Can You Apply for an IDP Online? What's Real

Quick Answer: Yes. You can apply for a real International Driving Permit (IDP) online, either directly with AAA or AATA, the two organizations authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs, or through a service that files your application with one of them. Whichever route you pick, the result is a printed paper booklet that is mailed to you, because there is no such thing as a legitimate digital IDP.

Who can actually issue an IDP

USA.gov puts it plainly: "There are two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs": AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Every legitimate online option ends with a permit issued by one of those two. If a website cannot tell you which of them issues your permit, treat that as a warning sign.

To use any of these routes you need a valid US driver's license. AAA says it "issues International Driving Permits only to individuals who hold a valid U.S. driver's license," and AATA says the same, and adds, "You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to apply." You can apply while already abroad, but the permit still has to come from the US. As AAA puts it, "An IDP accompanying a US driver's license can only be issued in the USA."

The legitimate ways to apply online

1. AAA's online application

AAA's IDP page links to an online application. You sign the application, take a digital passport photo with a smartphone, and capture the front and back of your license. AAA lists the cost as a "$20 USD permit fee, $10 passport photo fee plus applicable shipping" and says to "allow 5 business days for processing plus return shipping." AAA also notes: "IDPs are physically printed and mailed. Digital versions are not available." AAA itself says that if you need an IDP "in 7 business days or less," you should visit a branch instead.

2. AATA's online application

AATA runs its application at aataidp.com. You upload a digital passport photo and images of your driver's license, then choose payment and shipping. AATA lists the permit at "$20.00 plus a $9.00 photo image processing fee, shipping & handling," with shipping from $16 to $165 depending on speed and destination. Its FAQ says AATA "processes IDPs within 1-4 days" at current volumes in one answer and asks you to "allow 2 to 4 business days for processing" in another, with shipping time added on top. AATA's shipping page also lists a few countries it is not currently shipping to, so check that page if you are already abroad.

3. A service that submits to AAA, such as Fast IDP

Fast IDP (that's us) is an independent expediting service. We are not affiliated with AAA, AATA or any government. You apply online, we take your application to a AAA office, and you receive a genuine AAA-issued booklet. Pricing is from $64 all-in for one IDP, which includes AAA's $20 permit fee and tax. Delivery in the US is as fast as the next business day, and international delivery typically takes 2 to 5 business days on the fastest option. We ship worldwide. You can start an application here.

When applying online is not the best choice

If there is a AAA branch near you that issues IDPs, going in person is cheaper. AAA lists what to bring: a completed application, two original passport photos, your valid US license and the $20 permit fee (plus sales tax where it applies). AAA asks you to call ahead, since not every branch offers IDP services. Our post on getting a AAA IDP the same day covers that route, and this post shows how to find a branch that issues them.

AAA also accepts applications by mail. From the US, you mail the form, two signed passport photos, the fee and a copy of both sides of your license to your nearest AAA office. From overseas, AAA gives a mailing address in Florida and says to "allow 5-7 weeks for return mail," so that option only suits people with plenty of time.

How to spot an online option that is not real

USA.gov warns: "Beware of other websites that claim to issue international driver's licenses or IDPs. Many are fraudulent and may try to scam you out of money or personal information." A few checks will keep you safe:

• It offers a digital or instant IDP. AATA states, "There is no digital version of an IDP." A PDF or app download is not a valid permit. See our post on digital IDPs.

• It sells an "international driver's license." An IDP is a translation that you carry with your US license, not a license of its own. Our post on the difference between an IDL and an IDP explains why that matters.

• It does not say who issues the permit. A legitimate permit comes from AAA or AATA.

• It offers validity longer than one year. USA.gov says, "An IDP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed."

• It does not need your US license. Both issuers require a valid US license, and you must carry it with the permit.

Our guide to avoiding fake IDPs goes into more detail.

A timing tip before you apply

AAA says permits "may not be issued more than six (6) months in advance of desired effective date." If your trip is far off, wait until you are within that window. If you are not sure you need an IDP at all, check the destination on our IDP requirements map. USA.gov notes that US citizens visiting Canada and Mexico don't need one.

For a full comparison of every option, see How to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the US.

Sources, checked November 11, 2026: USA.gov, International driver's license for U.S. citizens; AAA, International Driving Permit; AATA home page; AATA FAQs; AATA Application and Shipping.