If you travel abroad, you may find yourself needing an international driver's license. Technically, the document is an international driver's permit and sites offering to sell you an international driver's license are usually a scam. However, AAA and the National Auto Club are both mandated by the U.S. government to provide international driver permits. The international driver's permit allows you to drive in more than 150 countries if you are over 18. It is simply a verification that you are legal to drive in the country you are from, with all of the information contained in your driver's license translated into 10 languages.
Ensure that your current U.S. driver's license is valid for the duration of your trip. Normally your international driver's permit is valid for one year, but if your current driver's license expires within six months of your request, renew your U.S. driver's license before applying for the international driver's permit.
Take passport photos. To get a permit, you need to provide two passport-size photos. Sign each photo on the back.
Write a check or money order for $15 to AAA or the National Auto Club, the fee as of this publication. You do not need to be a member of either club to receive an international driver's permit through them.
If applying by mail, provide a photocopy of the front and back of your current U.S. driver's license. You also have the option of sending them additional funds for expedited return of your international driver's permit.
Fill out the application. Print the application from the AAA or National Autoclub website or go to the AAA office to fill it out. The application can either be mailed to either club or presented in person at the local AAA office. To mail it, send it to the address listed on your application for AAA. For the National Auto Club, include $3 for shipping and handling and send it to:
The National Automobile Club
1151 East Hillsdale Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404
