How to get an IDP in Seattle & Washington after AAA offices closed

The news is sadly true: all AAA offices in Washington, including both locations in Seattle, permanently closed on June 27, 2025. After more than 120 years of serving Washington drivers in person, AAA has shifted all of its operations online to serve their 1.2 million members across the state. 

So, here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to drive abroad and need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

What’s an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver’s license into multiple languages. It's not a replacement for your license, as you need to carry both, but it allows foreign authorities to confirm that you're legally allowed to drive.

Without an IDP, you may be fined or have your rental car denied in many of the 150+ countries that require the permit.

Can I get an International Driving Permit in person in Washington?

Yes, the one spot in Washington where you can get an IDP in person is the IDP Kiosk at the main AAA office in Bellevue (3605 132nd Ave SE). It's hours are listed here as open on weekdays 10am–5:30pm and Saturdays 10am–2pm. If you go in person, the cost is $20 for the IDP booklet, and a mandatory $30 photo processing fee, bringing the total to $50. Many customers are frustrated about the increased cost and dramatically reduced availability of IDPs in the state.

If you can't get to the Bellevue location in person, you still have options to apply online for an IDP.

How can Washington drivers get an IDP online?

There are three ways to apply online:

1. AAA

AAA now offers an online application option to apply for your IDP remotely 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:

• Visit the AAA website and complete their online IDP application

• Upload a digital passport photo and your driver's license information

• Pay the application fee (currently $20 for the IDP booklet, plus $10 for photo processing, and $9 to $220+ for shipping)

• Wait for your IDP to be processed (5 days) and mailed to your address (an additional 3-10 days)

Processing times vary, taking at least a week, so this option works best if you're planning ahead.

2. 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:

• Visit the AATA website and complete their online IDP application

• Upload a digital passport photo and your driver's license information

• Submit payment for the application fee (currently $20 for the IDP booklet, plus $7 for photo processing, and $14 to $165 for shipping)

• Wait for processing and delivery to your location

Similar to AAA, AATA's processing and delivery times require advance planning, typically taking 2-4 days for processing, plus shipping time (2-10 days).

3. Fast IDP (that's us - we're a faster option for AAA-issued IDPs)

If your timeline is too short for AAA or AATA's online processing times, 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. Fill out the Apply page on our website. This includes taking photos of the front and back of your driver's license and uploading them on Fast IDP's secure portal, as well as taking passport-style photos of yourself (at home selfies work).

2. Submit your application and payment, which starts at $84 (all-in, including all fees and taxes), and goes up with faster processing and shipping.

3. 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.

4. A Fast IDP team member will go to AAA on your behalf to submit your documents and then will mail your IDP to you via express courier. You'll get an email the evening your IDP is sent with your tracking information and a picture of your IDP.

We’ve helped thousands of travelers, and >99% of our reviews are 5 stars. Even if you don’t use our service, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about getting your IDP.

Don’t get scammed

Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue International Driving Permits to U.S. drivers. Be cautious of websites that promise to deliver a digital IDP instantly or without involving AAA or AATA. Any other organization that claims to issue an international driving permit produces an illegitimate document that is not recognized by the US State Department..

Fast IDP is a legit AAA expediting service, but there is no “instant” IDP. Every application must be physically handled by AAA staff in order to be valid.

Final thoughts

While it’s the end of an era for in-person AAA service in Washington, getting an International Driving Permit is still totally doable, you just need to do it online now and do so at least a day before you need to travel. 

If time is tight, Fast IDP can help you get your permit as quickly as possible, whether we send it to you in Washington or to wherever you’re going abroad!