How to Get an International Driving Permit in Seattle & throughout Washington

If you're planning to drive while traveling overseas, you'll probably need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Whether you're heading to Italy, Japan, or any of the 150+ countries that recognize IDPs, having an IDP is necessary to keep you legal while you drive. 

What’s an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit is a travel document that translates your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages. It’s not a standalone license, as it needs to be carried along with your valid U.S. license. Your IDP lets local authorities abroad confirm that you’re legally allowed to drive. In many countries, if you don’t have an IDP, the police can fine you or impound your car, and rental car agencies may refuse to hand over the keys to your rental.

Can I get an International Driving Permit in person in Seattle or anywhere in Washington?

Unfortunately, no. AAA used to offer in-person IDPs at their stores, but as of June 27, 2025, all AAA stores in Seattle and across Washington permanently closed. AAA now only offers services virtually to the 1.2 million AAA members in Washington.

While you can't visit a store to apply, you still have options to apply online for an IDP.

How can Washington drivers get an IDP online?

There are two ways to apply online:

1. AAA

Even without physical offices in Washington, AAA still issues IDPs online. AAA recommends applying at least two weeks before your departure date to allow for processing and mail time. You can find their instructions in the link here.

2. Fast IDP (the fastest way to get your permit)

If you don’t have time to wait, Fast IDP is your best bet. We help you get an official IDP through AAA by hand-carrying your application to a AAA office as quickly as the same day you apply, and then shipping it wherever you are in the world. We can typically have IDPs delivered in the US the day after an application is submitted, and anywhere else in the world remarkably quickly. For example, we can typically have an IDP delivered to Tokyo or Milan two days after an application is submitted, and other cities like Warsaw and Bangkok three days after an application is submitted. Reach out to us if you’d like to know how quickly we’d be able to deliver an IDP to your address.

Thousands of people have used our service, and we have over 99% 5-star reviews. 

You can apply online here.

Even if we can't get an IDP for you, we're always happy to help answer questions for you about IDPs.

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. Though a Fast IDP can legally expedite International Driving Permits through AAA, AAA is the only organization 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 in order for them to issue an IDP.

Final thoughts

Even though AAA stores have closed across Washington, getting your International Driving Permit in Seattle is still simple, you just need to do it online. Don’t leave getting your IDP to the last minute. If you're running short on time, Fast IDP is the fastest and easiest way to get your IDP quickly and reliably.

Wherever you’re headed, drive safely and enjoy your trip!