Renting a car in Italy? Japan? Spain? Many countries want more than your US licence.
They want an international driving permit. An IDP.
AAA issues them. $20. And AAA is one of only two groups the US Department of State lists for it.
That is only the start. AAA members also get Hertz savings, travel insurance options and help from partner auto clubs overseas.
AAA has been around since 1902. Today it has more than 65 million members across North America.
AAA Travel Offers Worth Knowing
| Offer | What You Get |
|---|---|
| International Driving Permit | $20 plus tax, at a branch or by mail |
| IDP online | $20 plus a $10 digital photo fee plus shipping |
| Hertz for AAA members | Up to 20% off the base rate |
| Hertz young renters | The young renter fee is waived for ages 20 to 24. |
| Hertz extras | Free extra driver if they are an AAA member. One free child seat |
| Travel insurance | Allianz plans sold through AAA |
| Member discounts | More than 100,000 discount partners |
- Codes. AAA has no national join code. Some local AAA clubs run their own membership deals. One Indiana club has a fall sale through October 31. Check your club by ZIP code.
- Hertz. Use your Club Discount Code (CDP) and book at least 24 hours ahead.
Tip: Need your IDP within 7 business days? Skip online. Go to a AAA branch.
The International Driving Permit, Step by Step
- What it is. A permit that goes with your US licence. It is printed in 10 languages.
- Where it works. About 150 countries.
- How long. Valid for one year.
- What you need. A valid US driver's licence, two original passport photos and the application.
- By mail. Add a copy of both sides of your licence.
- Online. About 5 business days, plus shipping.
- Timing. You can get it up to 6 months before your trip starts.
- Paper only. No digital version.
One more thing. It does not work in your home country. It is for driving abroad.
Watch for scams. AAA says any site other than AAA or AATA offering an IDP is a scam. USA.gov warns about fake IDP sites too.
AAA Perks for Members Going Overseas
Hertz rentals: up to 20% off the base rate. Hertz says the young renter waiver alone saves up to $25 a day.
Travel insurance Allianz Trip Protect plans through AAA. Deluxe, Select and Cancel Anytime. Trip cancellation limits go up to $200,000 on Deluxe.
Roadside help abroad Some foreign auto clubs give AAA members help. In Canada, CAA gives the same service you get at home. Check AAA's list first. Not every country's club takes part.
Passport photos: Many AAA branches take them. Prices vary by club. One Oregon club charges members $5, and Premier members get one free set a year.
Order it ahead and pick it up at a branch.
Travel agents, AAA travel agents, TripTik maps and passport help.
- First trip abroad: IDP plus passport photos at the same branch.
- Family trip: Hertz perks for young drivers and a free child seat.
- Big trip: look at the Allianz plans.
Tip: Bring your AAA card on the trip. Partner clubs ask for it.
AAA vs AATA vs Other Clubs
Prices from each group's own site. Membership prices vary by local AAA club.
| What You Need | AAA | Other Choice | Price There |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Driving Permit | $20 plus tax at a branch | AATA | $20 plus a $9 photo fee, plus $16 to $37 shipping |
| Rush IDP | Go to a branch. | AATA | $37 express shipping, 2 to 3 days |
| Roadside membership | Classic from $72 to $79 a year (two club examples) | Better World Club Basic | $69.95 a year |
| Travel insurance | Allianz plans through AAA | Allianz direct | Starting at $27 |
Where AAA wins? You can walk into a branch. Get photos, the permit and a rental discount in one visit. AATA is online and by mail only.
- Pick AAA if you want your permit fast and in person, plus member perks for the rest of the trip.
- Tip: Already a AAA member? Check your club page for the travel perks tied to your level.
Which AAA Level Fits a Trip Abroad?
Each local club sets its own prices. Two real examples:
| Level | Hoosier AAA (Indiana) | Auto Club Group |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | $72 a year | $79 a year |
| Plus | $157 a year | $117 a year |
| Premier | $246 a year | $144 a year |
At Hoosier AAA, trip interruption cover grows from $600 on Classic to $1,500 on Premier. At Auto Club Group, Plus includes up to 2 sets of passport photos and Premier includes unlimited.
AAA itself says to ask about Premier if you want more overseas benefits.
Visiting the US From Another Country?
That AAA International page is also for you.
- Roadside. Members of partner foreign auto clubs get basic roadside service for stays of 90 days or less.
- The card covers the person. Not the car. RVs and motorcycles are not covered.
- Discounts. Print a temporary International Member Discount Card from the page.
- Call. 1-800-AAA-HELP.
Why Consider AAA?
- Authorised for IDPs. One of two groups the State Department lists.
- In person. Branches across the US.
- Fast option. Branch visit if you are short on time.
- Car rental savings. Up to 20% off Hertz base rates for members.
- Help abroad. Partner with auto clubs in many countries, including CAA in Canada.
- Long history. Since 1902, 65 million+ members in North America.
Who This Is For
- First-time renters driving in Europe, Asia or South America.
- Parents with drivers aged 20 to 24 who want to skip the young renter fee at Hertz.
- People who want permit, photos and travel help at one counter.
- Current AAA members who never used the travel side of their card.
- Visitors from partner clubs abroad driving in the US.
AAA International FAQs
How much is an IDP from AAA?
$20 plus tax in person or by mail. Online adds a $10 photo fee and shipping.
How long is the IDP good for?
One year.
Can I apply online?
Yes. Through AAA-IDP.com. Plan on about 5 business days, plus shipping.
Is an IDP from other websites OK?
No. Only AAA and AATA are authorised in the US. Others may be scams.
Can I get roadside help abroad?
In some countries, through partner clubs. Canada is the easiest.
Where do I get passport photos?
At many AAA branches. Prices depend on your club. Some Premier levels include free sets.
Does AAA sell travel insurance?
Yes, Allianz plans, through AAA.
Final Verdict
Driving abroad starts with paperwork. Do not leave it to the airport.
AAA makes it simple. A $20 permit. A branch you can walk into. Then Hertz savings, insurance options and help from partner clubs once you land.
Get the permit first. Then pack.