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AAA / AATA & U.S. Department of State Authorized 2026

US International Driving Permit (AAA IDP) Guide

Guide to obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) through a U.S. Department of State-authorized issuer — including AAA's $20 permit fee, 1949 Convention framework, one-year validity, required documents, destination-country rules, and foreign visitor driving considerations.

IDP Requirements & Application Evaluator

This guide explains how U.S. International Driving Permits work, who may issue them, how to apply through AAA or AATA, the difference between an IDP and a driver's license, how destination-country rules affect whether an IDP is required, and what foreign visitors should verify before driving in the United States.

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Official AAA Portals
AAA Official IDP Portal

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Frequently Asked Questions

The U.S. Department of State has authorized two active organizations to issue International Driving Permits to holders of valid U.S. driver's licenses: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

AAA's IDP permit fee is $20. AAA requires a completed application, two original recent passport-type photos, and a valid U.S. or U.S. territorial driver's license. Additional photo, tax, shipping, or expedited-service charges may apply depending on the application method and AAA club.

A U.S. IDP is generally valid for one year from its effective date, but it must be used with the corresponding valid U.S. or U.S. territorial driver's license. AAA also states that an IDP may not be issued more than six months before its desired effective date.

No. An IDP is a supplement and official translation of your valid driver's license; it does not replace the underlying license or independently grant driving privileges. When driving abroad, carry both the valid U.S. driver's license and the IDP, and comply with the destination country's licensing, insurance, and rental-car requirements.
Official U.S. Government & Issuing Authorities

• U.S. Department of State International Driving Permits: travel.state.gov/driving
• AAA Official International Driving Permit Portal: aaa.com/idp