Getting an International Driving Permit in the U.S.: $20 and 10 Minutes at AAA

I’m heading to Korea this time. I figured I might need to drive at least a little while I’m there, so I decided to get an International Driving Permit ahead of time, and honestly, it was so simple it caught me a bit off guard. In case it helps anyone who needs one, here’s how it went.

Just go to AAA (Triple A)

In the U.S., you can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) at AAA. I just stopped by my local AAA office. I heard you don’t even need to be a member, so no pressure there.

Here’s all you need

Two 2×2-inch photos, a valid driver’s license, and one application form. That’s really it. You can fill out the application on site, but I filled out the AAA International Driving Permit application online ahead of time and printed it out. Since I came prepared, all I had to do at the office was hand in my paperwork, so it went even faster. I brought a bunch of extra documents thinking they’d ask for more, but I never had to take any of them out.

$20 and 10 minutes

The cost was just $20. Filling out the form, handing it in, and walking out with the permit took about 10 minutes total. I’d braced myself for DMV-style lines, but it felt like I just parked, popped in, and came right back out.

If you’ll be driving abroad, just get one

Whether you’re in OC, California, or anywhere in the U.S., if you have a driver’s license and might end up driving in another country even for a little while, I recommend this. Whether you’re renting a car or borrowing a family member’s car for a bit, it really gives you peace of mind.

A couple of extra notes: an International Driving Permit is only valid when you carry it together with your U.S. license, and it’s usually valid for 1 year, so there’s no need to get it too early. Still, rather than rushing in right before your flight, it’s better to give yourself about a week of breathing room.

I’ll post another update after I’m back from Korea.