AAA International Driving Permits

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Valid in over 150 countries and printed in 10 languages.

Before you travel the world, pick up your International Driving Permit (IDP), even if you do not plan to drive abroad. An IDP contains your name, photo, and driver information translated in ten different languages, and is recognized in more than 150 countries. Should you need to communicate with foreign authorities, this internationally recognizable form of identification can help break down language barriers when traveling in non-English speaking countries.

DO I NEED AN IDP IN ORDER TO DRIVE IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES? +

Some countries do not recognize a driver's license from the U.S., but they officially recognize an IDP (e.g. Hungary). Other countries honor a U.S. driver's license, but require a local language translation (e.g. Spain). The IDP satisfies both situations. However, although a country's government may not require an IDP, car rental companies in that country, such as Hertz, may require an IDP. Obtaining an IDP prior to departure can prevent potential hassles.

HOW DO I GET AN IDP? +

To secure an IDP, all you need is:

A completed IDP Application (also available at AAA stores)
A valid U.S. driver’s license
Two (2) original recent passport-style photos (also available at AAA stores) printed on photo paper with your signature on the back

Then, visit your nearest AAA store to pay $20 permit fee plus local tax, and receive your IDP while you wait.

For domestic* mail service, include the completed requirements above, plus:

A photocopy of both sides of your valid U.S. driver's license
A check or money order for $24.05 ($20 permit fee, $2.05 Seattle tax, and $2 for domestic mailing)

Mail to:
AAA/IDP – Auto Travel
1523 15th Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119

*For international mail service, send your completed application and all other requirements to the above address. Please include a check or money order for $22.05 ($20 permit fee and $2.05 Seattle tax). We require an overnight service such as FedEx or UPS; include one of these carriers' pre-paid mailers as a self-addressed return envelope.

CAN A FOREIGN NATIONAL VISITING THE U.S. OBTAIN AN IDP FROM AAA? +

An IDP must be issued in the same country that issued the driver's license. Therefore, if someone has a U.K. driver's license, their IDP must also be issued in the U.K.

I HAVE A U.S. DRIVER'S LICENSE, BUT I AM A CITIZEN OF ANOTHER COUNTRY. WHERE DO I GET MY IDP? +

The IDP must be issued in the same country that issued the driver's license. If your driver's license is issued in the U.S., the IDP must also be issued in the U.S. Contact your nearest AAA store.

MY DRIVER'S LICENSE IS FROM A U.S. TERRITORY (GUAM, PUERTO RICO, OR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS); WHERE DO I GET MY IDP? +

If your driver's license has been issued by a U.S. possession, your IDP should be issued in the U.S. Contact your nearest AAA store in the U.S., and the IDP can be mailed to them.

HONG KONG HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED FROM GREAT BRITAIN TO CHINA; DO I NEED AN IDP TO DRIVE IN HONG KONG? +

The United Nations has notified the U.S. State Department that the treaty which applies to Hong Kong, at present, will continue to apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the name given to the territory by China. This notification should not be construed to mean that China now recognizes IDPs; the People's Republic of China is not a party to the treaty.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I RECEIVE A TRAFFIC CITATION WHEN USING MY IDP? +

The IDP holds no powers of its own; the IDP is valid only when carried in conjunction with a driver's license. Therefore, there is no separate driving record with an IDP. If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer when traveling in a foreign country, give the officer your U.S. driver's license and the IDP. If you receive a citation, it will be reflected on the driving record associated with your driver's license.