Can I get a AAA IDP same day?

Quick Answer: Yes, it’s possible to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by AAA on the same day, but only if you apply in person at a participating AAA branch. The next fastest option is next-day delivery when applying online with Fast IDP.

The line at AAA for International Driving Permits (IDPs) can sometimes be long, but you will almost always get an IDP the same day you visit a AAA if you arrive early enough before they close.

How Same-Day IDP Issuance Works at AAA

If you’re in a rush to obtain an IDP, visiting a AAA office in person is your best bet (only bet!) for same-day issuance. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Call Ahead: Not all AAA locations issue IDPs on-site, and some branches may not have IDPs in stock. See our post on how to look online to see if a particular AAA branch issues IDPs or not. Even if a branch shows online that it issues IDPs, it’s still a good idea to call ahead and confirm that your local branch has IDPs in stock and can process your application.

   
   

2. What to Bring:

• Your valid U.S. driver's license

• Two passport-sized photos (AAA can take these for an additional fee of $10-30 if you don’t have any)

• A completed IDP application form (available online here to print and fill out in advance, or you can pick up a form at AAA and fill it out in the branch) $20 for the processing fee - they accept all major payment types

3. Processing Time: Once you’ve submitted your documents, most AAA branches can issue your IDP on the spot, usually within 20 to 60 minutes.

Fast IDP (that's us!): The Next Fastest Option if You’re Short on Time

If you’re unable to visit a AAA branch and need your IDP quickly, Fast IDP is the next fastest way to get an IDP, with delivery as soon as the next day. It's also the most reliable way, as our service has 5.0-star average from hundreds of reviews. If you're abroad, delivery timelines depend on the fastest shipping option, but we can almost always have your IDP delivered 2-5 business days after you submit your application. For instance, London, Paris, Milan and several other major European cities typically take 2 days to deliver to, Tokyo takes 2-3 days, and Seoul usually takes 3 days.

What About Online IDP Applications?

You can definitely apply for an IDP online from the websites of AAA or AATA (the two official IDP issuers), though they take longer and the AAA option is less reliable.

AAA rolled out an online application process last year for IDPs that takes you to a third party website hosted by a company called govWorks, which has awful reviews (search in link for IDPs). They still require 5 days for processing, plus additional shipping time. Customers have come to us repeatedly after being frustrated with the process to get an IDP online with AAA/govWorks or after their IDP never arrived after an order was placed with them.

AATA started issuing IDPs again last year after no providing service for many years. They take up to 4 days to process IDPs, but are generally more reliable than AAA/govWorks.

For more in-depth coverage of the IDP options for Americans, see our other blog post on How to Get an International Driving Permit in the US.

Avoid Online Scams

Though there are many websites that will try to sell you a digital IDP, know that there is no such thing as a digital IDP - and the booklet must be issued by AAA or AATA. Any company that offers IDPs to Americans that does not go through either AAA or AATA is issuing fake IDPs. See this US government website for details.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining an IDP on the same day is achievable if you're able to get to a AAA and all goes smoothly once you're there. We hope you don't have any issues, but we're happy to help if you need an IDP quickly and can't get an IDP from a AAA branch in person!

Visiting AAA in person is the only way to get an IDP the same day you apply. Fast IDP is the next fastest option with next-day delivery in the US, and delivery within 2-5 business days abroad, depending on where you are.