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If you're planning to drive abroad, getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel is a critical step to ensure a smooth driving experience, since many countries require travelers to have an IDP in addition to their US driver’s license to drive or rent a car. AAA (the American Automobile Association) is the only organization authorized by the US government to issue International Driving Permits, so all IDP options must go through AAA one way or another. Here are the 3 ways to get an IDP in the US:
1. In person at AAA
The least expensive method to get an IDP is to visit a AAA branch in person. You can typically get an IDP within 30-60 minutes when you visit a AAA. However, some branches don’t carry IDPs or are frequently out of stock, so it’s best to call ahead to make sure you can get an IDP if you go in.
Steps to obtain an IDP in person:
Gather your US driver’s license, payment method, and recent passport photos (optional).
Visit the nearest AAA location that issues IDPs 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 fee (usually about $10-20).
Pay $20 plus tax (sometimes assessed) for processing the IDP – cash, check, and credit/debit cards are generally accepted.
Be prepared to wait for the process to be completed, but after that you'll be able to walk out with out with your IDP.
2. By mail with AAA
If you have several weeks before you need an IDP, you can submit your application to AAA by mail. This option eliminates the need for a personal visit to AAA, but it comes with the requirements of you needing to include printed passport photos and a pre-addressed return envelope. Another downside is that the processing time is 4-7 weeks after your application is received. Also, if your IDP application is denied, you won’t hear back until a rejection letter arrives in the mail up to 8 weeks after you submit it!
Steps to obtain an IDP by mail:
Complete and print the IDP application form on the AAA website.
Obtain 2 copies of a recent high-quality passport photo of you, either taken professionally or taken at home and printed on glossy photo paper. See photo requirements here.
Print copies of the front and back of your driver’s license.
Write a check for $20 payable to AAA – cash is not accepted.
Mail all documents and payment to a branch near you and wait 4-5 weeks after receipt for processing. Or, if you’re already outside the US, prepare to wait 5-7 weeks and mail all your documents to:
AAA/IDP
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32746
Mail Stop 28
3. Online through Fast IDP
Using Fast IDP eliminates the need for an applicant to go to AAA in person or to get passport photo prints, while delivering an IDP as soon as the next day. With our service, all you need to do is fill out your application on our website, and then we’ll take care of going to AAA on your behalf and shipping your IDP to you anywhere in the world.
Steps to obtain an IDP using Fast IDP:
Fill out the Apply page on our website. The application includes uploading passport-style photos of yourself (selfies work), as well as photos of the front and back of your driver’s license onto our secure portal.
Submit your application and payment, which starts at about $84, and goes up with faster processing and shipping options.
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.
A Fast IDP team member will go to AAA on your behalf to submit your documents and then will mail your IDP to you. You'll get an email the evening your IDP is sent with your tracking information and a picture of your IDP.
Our team responds most quickly by WhatApp or text, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the process.
4. Online with a third party company linked from AAA's website (not available in all locations)
If supported in your region, you may be able to apply for an IDP through a link from AAA's website to a website hosted by a company called govWorks. It seems that this partner of AAA has not been achieving customer satisfaction, based on their reviews on Trustpilot. Where available, this method takes 5 business days to process in addition to shipping time, so it is faster than applying through AAA by mail, but slower than using Fast IDP. Shipping costs can also be high, so keep in mind that it can be more expensive than working with Fast 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. Though a company like 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. If you buy a fake IDP from any other company, you may put yourself at the same risk as if you were driving with a fake license or using a fake ID when traveling abroad.
Whether you opt for the traditional in-person method, the mailed option, or working with us, we wish you an easy process getting an IDP and safe driving!
