Can a US Embassy Give You an International Driving Permit?

No. A US embassy or consulate can't give you an International Driving Permit (IDP), because only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs for a US driver's license. Both can send one to you abroad.

The State Department says so outright on some of its country pages. Its Japan page says "The U.S. Embassy and U.S. consulates do not issue IDPs," and its Greece page says "The Embassy does not issue IDPs." Below is who can actually help, what to avoid, and how to get a real permit while you're overseas.

What a US embassy can help with

Embassies help Americans with emergencies. USA.gov's list of what the nearest US embassy can help with includes lost or stolen passports, medical emergencies, crime or arrest, foreign crises and natural disasters, missing persons, and help returning to the US if you're stranded. Driving permits are not on that list.

So if your problem is a missing IDP, calling the embassy will cost you time. If your passport was also lost or stolen, that part is an embassy matter, and the IDP is a separate step.

Who can issue an IDP for a US license

USA.gov says there are two official organizations authorized by the US Department of State to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). They are equal options. For more on how they compare, see AATA vs AAA: is an AATA IDP valid?

Three other points matter when you're abroad:

• A local office can't issue one for you. AAA says "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." AATA says the same thing from the other side: an IDP must be issued in the same country as the driver's license.

• A local IDP can get you in trouble. The State Department's Japan page warns that foreign residents in Japan who use an unacceptable IDP, "such as one issued while in Japan," may be fined or arrested.

• Digital permits aren't real. AAA says IDPs "are physically printed and mailed. Digital versions are not available." USA.gov warns that many other websites claiming to issue international driver's licenses or IDPs are fraudulent. See can you get a digital IDP?

How to get a real IDP while you're overseas

You need a valid US driver's license for every option. Both issuers accept applications from people who are already abroad. Here is what each one publishes.

AAA online

AAA has an online application for people who are currently overseas. You take a digital passport photo with your phone, capture both sides of your license, and pay the $20 permit fee, a $10 photo fee and shipping. AAA asks you to allow 5 business days for processing plus return shipping. More on this in can you apply for an IDP online?

AAA by mail

AAA also lets overseas applicants mail a completed application to its office in Heathrow, Florida. AAA says to allow 5 to 7 weeks for return mail, so this only works if your trip is long.

AATA online

AATA's FAQ says you can apply from outside the US as long as you have a valid US driver's license. The cost is $20 plus a $9 photo fee, plus shipping. AATA lists international shipping at $69 (6 to 10 business days) or $99 (3 to 5 business days), and $165 for some countries. AATA asks you to allow 2 to 4 business days for processing, before shipping. AATA also says it is not currently shipping to Albania, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Montenegro or Turkey, so check its shipping page first.

Fast IDP (that's us)

Fast IDP is an independent service, not affiliated with AAA, AATA or any government. You enter your details online, we fill in the AAA application for you, take it to a AAA office, and ship you a genuine AAA-issued booklet. We ship worldwide, and international delivery is typically 2 to 5 business days on the fastest option. Prices for one IDP start from $63 all-in, in a range of $63 to $171, with tax and AAA's $20 permit fee included.

To be upfront: Fast IDP is generally not a less expensive choice than applying with AAA or AATA yourself. What we offer is speed and reliability when you can't get to a AAA branch. If you're back in the US before you need to drive, going to a AAA branch in person is cheaper. If you need the permit while you're still abroad, you can apply here.

Before you order

• Pick a delivery address you'll be at. See where to have your IDP shipped if you're already traveling.

• Check the country's rules. Use our IDP requirements map, and if you're in Japan, read already in Japan without an IDP, which also covers what Japan's police say about a permit mailed to you there.

• Living there, not visiting? AAA notes that if you live permanently in another country, you must follow its licensing laws, and many countries require a local license once you take up work or residency. An IDP may not be enough.

• Carry both. USA.gov says to carry both your IDP and your driver's license. An IDP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed.

For a full walk-through of every option from abroad, see how to get an IDP if you're already traveling outside the US. If you lost your permit on the road, see how to replace an IDP while traveling.

Sources, checked November 11, 2026: US State Department country information, Japan; US State Department country information, Greece; USA.gov, International driver's license; USA.gov, Emergency assistance if you are in a foreign country; AAA, International Driving Permit; AATA, FAQs; AATA, Application and Shipping.