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?

Yes, there is one location in Washington where you can get an IDP in person. 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.

The exception to this is that there is one IDP Kiosk in Washington, which is at 3605 132nd Ave SE in Bellevue. 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.

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.

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 or AATA. Though Fast IDP can legally expedite International Driving Permits through these authorized organizations, only AAA and AATA are 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.

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!