How to get an International Driving Permit in New York City

Many countries require that travelers have an IDP in addition to their US driver’s license to drive or rent a car abroad. In New York City, like the rest of the United States, AAA (the American Automobile Association) is the only organization authorized by the US government to issue International Driving Permits that has physical locations. If you don't get an IDP in person, you'll have to go online to get an IDP from AAA, AATA (the only other IDP issuer in the United States), or Fast IDP, which expedites AAA-issued IDPs for next-day delivery. Details on each of the options are outlined below:

1. In person at AAA

The least expensive method to get an IDP is to visit one of the three AAA locations in New York City 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 you show up. The process can take just 20 minutes if there's no line, but I've also been at AAA when the line is so long that the process takes 2 hours.

Steps to obtain an IDP in person:

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

• Visit one of NYC’s three AAA locations 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 $15 fee.

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

• Be prepared to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the process to be completed, but after that you should be able to walk out with your IDP.

  
  

There are three AAA offices in New York City where you can get an International Driving Permit. One is in Manhattan, another in Brooklyn, and the third is in Queens.

The lines at the AAA branch in Manhattan can be long to get an International Driving Permit, especially during the summer and around the holidays. The Brooklyn and Queens branches generally have shorter lines, but they're not as easily accessible by public transportation for as many New Yorkers.

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.

Don’t get scammed

Whatever you do, don’t get scammed by a website claiming to offer an IDP instantly online or without involving AAA or AATA. Though a company like Fast IDP can legally expedite International Driving Permits through AAA, AAA and AATA are the only organizations authorized to issue IDPs to US drivers. There is no “instant” or “online only” way to get a legitimate IDP – your documents must be physically handled by AAA or AATA in order for them to issue an IDP.

Whether you opt for the traditional in-person method, an online option with AAA/AATA, or the expedited Fast IDP service, obtaining an International Driving Permit should be a straightforward process. If you have any questions, though, feel free to reach out to us!