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[Skip to Main Content](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#main)  International Driving Permit Your International Driving Permit speaks the language - even if you don't! **[NEW! Apply Online](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#HowToApply)** - [About](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#about) - [ALREADY OVERSEAS?](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#overseas) - [FAQ](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#faq) - [IDP APPLICATION](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/docs/IDP_Application2a.pdf) # Planning to rent a car and venturing out into the world on your own? Plan to obtain an International Driving Permit before you go. ## AAA is one of two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs.\* ## Why Carry an IDP? Your IDP is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information. It translates your identification information into 10 languages — so it speaks the language even if you don't. Most countries highly recommend an International Driving Permit. Another country cannot issue an IDP to be used in conjunction with a US driver’s license. An IDP accompanying a US driver’s license can only be issued in the USA. See [ALREADY OVERSEAS](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#overseas) Many countries require an IDP to drive legally. Fines for driving without an IDP can be quite costly. Check the countries’ requirements before traveling. An IDP gives you peace of mind while you're out exploring the world - even if you're not planning to drive\! **\* International Driving Permits may not be issued more than six (6) months in advance of desired effective date. \*\*Contact the AAA branch office directly to verify IDP Services is available. \*\*\* plus sales tax if applicable. Check with the nearest branch office for exact fees.** ## How to Apply? **NEW\! Apply Online** You can now obtain an IDP via an Online Application Process: - Complete and sign application - Take a digital passport photo (smart phone with camera required) - Capture front and back of driver's license - Pay \$20 USD permit fee, \$10 passport photo fee plus applicable shipping - **Please allow 5 business days for processing plus return shipping** - **IDPs are physically printed and mailed. Digital versions are not available.** [Apply Online](https://www.aaa-idp.com/) - **If you need an IDP in 7 business days or less, please visit a AAA branch near you.** **Apply in Person at a AAA Branch.** You will need to provide: - Download and fill out an [application (new tab)](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/docs/IDP_Application2a.pdf), and bring it to your nearest [AAA branch office\*\* (new tab)](https://www.aaa.com/office?office=IDP). Please call office to ensure IDP services are available at the desired office. - Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA branch offices\*\*). - A valid U.S. driver's license. - Pay \$20 USD permit fee and you're ready to go!\*\*\* **Apply by Mail** If you are not able to visit your nearest AAA branch office, your IDP can be obtained through the mail. Simply enclose the following and mail them to the AAA office nearest you (check locally for payment options): - Your completed IDP application form - Two original passport pictures each signed on the back - \$20 USD permit fee\*\*\* - A photocopy of both sides of your driver's license - If desired, include additional U.S. funds for expedited return mail service. See [USPS.com (new tab)](http://www.usps.com/) or [Fedex.com (new tab)](http://www.fedex.com/) for rates. ## Already Overseas? **NEW\! Apply Online** If you are currently overseas you can now obtain an IDP via an Online Application Process: - Complete and sign application - Take a digital passport photo (smart phone with camera required) - Capture front and back of driver's license - Pay \$20 USD permit fee, \$10 passport photo fee plus applicable shipping - **Please allow 5 business days for processing plus return shipping** [Apply Online](<https://www.AAA-IDP.com >) ## Already Overseas? If you are currently overseas you can mail your completed application to the following office and address: AAA/IDP 1000 AAA Drive Heathrow, FL 32746 Attn: Mail Stop \#28 Please allow 5-7 weeks for return mail. ## International Driving Permit Frequently Asked Questions FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. [Am I required to have an IDP in foreign countries?](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q002) 2. [If someone visits the United States from a foreign country and discovers that they need an IDP, can they purchase one from AAA?](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q006) 3. [If someone has a driver’s license from a U.S. territory such as Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, how would an IDP work for them?](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q008) 4. [I am on active duty in the military…](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q010) 5. [I am traveling to South America…](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q011) ### Am I required to have an IDP in foreign countries? There are some countries that do not recognize a drivers license from the United States, but officially recognize an IDP (e.g. Hungary). There are other countries that honor a United States drivers license, but require a local language translation (e.g. Spain). The IDP can satisfy these types of situations. Keep in mind, however, that while a certain country’s government may not require an IDP, car rental companies located in that country, such as Hertz, may require an IDP to rent a car. Purchasing an IDP prior to departure can save a lot of potential hassles. **NOTE:** If you are living permanently in a foreign country, even though you may still hold a U.S. state issued driver's license, **you must abide by local driver's licensing laws.** Many countries require that you obtain a local license once you take up employment and/or residency. ### If someone visits the United States from a foreign country and discovers that they need an IDP, can they purchase one from AAA? No. AAA issues International Driving Permits only to individuals who hold a valid U.S. driver's license. For example, if you hold a driver's license that was issued in the United Kingdom, AAA cannot issue you an International Driving Permit. ### If someone has a driver’s license from a U.S. territory such as Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, how would an IDP work for them? Since their driver’s license was issued by a U.S. possession, their IDP would also be issued in the United States. Contact a AAA office in the United States, and the IDP can be issued and mailed. ### I am on active duty in the military and my U.S. license has or is due to expire. Can I apply for an IDP? Each state has its own provisions for extending the validity of state driving licenses for active duty military. Though valid in a home state, an expired U.S. license held by active duty military may not be valid or acceptable in a foreign country per that country’s driving requirements. See [DMV.org (new tab)](http://www.dmv.org/) for state information on renewals, keeping in mind that an IDP is only a translation of the license, not a license to drive. Military applicants must understand the conditions under which an IDP is valid if insisting upon issuance of a permit against an expired U.S. license that may be considered valid in their home state until discharged from active duty. **NOTE:** If a state DMV allows renewal online or by mail for active duty military personnel stationed out of state, applicants should renew their license prior to issuance of an IDP. Some states will issue a DL236 card to be presented with an expired license to extend validity. ### I am traveling to South America, so which permit should I issue? The International Driving Permit is valid for South America, EXCEPT in Brazil where an IADP is needed for stays 180 days and longer. ### Geographical Areas/Countries Which Honor International Driving Permits (Convention on Road Traffic, United Nations, Geneva 1949) Click to see [Countries That Honor International Driving Permits](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/IDP-Country-List.pdf) © AAA Travel

