The permit
How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States
Getting a permit takes a form, two photos, a copy of your license and a fee. The part people get wrong is who to send it to, and when.
When should you apply for your IDP?
Apply no later than
December 1, 2026
| Not before | June 15, 2026 |
| Days from today | 26 |
| Basis: 5 business days of processing plus 5 business days of delivery | |
Only two organizations may issue an International Driving Permit in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). USAGov, the federal government's information site, says so in its page updated on April 14, 2026, and adds that the permit is valid for one year and cannot be renewed: when it expires, you apply for a new one. You must be at least 18 and hold a valid US license. AAA charges a $20 permit fee, takes applications at its branches, by mail and online, and processes online orders in about 5 business days before shipping; by mail it asks for 4 to 6 weeks. AATA also charges $20 and works online. Neither issues a permit dated more than six months ahead. Websites other than these two sell documents that are not valid permits.
What does an International Driving Permit cost?
AAA online, total
$30
| Permit fee | $20 |
| Photo | $10 |
| Shipping | $0 |
Fees published by AAA and AATA; AAA branches may add sales tax and charge for photos taken there.
Rules read by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · Method and sources
Step by step
- Check that you need one. The country checker shows, for 85 countries we classified, whether the US license is enough. In Mexico and Canada, USAGov says no permit is needed.
- Pick the issuer. AAA or AATA. USAGov names both as the only organizations authorized by the State Department. The permit they issue is the same 1949-convention booklet.
- Choose the start date. The permit runs one year from the date it takes effect, which you can set in the future, up to six months after the application. The validity calculator shows the end date.
- Gather the documents. Two passport photos (AAA online adds a $10 photo service; AATA $9), a copy of both sides of your license, the form.
- Send it in time. The tool at the top gives the last safe day for your departure and method.
Which method, for which deadline
| Method | Processing published by the issuer | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| AAA branch | issued in person; for urgent cases AAA sends travelers to a branch | none, you leave with it |
| AAA online | about 5 business days | the shipping option you pick |
| AAA by mail | 4 to 6 weeks, return mail included | included in the delay |
| AATA online | 2 to 4 business days | 2 to 10 business days by the option chosen ($16 to $165) |
The tool counts business days from Monday to Friday and ignores public holidays, so add a margin around them. It never suggests applying more than six months before the start date, which AAA does not allow.
What the permit is, and what it is not
An International Driving Permit is a translation of your US license into several languages, in a format that countries party to the 1949 Geneva convention recognize. It does not replace the license: you carry both, and the permit is worthless without the license. It does not give you the right to drive in a country whose law excludes visitors, such as China. AAA states that it does not issue digital permits; the booklet is printed and stamped. Anything sold as a "digital international driver's license" is covered on the scam page.
Photos and signatures
The photos follow the passport format. You sign the permit when you receive it: an unsigned booklet may be refused abroad. Check that the name matches the license exactly, since a mismatch is a common reason for a rental counter to turn a driver away.