How To Get An International Driving Permit In The USA

by Jim on November 02, 2022

International driver’s permits give foreigners the legal authority to drive in another country as long as they already possess valid driver’s licenses from their countries of origin. International driver’s permits are recognized and considered acceptable forms of driver identification in over 174 countries.

Acquiring an international driver’s permit usually takes a day or a few weeks at most. However, this largely depends on if you are applying via mail or heading down to a brick and mortar operation.

You must take the necessary steps to obtain your international driver’s permit ahead of time if you plan on traveling out of the country soon. This will ensure that your permit is ready before your travel date. In the United States of America, only two centers issue IDPs, namely the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA).

What Is An International Drivers Permit?

An international driver’s license (IDP) is a valid form of identification that allows you to drive your car in a foreign country. You can also operate vehicles from car rental companies if you’re a foreign visitor.

However, the only way you can obtain an international driver’s permit in the US is if you already have a valid driver’s license. Your assigned IDP will contain your photo, name, and other driver information. To be eligible for an international driver’s permit in the United States, you must also be at least 18 years of age and have a US driver’s license.

International Drivers Permit Basics

Below is everything you need to know about this crucial document that will afford you the freedom to drive whenever you’re out of the country.

To legally obtain an IDP, you must be exactly or above 18 years of age and possess a United States-issued driver’s license with a validity period of at least six months.
With an international driver’s license, you can drive a car legally in certain countries where it is recognized. Still, you must also have a valid driver’s license issued from your country of origin.
This documentation is recognized in many countries all over the world. As of date, this includes over 174 United Nations member countries.
The only agencies authorized to issue IDPs in the United States are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.
To obtain an international driving permit in the United States, you’ll have to pay a $20 fee.
Your IDP can be issued to you on the same day of registration, although in some instances, the waiting period can be as long as 10 to 15 days.
Your assigned IDP from the US state department, referred to as the AATA, will be valid for a single year

Where To Get An International Driving Permit In The US

As mentioned earlier, the AATA and AAA are the only two authorized organizations in the US that issue international driver’s permits. Therefore, you can choose to head down to either any AATA local office or any of the many AAA offices you can find, then submit your completed application after filling out all applicable fields.

Remember that you’ll be asked to provide two passport-sized photos of yourself and a signed copy of your US driver’s license, and you’ll also be required to pay the processing fee if you visit either of the two organizations.

Requirements for Acquiring An International Driving Permit From An AAA Office Nearest To You

The following are the basic requirements for receiving your very own IDP from your nearest AAA office.

You can apply for the permit by email or visiting their center in person.
You’ll need to provide two passport photos of yourself and your local license.
Fill out the IDP application form
Pay the $20 international license fee with any acceptable payment method, either by cheque, money order, or with your credit card.
If you’re not a citizen of the US, you must at least be a permanent resident and have a driver’s license from the same country.

Guide To Acquiring And Using Your International Drivers Permit

Walking down to the AAA office to apply for your IDP means you’ll most likely receive your permit on the same day. However, registering online means waiting for about 10 to 15 business days before receiving your permit. Note that there may be an additional fee for expedited services, allowing you to receive your permit on the same day.

Remember to take your valid United States-issued driver’s license when heading to the AAA center to apply for your IDP, as it’s considered proof of your driving ability. Also, bring along two passports as well as the standard processing fee. Failure to comply with each of the above requirements can cause your application to be declined.

After acquiring a United States government-issued international driver’s license, always remember to take it with you whenever you travel to a different country, as it will allow you to drive legally, so you don’t have to take public transportation.

Just as it’s essential to always have your IDP with you when driving in a foreign country, you’ll also need to keep your country-issued driver’s license close at hand as it’s considered proof of your legal driving status.

How Much Does It Cost To Obtain An International Drivers Permit?

An IDP costs $20. While most branches usually accept credit card payments, it’s preferable to have cash in hand if the branch you choose to visit does not accept credit card payments for whatever reason.

Note that some AAA branches may charge you an additional fee if you forget to bring your passport. Although there are branches that will capture the passports for you, it’s best to come prepared just in case. If you do not receive your IDP on the same day, it can be sent to your mail after ten working days, although it will attract an additional postage fee.

The Difference Between International Driver’s Licenses And International Drivers Permits

You’ve probably seen one of those “international driver’s license” ads claiming to offer licenses that can be used for all sorts of things like hiding one’s identity, a substitute for an actual driver’s license, and a means of identification that are all preposterously untrue. In fact, there is no such thing as an international driver’s license.

Only international driver’s permits can be applied for in the United States from either the AATA or AAA. Note that an IDP does not function as an actual driver’s license in other countries. Instead, it acknowledges the fact that you are legally cleared to drive and can only be recognized if you have the driver’s license you were issued from your country of origin. So remember to take both your IDP and your driver’s license if you intend to drive abroad.

What Countries Accept The International Driving Permits?

International driver permits are globally recognized documents that authorize motorists to drive in foreign countries. As of today, International driver’s permits are legally authorized in 176 countries.

While this permit will authorize you to drive when you take trips to most countries, note that there are a few countries where having an IDP will not clear you to drive, like the People’s Republic Of China. Foreigners are not allowed to drive legally in such countries even with IDPs and if they have valid driver’s licenses from their own countries.

Final Words

If you plan on traveling outside the United States and hope to drive when you’re out of the country, you’ll need to get an international driver’s permit. Also, anyone coming to the United States from another country must acquire an international driver’s permit and must also have a valid driver’s license issued from their country of origin. Some states in America may not require you to have an IDP to be able to drive, provided that you have a valid driver’s license from your country.