AAA IDP vs online IDPs — which are real?

Updated 21 Jun 2026

Direct answer

For US drivers, only AAA and AATA are authorised to issue a real International Driving Permit — both for about US$20. Almost every other 'online IDP' site is a private reseller, and many are scams that ship a translation dressed up as an official permit. We're a translation company, not an IDP issuer, so we'll say it plainly: buy the official IDP from AAA/AATA, or carry a certified translation where that's what you actually need.

At a glance

Real US IDP issuers: AAA and AATA only (~US$20)
Most online 'IDPs': Private resellers / scams
What sellers ship: A translation, not an official permit
Red flags: 'Official', 'valid 150+ countries', $40–70 fees
When a translation is enough: Where a translation is accepted

Trip decision path

Turn this guide into a clean travel plan

Use the guide as context, then confirm your exact license, destination, dates, and vehicle before buying anything.

2 authority sources

1 · Verify the rule

Choose your license country, destination, dates, and vehicle type.

2 · Use an authorized IDP route

If the checker says an IDP is required, get it from your license country's authorized issuer. We do not sell IDPs.

3 · Add a translation companion

Use the translation pack when rental desks, insurers, or checkpoints need to read your license. It is not a permit.

Who can actually issue a US IDP

In the United States, the State Department authorises exactly two organisations to issue IDPs to US licence holders: AAA and AATA. They charge about US$20 plus passport photos and issue before you travel. Any other US site claiming to sell you an 'official IDP' is not authorised — full stop. This is the single fact that cuts through the entire 'online IDP' SERP.

Why we can be the neutral voice

Most pages ranking for this question are selling something — a booklet, an affiliate link, insurance. We sell certified translations, not IDPs, so we have no reason to push you toward a permit you may not need. The honest answer is: where the IDP booklet is specifically required, get the real one from AAA/AATA; where a translation is accepted (much of the EU, most rental desks), a certified translation does the job for less hassle.

Spotting a fake IDP site

Treat as a red flag any site that calls itself 'official', uses the wrong term 'international driver's license', promises validity in an implausible number of countries, charges US$40–70 'express' fees, or buries a disclaimer admitting the product 'is only a translation'. Consumer regulators (USAGov, the FTC) warn these are common. A trustworthy translation service states exactly what it is.

What to prepare

For a US IDP, use only AAA or AATA
Expect ~US$20 — not $40–70
Avoid sites claiming 'official' status or '150+ countries'
Use a certified translation where a translation is accepted
Always carry your original licence

Check your exact route

License country × destination × vehicle — free, 1 minute.

Need your license translated?

Clearly-labeled translation companion — never a fake permit.

Frequently asked questions

Are online IDPs legit?

Rarely for US drivers — only AAA and AATA are authorised issuers. Most online 'IDP' sellers ship a translation with official-looking branding, and many are flagged as scams.

Is AAA the only place to get an IDP?

AAA and AATA are the only two State-Department-authorised US issuers. Both charge about US$20. Other countries have their own authorised issuers.

Do I even need an IDP, or just a translation?

Depends on the destination. Where the IDP booklet is named in law, get the official one; where a translation is accepted, a certified translation companion is enough and often easier.

Government and authority sources

Also see our authorized issuer guidance for where to get a real IDP when your trip requires one.

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.