Traveling Internationally? Here's What You Actually Need to Drive

I recently was planning a trip to Ireland to visit a close friend. A day before I left the United States, my friend advised me he may not make it in time because of a personal issue. I immediately went through my options. Option one was to wait, option two, take a bus, or three rent a car. I value my freedom and decided it would be most convenient to rent a car when I arrived in Ireland. (It would also allow us to explore without restrictions!) I needed to get an International Drivers Permit fast!

The day before my trip, I was able to get my International Drivers Permit in under 20 minutes. For my fellow freedom lover’s. Here’s how you can too!

An International Driving Permit (IDP).

Let’s walk through exactly what an IDP is, how to get a legitimate one, what it costs, and how to steer clear of the scams.

What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a small booklet that translates the information on your valid U.S. driver’s license into ten different languages. It exists so a police officer, a rental agent, or a border official who doesn’t read English can look at your license and understand it instantly. It’s recognized in over 150 countries!

IT IMPORTANT TO NOTE: It is a NOT replacement for your driver’s license.. You always carry it alongside your Legal , physical U.S. driver’s license.

Do You Even Need an IDP?

If you’re a U.S. citizen driving around Canada or Mexico, you’re generally fine with just your regular license.

Beyond Canada and Mexico, driving requirements vary from one country to another. Some destinations require an International Driving Permit (IDP) by law, while others recommend one or only require it in certain situations. Before you travel, check your destination’s U.S. Department of State Country Information page for the latest driving requirements: Check here.

Check your destination’s specific requirements. The U.S. Department of State’s country pages are the most reliable place to look, and the rule of thumb is simple: when in doubt, get the permit.

The Fastest Way to get your IDP

Walking into AAA is the fastest and my favorite option. The customer service there was phenomenal!

Here are steps if you decide to take this option. Also reviewed from the video:

Step 1: Take Passport photos (You may also get these at AAA) I just had some previous tasks.

Step 2: Visit your local AAA office with a valid U.S Drivers License

Step 3: Fill out the application.

It was that simple! And it only cost me $20!!!

An IDP is valid for one year from its effective date, but only as long as it’s paired with a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Other Options to Get Your IDP

Here’s the part that surprises almost everyone: only two organizations in the entire United States are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue a legitimate IDP.

American Automobile Association (AAA) — through branch offices nationwide, by mail, or online in participating regions.
American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only other authorized issuer, entirely online.

That’s it. Two options. Here’s how each one works.

Applying Through AAA

AAA gives you three ways to apply, depending on how much time you have and whether there’s a branch near you.

In person: Bring a completed application, your valid U.S. driver’s license, and two passport-style (2″ × 2″) photos to a participating branch. Many branches will take the photos for you for an additional fee, and AAA membership is not required. It’s worth calling ahead, since not every branch processes IDPs.
By mail: Mail a signed application, two signed passport photos, a photocopy of both sides of your license, and payment (typically check or money order) to a participating AAA office.
Online: In regions where this service is offered, you upload a digital photo along with images of both sides of your license. AAA then mails you the finished, physical booklet. There is no digital-only version of a U.S.-issued IDP, no matter which method you choose.

Applying Through AATA

AATA operates exclusively online. You upload your photo and driver’s license, complete the application, and the finished permit arrives by mail. One detail worth building into your timeline: AATA’s application system only runs during its posted hours, currently 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Friday through Tuesday. It’s closed Wednesdays, Thursdays, and most major U.S. holidays.

Note: AATA’s online application hours are accurate at the time of publication and may change. Always check AATA’s official website for the latest operating hours before applying.

How Much is An IDP?

The price tag changes depending on how you apply, but none of these routes should break the bank. Here’s the real breakdown, side by side.

Method	Issuer	Base Fee	Extra Fees	Estimated Total
In person (walk-in)	AAA	$20.00	Passport photos, if needed	$20–$50
By mail	AAA	$20.00	Return or expedited postage	$20–$25
Online	AAA	$30.00 (incl. digital photo)	Shipping (varies)	$30 + shipping
Online (only option)	AATA	$20.00	+$9.00 photo fee, + shipping	$45–$194

How Long Does IDP Processing Take?

Cost is only half the equation. Timing matters just as much, especially if your trip is coming up fast.

Method	Issuer	Typical Processing Time	Total Time in Hand
In person (walk-in)	AAA	Same visit	Same day, 15–60 minutes
By mail	AAA	Allow 2–4 weeks	Approx. 2–4 weeks
Online	AAA	~5 business days	About 1–2 weeks
Online (only option)	AATA	1–4 business days	About 3–14 days

The clearest takeaway here is that walking into a participating AAA branch is the only same-day option. Every other route requires additional processing and shipping time, so build that into your plans. AAA recommends applying two to three weeks before you travel, and earlier still during busy travel seasons.

What to Have Ready Before You Apply for IDP

No matter which route you pick, gather these first so nothing holds you up:

A completed and signed IDP application form.
Two identical 2″ × 2″ passport-style photos, signed on the back, for in-person or mail applications (digital upload for online applications).
A valid U.S. or U.S. territorial driver’s license — the original for in-person visits, or clear copies/images for mail and online applications.
Payment for the application fee (mail applications typically require a check or money order).
Proof that you’re at least 18 years old and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Search “International Driving Permit” online and you’ll find dozens of slick-looking websites happy to take your money. Almost none of them are legitimate.

Only AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue a real one. That’s the whole list. Every other site is either selling a worthless souvenir booklet or running an outright scam. USAGov specifically warns that many of these sites are fraudulent and may try to steal your money or your personal information, including scans of your driver’s license.

Before you type your license number into any website, ask yourself one question: is this AAA or AATA? If it isn’t, close the tab. Be especially suspicious of sites promising instant approval, a digital-only permit, or prices that seem unusually high for what’s a fairly simple document. Those are the tells.

It also can’t be renewed. Once it expires, you apply again from scratch. And don’t jump the gun either: AAA won’t issue one more than six months before its effective date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP the same day I apply? Yes, but only through an in-person visit to a participating AAA branch. Every other method- mail, AAA online, or AATA online- requires processing and shipping time.

Is there a digital version of the IDP? No. Every official U.S.-issued International Driving Permit is a physical booklet. There is currently no legitimate digital-only version, so don’t trust any site that offers one.

What happens if my driver’s license expires while my IDP is still valid? Your IDP becomes unusable the moment your underlying driver’s license expires or is no longer valid, regardless of the date printed on the permit itself.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Kenya? Kenya generally recognizes International Driving Permits for visitors driving with a valid foreign license, and many rental agencies require one. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules on the U.S. Department of State’s Kenya travel page before you go, and check with your specific rental provider.

Conclusion

Here’s my takeaway. An International Driving Permit is one of the best travel documents you can have. Even if you’re not sure you’ll rent a car, it gives you options, flexibility, and freedom. That’s exactly what it did for me.

AAA made the process incredibly easy, and in less than 20 minutes I walked out with my permit. If you’re planning to drive through Kenya or anywhere else in the world, I’d put this near the top of your travel checklist.

It’s quick, convenient, and can save you a lot of stress once you arrive.

If you’d like to see the entire process step by step, watch the full video above. Safe travels, and I’ll see you in the next one.