Apr 20, 2026
Jamie Patrick
What You Need to Apply for an IDP: A Checklist
5 min read
Quick Answer: To get an International Driving Permit (IDP) you need to be 18 or older and hold a valid US driver's license, plus a signed application, two passport photos (or one digital photo online) and the $20 permit fee. The rest depends on how you apply: in person at AAA, by mail, or online with AAA, AATA or a service like Fast IDP.
For help with the form itself, see our post on how to fill out the AAA IDP application form. Fast IDP is an independent service and is not affiliated with AAA, AATA or any government.
1. Check that you qualify
Age: AAA's application and AATA both say you must be 18 or older.
License: you need a valid driver's license from a US state or territory. AAA and AATA do not issue IDPs to people who hold only a foreign license. An IDP has to come from the country that issued the license.
Citizenship and residency: AATA says you do not have to be a US citizen to apply, but its home page says you must be a permanent resident of the US or its territories. AAA's form lists only the age and license rules.
License expiration: AAA's permit is only valid as long as your US license is valid, for up to one year. AATA says your license should have at least 6 months left after your departure date. Renew first if it runs out during your trip.
A license in good standing: when you sign AAA's form, you certify that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
Both AAA and AATA are authorized by the US Department of State to issue IDPs. "Digital IDPs" and "international driver's licenses" sold by others are not valid IDPs. See how to avoid fake IDPs.
2. Pick your timing
Not too early: AAA says IDPs may not be issued more than 6 months before the date you want the permit to start.
In a hurry: AAA says that if you need an IDP in 7 business days or less, you should visit a AAA branch.
Online with AAA: allow 5 business days for processing, plus shipping.
Online with AATA: AATA asks you to allow 2 to 4 business days for processing, plus 2 to 10 business days of shipping.
By mail to AAA: AAA's headquarters page says to allow 4 to 6 weeks for return mail unless you pay for express mail, and 5 to 7 weeks if you mail from overseas.
3. The checklist, by way of applying
In person at a AAA branch
The AAA application, filled out (you can download it from AAA's IDP page and fill it out in advance).
Two original passport photos, which AAA's form says must be identical, recent and 2" x 2". AAA says photos are also available at its branch offices. Ask the branch what it charges.
Your valid US driver's license.
$20 for the permit, plus sales tax where it applies.
A phone call first. AAA asks you to call to make sure the branch offers IDP services. AAA's IDP pages don't mention appointments, so ask about that when you call. See how to find the closest AAA office that issues IDPs.
By mail to AAA
The completed, signed application.
Two original passport photos, each signed on the back.
A photocopy of both sides of your driver's license.
The $20 fee. The form says check or money order from a US-based bank, made out to AAA, and no cash. AAA's headquarters page also accepts major credit cards with a note authorizing the charge.
Optional: extra US funds for faster return mail.
Online with AAA
A smartphone with a camera, to take a digital passport photo.
Your license, to capture both sides.
Your signature on the online application.
Payment: the $20 permit fee, a $10 photo fee and shipping.
Online with AATA
A digital 2" x 2" passport photo in .jpg or .jpeg format, at least 300 dpi. AATA says it cannot accept a scan of a photo or a photo of a photo, and you should not send a picture of your passport.
Separate images of the front and back of your license (.jpg, .jpeg, .png or .pdf). AATA suggests a scanner to avoid glare.
Every field on the form. AATA says all fields are mandatory.
Payment: the $20 permit fee, a $9 photo fee and shipping, which AATA lists from $16 to $165. It takes major cards, Apple Pay and ACH.
A shipping check. If you are abroad, AATA's shipping page lists countries it is not shipping to right now.
See also AATA vs AAA and can you apply for an IDP online?
Online with Fast IDP
A valid US driver's license.
Your details, photos and payment, entered online. Fast IDP fills in the AAA application for you from what you enter, takes the paperwork to a AAA office and ships you a genuine AAA-issued booklet.
The cost: from $63 all-in for one IDP (range $63-171), with tax and AAA's $20 permit fee included.
To be upfront, Fast IDP is generally not a less expensive choice than AAA or AATA. Going to a AAA branch yourself is cheaper, and it can be just as fast. What we offer is speed and reliability when you can't get to a branch: US delivery as fast as the next business day, and international delivery typically in 2 to 5 business days on the fastest option. We ship worldwide. Start an application here.
4. Once you have it
Carry your IDP and your US license together. The permit is not valid on its own and not valid for driving in the United States. USA.gov says an IDP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed, so you apply again for a new one. Not sure you need one at all? Check our IDP requirements map, or read how to get an IDP in the US.
Sources, checked November 11, 2026:
