.

Do I need to be a AAA member?

No. Both AAA and AATA issue IDPs to any eligible US license holder. Membership doesn't change the $20 price.

How long is an IDP valid?

One year from the issue date — or until your US driver's license expires, whichever comes first. You can request a future start date up to 6 months ahead, so an IDP issued in July can be dated for a September trip.

Can I get an IDP if I'm already abroad?

AAA requires you to apply in person or by mail within the US. AATA's mail-in service can deliver internationally for an added fee — confirm the current policy and allow several extra weeks. If a friend or family member has power of attorney, some AAA branches accept applications on your behalf; call the branch first.

What photos do I need?

Two identical passport-style photos, 2x2 inches, neutral expression, signed on the back. Pharmacy photo counters and AAA branches both do them. See our full photo requirements guide for the details that get applications rejected.

My license expires during my trip — can I still apply?

Your IDP dies with your license, so renew your state license first, then apply for the IDP. An IDP is only a translation of a valid license — it has no standing on its own.

Can I use my IDP to drive in the US?

No — a US-issued IDP is for driving abroad. Inside the US you just use your state license. (Foreign visitors driving in America are the reverse case — they bring an IDP from their home country.)

What if my IDP application is rejected or delayed?

The usual culprits: unsigned form, missing photo signature, expired license copy, or a name mismatch between license and form. Fix the document and resubmit — there's no penalty. During summer travel season, mail processing can stretch, so apply 4+ weeks ahead when possible.

How to Get an International Driving Permit in the US (2026)

Three steps, $20, and one afternoon. This is the complete, up-to-date application guide for US license holders — every legitimate method, what documents you need, and how to avoid the fake “instant IDP” sites.

Quick answer

Fill out a one-page form, attach two passport photos and a copy of your US license, and pay $20 to AAA (same-day in person, or by mail) or AATA (online or mail). These are the only two organizations authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs. Everything else is a scam.

The 2 legal issuers Documents AAA in person AAA by mail AATA online/mail Compare methods Costs Common mistakes FAQ

Step 0: Know the Only Two Legal Issuers

The US State Department authorizes exactly two organizations to issue International Driving Permits to US license holders:

AAA (American Automobile Association) — in person at 1,000+ branches or by mail. Full AAA IDP guide →
AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) — online application or by mail. Full AATA IDP guide →

Scam check: any website selling an “international driver's license,” an instant digital IDP, or a “10-year IDP” for $40–300 is selling a worthless card. Police and rental agencies abroad recognize only the $20 gray-booklet IDP from AAA or AATA. Not sure which to pick? AAA vs AATA compared →

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Valid US driver's license — a photocopy of both sides. It must not expire before your trip ends (your IDP dies with your license).
Two passport-style photos — 2x2 in, identical, signed on the back. Exact photo specs →
Completed application form — AAA form (PDF) or AATA application. One page; takes about 5 minutes.
$20 fee — cash or card in person; check or money order by mail.

Eligibility: 18 or older, with a valid license issued by a US state or territory. You do not need to be a AAA member, and you don't need a passport to apply (though you'll obviously need one to travel).

Option 1: AAA In Person — Same Day (Fastest)

Find a branch that issues IDPs with the AAA office locator — call ahead, because not every branch offers walk-in IDP service.
Bring your license, photos, and the filled-out form. Forgot photos? Most branches take them on the spot for around $10–15.
Pay $20 (card or cash) and walk out with your permit — usually inside 30 minutes.

Leaving in a few days? This is your route. Same-day IDP guide →

Option 2: AAA By Mail (10–15 Business Days)

Download and complete the AAA IDP application.
Photocopy both sides of your license.
Include two signed passport photos.
Write a $20 check or money order payable to AAA.
Mail everything to your nearest IDP-issuing branch (find the address).
Allow 10–15 business days for processing plus return delivery.

Peak summer season runs slower. If your departure is under three weeks away, go in person instead. Current processing times →

Option 3: AATA — Online Application or Mail

Start at the official AATA site (aataidp.com — check the URL carefully; imitators exist).
Submit the application online with document uploads, or print and mail it with photos + license copy.
Pay the $20 fee (plus shipping options at checkout).
AATA prints and mails your permit — typically about 1–2 weeks door to door, with expedited shipping offered.

Mailing address: AATA, 1 East Erie St, Suite 525 #2250, Chicago, IL 60611. AATA is the convenient route if there's no IDP-issuing AAA branch near you.

Which Method Should You Use?

Method	Speed	Cost	Best for
AAA in person	Same day	$20	Trips less than 3 weeks out; anyone near a branch
AAA by mail	10–15 business days	$20 + postage	Planners with 4+ weeks of runway
AATA online/mail	~1–2 weeks	$20 + shipping	No IDP-issuing AAA branch nearby; online preference

What It Actually Costs

IDP fee: $20 (identical at AAA and AATA — fixed by regulation)
Passport photos: $0 (reuse spares) to ~$17 at a pharmacy counter
Postage/shipping: $0 in person; $2–25 by mail depending on speed

Realistic total: $20–45 once, valid for a year of international trips. Compare that to a single no-IDP rental refusal or roadside fine abroad — commonly $100–500. Full cost breakdown →

6 Mistakes That Delay Applications

Unsigned photos or form. Both photos need your signature on the back; the form needs it in ink.
License expiring mid-trip. Renew your state license first — the IDP can't outlive it.
Name mismatch. The form must match your license exactly — including middle names and suffixes.
Wrong photo size. 2x2 inch passport spec, plain background. Selfie prints get rejected.
Buying a fake online. If it wasn't AAA or AATA, it isn't real — and border police know the difference.
Waiting until the week of departure, then mailing it. Mail takes 10–15 business days. Under 3 weeks out? Walk into AAA.

After You Get It

Carry both documents together. An IDP is a translation of your license, not a replacement — abroad, you present the pair.
It's valid for 1 year. Going again next year? The renewal process is just a fresh application. IDP renewal guide →
Check your destination's rules. Requirements differ by country — use the IDP country checker or browse our country guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your IDP This Week

$20, one afternoon, valid in 150+ countries for a full year.

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