How do I replace my IDP if I lose it while traveling?

Why you should care

If you lose your International Driving Permit booklet during your trip and a local police officer or a rental desk asks for your IDP, you could face consequences like not being able to rent a car, being fined, or even having your car impounded. To avoid being tempted to drive without an IDP booklet while you’re on your trip, get a replacement within the timeframe that works best for you before you need to drive again.

What You’ll Need to apply

• A Valid U.S. license

  • You always need to provide a valid license when applying for an IDP. If you also lost your license, then you won’t be able to get a replacement IDP

• Two passport-size photos

  • Every legitimate issuer (AAA included) requires 2” x 2” photos

  • Pharmacies and copy shops often will provide this service

  • If you’re reapplying on www.FastIDP.com or on most other legitimate websites, you can upload a suitable selfie and it will be accepted

• Completed IDP application form

  • You can either fill it out directly online from AAA, or you can put the information into our Apply page, and it will automatically be transposed onto the AAA application form that we use when we process your application with AAA.

  
  

IDP Replacement Options Fastest to Slowest

Fast IDP

• Processing time: As fast as same-day on business days if your application is received before noon Eastern Time

• Shipping time: As fast as the next day in the US, and as fast as carriers (DHL/FedEx) can take it to cities outside the US (for example, 2-3 business days to Tokyo, 2 business days to Milan, etc.)

• Best when: You need a replacement IDP asap

• Cost: $20 fee for the AAA IDP booklet + processing fee + shipping fee

• Why it’s fastest: We hand-deliver your paperwork to AAA, collect the fresh booklet, and ship it the same day we process it

AAA or AATA online application with international shipping

• Processing and shipping time: 5+ business days processing + shipping (generally at least a week longer than Fast IDP can do it)

• Best when: You can spare several days and you’re in a place where you’re not afraid of the package being misrouted. AAA doesn’t generally provide customer service if an IDP has been misrouted by a carrier, which happens quite often with international shipments

• Cost: $20 for the IDP booklet + online photo fee + shipping (generally works out to be cheaper than Fast IDP, but not to all destinations)

Mail-in application to AAA

• Shipping time: Around 5-7 weeks

• Best when: You’re on an extended trip and can afford to wait a long time

• Cost: $20 permit + return shipping cost (cheapest remote option)

  
  

Walk-in at a U.S. AAA branch

• Processing time: Same day, usually within less than an hour unless there’s a long line at the AAA office you go to

• Best when: You’re making a trip back to the US, since AAA branches are only in the US

• Cost: $20 permit + passport photos ($10-20)

To Avoid Getting Stuck Again

• Have backup photos of your IDP.

• Write your email address and phone number inside the cover of your IDP booklet.

• Set a calendar alert a month before your permit’s one-year expiry.

  
  

Conclusion

Misplacing your IDP during your trip is stressful, but it doesn't have to end it. Gather the essential materials, pick the speed that best fits your timeline, and find a replacement solution that works best for you. If you’re short on time, we at Fast IDP can ship a fresh booklet to you anywhere in the world faster than any other service on the market.

Blog written by Sarim Farhan