- [About](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#about) - [ALREADY OVERSEAS?](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#overseas) - [FAQ](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#faq) - [IDP APPLICATION](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/docs/IDP_Application2a.pdf) Planning to rent a car and venturing out into the world on your own? Plan to obtain an International Driving Permit before you go.AAA is one of two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs.\* ## Why Carry an IDP? Your IDP is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information. It translates your identification information into 10 languages — so it speaks the language even if you don't. Most countries highly recommend an International Driving Permit. Another country cannot issue an IDP to be used in conjunction with a US driver’s license. An IDP accompanying a US driver’s license can only be issued in the USA. See [ALREADY OVERSEAS](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#overseas) Many countries require an IDP to drive legally. Fines for driving without an IDP can be quite costly. Check the countries’ requirements before traveling. An IDP gives you peace of mind while you're out exploring the world - even if you're not planning to drive\! **\* International Driving Permits may not be issued more than six (6) months in advance of desired effective date. \*\*Contact the AAA branch office directly to verify IDP Services is available. \*\*\* plus sales tax if applicable. Check with the nearest branch office for exact fees.** ## How to Apply? **Apply in Person at a AAA Branch.** You will need to provide: - Download and fill out an [application (new tab)](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/docs/IDP_Application2a.pdf), and bring it to your nearest [AAA branch office\*\* (new tab)](https://www.aaa.com/office?office=IDP). Please call office to ensure IDP services are available at the desired office. - Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA branch offices\*\*). - A valid U.S. driver's license. - Pay \$20 USD permit fee and you're ready to go!\*\*\* **Apply by Mail** If you are not able to visit your nearest AAA branch office, your IDP can be obtained through the mail. Simply enclose the following and mail them to the AAA office nearest you (check locally for payment options): - Your completed IDP application form - Two original passport pictures each signed on the back - \$20 USD permit fee\*\*\* - A photocopy of both sides of your driver's license - If desired, include additional U.S. funds for expedited return mail service. See [USPS.com (new tab)](http://www.usps.com/) or [Fedex.com (new tab)](http://www.fedex.com/) for rates. ## Already Overseas? If you are currently overseas you can mail your completed application to the following office and address: AAA/IDP 1000 AAA Drive Heathrow, FL 32746 Attn: Mail Stop \#28 Please allow 5-7 weeks for return mail. International Driving Permit Frequently Asked Questions FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. [Am I required to have an IDP in foreign countries?](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q002) 2. [If someone visits the United States from a foreign country and discovers that they need an IDP, can they purchase one from AAA?](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q006) 3. [If someone has a driver’s license from a U.S. territory such as Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, how would an IDP work for them?](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q008) 4. [I am on active duty in the military…](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q010) 5. [I am traveling to South America…](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#Q011) ### Am I required to have an IDP in foreign countries? There are some countries that do not recognize a drivers license from the United States, but officially recognize an IDP (e.g. Hungary). There are other countries that honor a United States drivers license, but require a local language translation (e.g. Spain). The IDP can satisfy these types of situations. Keep in mind, however, that while a certain country’s government may not require an IDP, car rental companies located in that country, such as Hertz, may require an IDP to rent a car. Purchasing an IDP prior to departure can save a lot of potential hassles. **NOTE:** If you are living permanently in a foreign country, even though you may still hold a U.S. state issued driver's license, **you must abide by local driver's licensing laws.** Many countries require that you obtain a local license once you take up employment and/or residency. ### If someone visits the United States from a foreign country and discovers that they need an IDP, can they purchase one from AAA? No. AAA issues International Driving Permits only to individuals who hold a valid U.S. driver's license. For example, if you hold a driver's license that was issued in the United Kingdom, AAA cannot issue you an International Driving Permit. ### If someone has a driver’s license from a U.S. territory such as Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, how would an IDP work for them? Since their driver’s license was issued by a U.S. possession, their IDP would also be issued in the United States. Contact a AAA office in the United States, and the IDP can be issued and mailed. ### I am on active duty in the military and my U.S. license has or is due to expire. Can I apply for an IDP? Each state has its own provisions for extending the validity of state driving licenses for active duty military. Though valid in a home state, an expired U.S. license held by active duty military may not be valid or acceptable in a foreign country per that country’s driving requirements. See [DMV.org (new tab)](http://www.dmv.org/) for state information on renewals, keeping in mind that an IDP is only a translation of the license, not a license to drive. Military applicants must understand the conditions under which an IDP is valid if insisting upon issuance of a permit against an expired U.S. license that may be considered valid in their home state until discharged from active duty. **NOTE:** If a state DMV allows renewal online or by mail for active duty military personnel stationed out of state, applicants should renew their license prior to issuance of an IDP. Some states will issue a DL236 card to be presented with an expired license to extend validity. ### I am traveling to South America, so which permit should I issue? The International Driving Permit is valid for South America, EXCEPT in Brazil where an IADP is needed for stays 180 days and longer. ### Geographical Areas/Countries Which Honor International Driving Permits (Convention on Road Traffic, United Nations, Geneva 1949)