AATA vs AAA: Is an AATA International Driving Permit Valid?

Quick Answer: AATA (the American Automobile Touring Alliance) is one of the two organizations authorized by the US Department of State to issue International Driving Permits (IDPs) to Americans, and AAA is the other. An IDP from AATA is a genuine permit, just like one from AAA, so you can choose either based on price, speed and how you want to apply.

Is AATA legit?

Yes. The US government's own page on international driver's licenses names exactly two organizations, AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance, and says they are "authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs." AAA's IDP page says the same thing from its side: "AAA is one of two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs."

AATA says it was founded in 1932 and was authorized "to issue the Convention's International Driving Permit to U.S. motorists and travelers." That Convention is the United Nations 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, which AAA's page also names.

The worry is reasonable. USA.gov warns: "Beware of other websites that claim to issue international driver's licenses or IDPs." AATA is not one of those. A permit issued by anyone other than AAA or AATA, such as an "international driver's license" or a "digital IDP," is not a valid IDP. Our posts on IDP scams and IDLs vs. IDPs explain how to spot them.

Is an AATA IDP as valid as a AAA one?

Yes. The State Department authorizes both, and both issue the 1949 Convention permit. A few things are true no matter which one you pick:

• It is a printed booklet. AAA says "Digital versions are not available," and AATA says "There is no digital version of an IDP."

• It does not replace your license. AAA calls an IDP "only a translation of the license, not a license to drive," and AATA says the permit "is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid U.S. driver's license." Always carry both.

• Both describe the permit as recognized in about 150 countries.

For how long a permit lasts, see How Long is an IDP Valid?

AAA vs. AATA: fees and timing

Here is what each organization lists on its own site, as of November 11, 2026.

AATA (online)

• Fee: "$20.00 plus a $9.00 photo image processing fee, shipping & handling."

• US shipping: $16 for Priority Mail (3 to 5 business days) or $37 for Priority Mail Express / FedEx (2 to 3 business days). So the lowest total for a US address is $45.

• International shipping: from $69 (Standard International, 6 to 10 business days) to $99 (Priority International, 3 to 5 business days), and $165 to a list of select countries. AATA says these transit times are estimates.

• Processing: "At current volumes, AATA processes IDPs within 1-4 days." Shipping time is on top of that.

• Eligibility: you must be a permanent resident of the US or its territories, at least 18, and hold a valid US state or territory license that stays valid past the IDP's issue date.

AAA (in person, online or by mail)

• In person: a $20 permit fee, two passport photos (branches can take them) and your valid US license.

• Online: "$20 USD permit fee, $10 passport photo fee plus applicable shipping." AAA asks you to "allow 5 business days for processing plus return shipping."

• AAA's in-person and mail fees are "plus sales tax if applicable."

• If you need it soon, AAA says: "If you need an IDP in 7 business days or less, please visit a AAA branch near you."

For more on AAA's costs and branch visits, see How much does a AAA IDP cost?, Can I get a AAA IDP same day? and how to find the closest AAA office that issues IDPs.

Which one should you use?

• You live near a AAA branch that issues IDPs: going in person is cheaper, since there's no shipping fee, and AAA itself points you to a branch if you need the permit within 7 business days. AAA asks you to contact the branch first to confirm it offers IDP services.

• You can't get to a branch and have a week or more: AATA and AAA online both work. AATA lists a shorter processing time; compare the shipping options for your address.

• You're already abroad: AATA ships internationally at the prices above, though it lists some countries it is not currently shipping to (including Colombia, Ecuador and Turkey). AAA's online application is also open to people already overseas. By mail from overseas, AAA says to "allow 5-7 weeks for return mail." Our post on getting an IDP while traveling covers this in more detail.

Where Fast IDP fits in

Fast IDP (that's us) is not a third issuer. We're an independent expediting service, not affiliated with AAA, AATA or any government. We collect your AAA application, photos and payment online, take the paperwork to a AAA office, and ship you a genuine AAA-issued booklet. US delivery can be as fast as the next business day, and international delivery typically takes 2 to 5 business days on the fastest option. The all-in price starts from $64, including AAA's $20 permit fee and tax.

To be upfront: Fast IDP is generally not a less expensive choice than AAA or AATA, and if you can walk into a AAA branch, that's cheaper and can be just as fast. What we offer is speed and reliability when you can't get to a branch and need the permit sooner than the online options allow. You need a valid US driver's license to use our service. If that sounds like you, you can apply here.

Not sure you need one? Check our IDP requirements map. For every way to get one, see How to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the US.

Sources, checked November 11, 2026: USA.gov, International driver's licenses; AAA, International Driving Permits; AATA, home page; AATA, FAQ; AATA, Application and Shipping; US State Department, Japan travel information.