Applying for an International License (International Driving Permit) in the U.S. from AAA

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

This article has been viewed 159,296 times.

If you plan on driving while traveling abroad, you should definitely get an International Driving Permit (IDP). In fact, it’s a good idea to get one even if you don't plan to drive when traveling—just in case! It’s a very simple process to get one from AAA in the U.S., and we’ll walk you through the process and answer any IDP questions you may have.

• An IDP is a document that translates your existing U.S.-based driving license into other languages.
• More than 150 nations accept IDPs, so long as you carry it along with your valid driving license.
• AAA is the only organization authorized to provide IDPs in the U.S. You can apply by mail or in person at your local AAA office.

What’s an IDP?

international driving permit, not a driving license." width="460" height="345" />

• The permit is recognized in more than 150 countries. [2] X Research source This means that, if you have both a valid driving license and a valid IDP, you (under most circumstances) can legally drive in any of those countries.
• Before traveling to a specific country, contact their embassy or consulate to confirm whether they accept the IDP.

Getting an IDP

• Your U.S. state/territory/etc. driving license must be valid for at least 6 months after your IDP is issued. If your license will expire during the 6 month period, renew it before applying for the IDP.
• You must be 18 years old to get an IDP, regardless of the minimum age to get a driving license where you live.

• 2 recent passport style photos, 2 in × 2 in (5.1 cm × 5.1 cm) in size, both signed on the back. You can get passport photos taken at any AAA office for a small fee.
• Your valid driving license (if applying in person), or a legible photocopy of both the front and back of your license (if applying by mail).
• The application fee of $20 USD, by check or money order (if applying by mail). You can also pay by cash or credit if you apply in person.

• You can choose an effective date (starting date) for your IDP up to 6 months ahead, so plan ahead and get this important task done well before your travel date.
• If you’re already outside the U.S., mail your application to:
  • AAA/IDP
  • Attn: Mailstop #28
  • 1000 AAA Drive
  • Heathrow, FL 32746
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  Other FAQs

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  • The United Nations does not issue IDPs. If you obtained a document purported to be an IDP issued by the U.N., you do not have a valid international driving permit.
  • A real, valid IDP is a multi-page booklet 4 in × 6 in (10 cm × 15 cm) in size, with a gray cover. It includes a page displaying the holder's name, date and place of birth, and home address. This information is repeated in 9 other languages on separate pages.
  • If you have any questions regarding the validity of an IDP, take it to your nearest AAA office.

  

  How do I use an IDP while traveling abroad? Remember that the IDP is really just a certified translation of your driving license. You must keep your actual driving license with you at all times while driving. If requested by the authorities, present both your valid driving license and your IDP. [8] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source

  

  How long is an IDP valid? An IDP is valid for 1 year, but you can only choose an effective date (starting date) 6 months in advance. In other words, if you want an IDP that will be valid between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, you can’t submit an application before 1 January 2023. [9] X Research source

  Step 4 Can I get an IDP in the USA if I’m a visitor to the USA?" width="460" height="345" />

  • Individual U.S. states make their own rules, but you generally don’t need an IDP if your current non-U.S. driving license is written in English, [11] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source or possibly English or Spanish. [12] X Research source
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  Advertisement References
  1. ↑https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/get-a-drivers-license-ct?language=en_US
  2. ↑https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html
  3. ↑https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html
  4. ↑https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/guide-to-international-driving-permits.html
  5. ↑https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/guide-to-international-driving-permits.html
  6. ↑http://aataidp.com/
  7. ↑http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/safety/driving.html
  8. ↑https://www.michigan.gov/sos/license-id/license-and-id
  9. ↑https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html
  1. ↑https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/get-a-drivers-license-ct?language=en_US
  2. ↑https://www.michigan.gov/sos/license-id/license-and-id
  3. ↑https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/get-a-drivers-license-ct?language=en_US

  About This Article

  Co-authored by:

  This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 159,296 times.

  4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 16 Updated: December 12, 2022 Views: 159,296 Categories: United States Travel | Road Travel

  If you want to drive outside of the U.S., you’ll need an international driving license. To get one, you’ll need to be 18 years old and have a U.S. driver's license that's valid for at least the next 6 months. You should obtain your international license either from the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance. You can download an application form online and take it to a local office or mail it to the right organization. If you need your license in a hurry, go in person so you don’t have to wait on the mail. Once you receive your international driver’s license, you can use it to drive outside the U.S. but you’ll always need to carry your domestic license with it. For more tips from our Legal co-author, including how to avoid scams for international driver’s licenses, read on!