Can you get a digital IDP from AAA or as an American at all?

If you’re looking for a digital version of an International Driving Permit (IDP), you may be disappointed to learn that it’s simply not an option, and that all things sold as "digital IDPs" are actually fake. Here’s why:

Why Digital IDPs Don’t Exist

The issuance of IDPs from the US is governed by an agreement made at the United Nation's 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. This international agreement established the requirements for IDPs, mandating that they must be physical booklets. These booklets translate your U.S. driver’s license information into multiple languages to ensure they’re recognized and understood by foreign authorities. “Digital IDPs” do not comply with the treaty’s provisions and are therefore not authorized documents or valid for use.

Beware of Scams Offering Digital IDPs

Unfortunately, this hasn’t stopped scammers from attempting to exploit travelers. Numerous websites claim to offer “digital international driving permits” or “digital international driver’s licenses.” These documents are fraudulent and hold no legal validity. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against several companies involved in these scams. However, new fraudulent websites continue to appear as soon as others are shut down, so it’s an ongoing problem for regulators and travelers.

If you encounter a website offering digital IDPs, you should avoid it and disregard any of their misinformation. The only authorized issuer of IDPs from the United States is AAA, and these will always be in the form of physical booklets.

What Would need to Change for Digital IDPs to Be Possible?

For digital IDPs to become a reality, the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic would need a significant revision to its rules. Such an amendment would require widespread international agreement, which is unlikely to happen in the near future (but would be a sound revision to make in our opinion). Until then, IDPs will remain physical documents.

How to Obtain a Legitimate IDP as an American*

To get a valid IDP as an American*, you have two main options (see our full blog post on the topic here):

1. In person at AAA

The least expensive method to get an IDP is to visit a AAA location in person. While this option is the most time consuming, if you arrive an hour before AAA closes, you will be able to get an IDP the same day.

Steps to obtain an IDP in person:

• Gather your US driver’s license, payment method, and recent passport photos (optional).

• Find a nearby AAA location and visit during operating hours.

• Fill out AAA’s IDP application form, either ahead of time or while you wait.

• If you didn’t bring passport photos, AAA can take them for you for an additional $10-30 fee, depending on the branch.

• Pay $20 for processing the IDP – cash, check, and credit/debit card are accepted.

• Be prepared to wait up to 2 hours for the process to be completed, but after that you should be able to walk out with your IDP.

2. Online through AAA/govWorks

AAA now offers an online application option through their partner govWorks, which is linked on the AAA website. Though this can work, govWorks has terrible customer reviews (scan for IDP reviews) and customers have repeatedly come to us after they're frustrated by this company or their IDPs aren't delivered.

Steps to get an IDP online from AAA:

• Apply: visit the AAA website and complete the online IDP application, hosted by govWorks. Upload a digital passport photo and photos of the front and back of your driver's license

• Pay: ~$40-$260 ($20 for the IDP booklet, plus $10 for photo processing, and ~$10 to $220+ for shipping)

• Wait: 7-15 business days (5 for processing, 2-10 for shipping)

3. Online through AATA

AATA (the American Automobile Touring Alliance) is the second organization authorized by the US government to issue IDPs to American drivers. Like AAA, AATA offers an online application process, though is significantly more reliable based on what we have heard.

Steps to get an IDP online from AATA:

• Apply: Visit the AATA website and complete their online IDP application. Upload a digital passport photo and photos of the front and back of your driver's license

• Pay: $41-192 (currently $20 for the IDP booklet, plus $7 for photo processing, and $14 to $165 for shipping)

• Wait: 6-14 business days (up to 4 for processing, 2-10 for shipping)

4. Online through Fast IDP (a faster option for AAA-issued IDPs)

If your timeline is too short to apply online through AAA or AATA, using Fast IDP to expedite your IDP allows you to get an IDP as soon as the next day with the peace of mind that comes with our 5.0/5 average customer reviews.

Steps to obtain an IDP using Fast IDP:

1. Apply: Follow the link to fill out the application on our website. Upload a digital passport photo (selfie are okay) and photos of the front and back of your driver's license. The Fast IDP team will review your documents for completeness and reach out to you if they see anything you need to adjust in your application.

2. Pay: $84-234 (all-in, including all fees and taxes). Our base price is higher because we have to pay AAA $20 for the permit from them and go to their offices for processing.

3. Wait: We'll delivery your IDP to you as soon as the next business day for US addresses. For international addresses, the fastest delivery timeline is typically 2-5 business days, depending on where your IDP is going. Reach out to us directly if you'd like to know how long it will take to get to your destination. After you apply, you'll get an email the evening your IDP is sent with your tracking information and a picture of your IDP.

Final Thoughts

While the convenience of a digital IDP may sound appealing, it’s important to understand that they simply can’t exist. By obtaining a legitimate physical IDP, you can ensure your travels abroad are safe and hassle-free.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us at Fast IDP - we’re happy to help!

*Wherever we refer to doing things as an American, it is important to note that these rules pertain to everyone with a driver's license issued in the United States, regardless of their nationality.