AAA International Driving Permit: How to Get It Fast

Few things can derail a carefully planned trip abroad faster than discovering at the rental counter that you don’t have the right paperwork. For U.S. drivers heading overseas, an International Driving Permit (IDP) bridges that gap — and AAA is the only authorized issuer in the country.

Countries accepting AAA IDP: 150+ ·
Validity period: 1 year ·
Cost for AAA members: $20 ·
Cost for non-members: $25 ·
Processing time at AAA branch: 15 minutes

Six key facts about the AAA IDP, one pattern: the process is straightforward but has a few moving parts depending on how you apply.

What is the easiest way to get an international driver’s permit?

The simplest route for most U.S. drivers is to walk into a AAA branch with two passport photos, your current driver’s license, and $20 ($25 for non-members). You’ll walk out with your IDP in hand.

AAA IDP: The simplest option for US drivers

• AAA is the only authorized issuer of IDPs in the United States (AAA Travel).
• In-person applications require a valid U.S. driver’s license, two passport-type photos, and the permit fee (AAA IDP Application PDF).
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old; learner’s permits and provisional licenses are not eligible (AAA Connect).

Online vs. in-person application

• Online applications require creating an account, uploading a digital photo and images of both sides of your U.S. license, and paying online—plus shipping fees (AAA Travel).
• AAA Washington charges a $10 digital photo fee for online orders, with shipping separate (AAA Washington).
• AAA Northeast lists the combined cost of the IDP ($20) plus digital photo ($10) as $30, plus shipping (AAA Northeast).
• Online delivery takes about 5 business days for processing, plus selected shipping time.
• AAA recommends applying online at least two weeks before travel.

The pattern: in-person is faster and cheaper; online offers convenience at a premium.

How do I get an international driving permit in Ireland?

For Irish drivers, the process is handled by AA Ireland, not AAA. U.S. travelers driving in Ireland need an AAA IDP — the two systems are separate.

Applying through the AA in Ireland

• Irish residents apply for an IDP through AA Ireland, which requires a valid Irish driving license and a passport photo.
• An IDP from AA Ireland costs €15 and is valid for one year.
• AA Ireland issues the IDP on the spot if you apply in person at a branch.

Documents needed for an Irish IDP

• Valid full Irish driving license (provisional licenses not accepted).
• One passport-sized photograph.
• Application fee (€15).
• Completed application form from AA Ireland.

The implication: Irish travelers heading outside the EU/EEA should budget €15 and a quick trip to an AA office. For U.S. travelers, the AAA IDP is the relevant document.

Which countries accept an Irish driving licence?

An Irish driving license is recognized across the EU and EEA without an IDP. Outside that zone, requirements vary.

EU/EEA countries

• Irish licenses are valid throughout the EU and EEA without an IDP.
• This includes all 27 EU member states plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Countries outside the EU that accept Irish licenses

• Some non-EU countries accept Irish licenses directly (e.g., United Kingdom, Switzerland).
• An IDP is required for countries like Japan, Australia, and many U.S. states.
• Always check the destination country’s rules via official government sources before traveling.

Why this matters: an Irish driver heading to Japan without an IDP could be refused a rental car or fined. The IDP costs €15 and takes 15 minutes, making it cheap insurance.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Ireland?

The answer depends entirely on where your license was issued.

If you hold a non-EU/EEA license

• Non-EU/EEA license holders (including U.S. drivers) usually need an IDP to drive in Ireland.
• The IDP must be obtained before travel—it cannot be issued in Ireland for a non-Irish license.
• Your valid U.S. license must accompany the IDP at all times while driving.

If you hold an EU/EEA license

• EU/EEA license holders do not need an IDP in Ireland.
• Irish licenses are valid throughout the EU/EEA, including Ireland itself, without an IDP.

The catch: U.S. travelers planning a road trip in Ireland should get an AAA IDP before departure. Without it, a rental car company may not hand over the keys.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

Timing varies sharply by application method. Here’s the breakdown.

AAA in-person: 15 minutes

• If you visit a AAA branch with your license, photos, and payment, you leave with your IDP in about 15 minutes (AAA IDP Application PDF).
• No appointment is usually needed, but check with your local AAA branch.

AAA online: 2-3 weeks

• Processing takes 5 business days, plus shipping time.
• AAA recommends applying at least 2 weeks ahead.
• Expedited shipping may reduce delivery time for an extra fee.

AA Ireland: same day if in branch

• Applying in person at an AA Ireland office gets you the IDP on the spot.
• Postal applications may take 1–2 weeks.

The trade-off: speed vs. convenience. In-person is faster and cheaper; online lets you apply from anywhere but costs extra and takes longer.

Here’s a spec-by-spec look at the AAA International Driving Permit:

How to get your AAA International Driving Permit: Step by step

1. Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 18 and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license. Learner’s permits and provisional licenses don’t qualify (AAA Connect).
2. Choose your application method. Visit a AAA branch (fastest), apply online, or mail in the PDF form (AAA IDP Application PDF).
3. Prepare your documents. For in-person: two passport photos, your valid license, and payment. For online: digital photo and scans of both sides of your license.
4. Pay the fee. $20 for AAA members, $25 for non-members. Online applications may add a $10 photo fee and shipping.
5. Submit your application. In branch: hand over documents and receive IDP in ~15 minutes. Online: upload everything, pay, and wait for shipping confirmation.
6. Check shipping status. Online orders get email confirmation and tracking.
7. Pack your IDP with your passport and license. You must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP when driving abroad.

The implication: a step-by-step approach ensures you don’t miss any requirement, especially for online applicants who must plan ahead.

What we know and what remains fuzzy

The pattern: confirmed facts are solid, but travelers should verify destination-specific rules before departure.

What the experts say

“An International Driving Permit is a translation of your valid U.S. driver’s license into key languages—it’s not a license itself. You must carry both documents when driving abroad.”

— AAA representative, AAA Connect blog

“If you hold a valid Irish driving licence, you can drive in EU and EEA countries without an IDP. For travel to countries like Japan or Australia, you’ll need an IDP from AA Ireland.”

— Citizens Information Ireland (official government guidance)

The takeaway: both sources confirm that an IDP is a translation, not a license, and that requirements differ by license origin.

For the U.S. traveler planning a road trip in Ireland, the choice is clear: get an AAA IDP before you leave. A 15-minute visit to a AAA branch and $20 ($25 for non-members) is all it takes to avoid being turned away at a rental counter overseas. The alternative—rushing an online order or risking non-compliance—can cost more in both money and peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

The FAQ covers the most common questions, but always verify with official sources for your specific destination.