How to Get an International Driving Permit From AAA for Europe

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Are you curious whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) when renting a car in Europe? We were, too, and today I want to share exactly what we learned and our experience getting an IDP from AAA. Our family travels to Europe often, but this was our first time renting a car in Europe.

We recently planned a summer trip for our family to visit Portugal for two and a half weeks. Due to our specific 16-day itinerary in Portugal, we needed to rent a car for part of the trip.

Specifically, we needed it from the airport in Faro (in the south) to the Hyatt Regency Vilamoura, then on to Lagos in the western Algarve. We then needed to travel north to the popular vacation destination of Cascais, west of Lisbon.

In preparing for the trip, we learned that it would be best to have an International Driving Permit while driving in Portugal, just to be safe. The whole process was easy, and I wanted to share the experience with you.

The rules around International Driving Permits vary quite a bit from country to country. And Portugal doesn’t specifically require you to have one for a short vacation like this.

That said, when researching our trip and reading about other travelers’ firsthand experiences on forums, we concluded that while our rental car company didn’t specifically require an International Driving Permit either, many travelers said having one came in handy if they were stopped by police.

So, we went ahead and got one just to be safe!

Blevins Family Photos 2026 Cascais Portugal

Getting an International Driving Permit

If the phrase “government-regulated travel document” conjures up nightmares of long lines, confusing bureaucratic paperwork, and weeks of anxious waiting, I have great news!

Getting your International Driver’s Permit through the American Automobile Association (AAA) is hands-down the easiest, most seamless pre-travel task you’ll encounter.

What is an International Driving Permit?

Before diving into how to get an International Driving Permit, it helps to understand what it actually is.

The International Driving Permit is a legally recognized document that translates your domestic driver’s license into 10 different languages. It doesn’t replace your standard license; rather, it acts as a companion to it.

Click here for the official USA.gov International Driving Permit page.

Couple walking through a bustling outdoor market with leather bags on both sides and a historic church in the background under a blue sky, smiling at the camera.

3 Reasons Why You May Need an International Driving Permit in Europe

As I mentioned above, each country has its own requirements, and often it depends on how long you are staying. On top of that, rental car companies have their own standards you need to adhere to.

When driving through Europe, the benefits of carrying an IDP fall into three categories.

#1 Legal Compliance When Necessary

Requirements vary throughout Europe. Some countries require American drivers to carry an International Driving Permit, while others allow visitors to drive with a valid U.S. Driver’s License.

Because the rules vary by destination, I recommend checking the requirements for every country where you plan to drive before your trip.

#2 Rental Car Insurance Peace of Mind

Even when an International Driving Permit isn’t legally required, your rental car company may require or recommend one. AAA notes that rental companies can have their own IDP requirements, so carrying one can help avoid surprises when you pick up your car.

For this summer 2026 trip to Portugal, we rented a car through Europcar at the Faro Airport and did not need to show the International Driving Permit.

#3 Smooth Interaction with Authorities

Law enforcement officials outside major tourist centers may not speak fluent English. If you are pulled over for a routine traffic check, handing over a booklet that clearly translates your driving privileges into their native language instantly defuses possible friction.

My AAA IDP Experience: Easy and Fast

AAA is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue International Driving Permits in the United States. In my opinion, they have made the issuance process very fast, efficient, and pain-free.

You don’t need to be an AAA member to utilize this service. I simply looked up the nearest local branch, checked their hours, and walked right in. I did call ahead to check the protocol, and our local branch didn’t even require an appointment, but yours might. So, I always recommend a quick phone call first!

To get your permit on the spot, you only need to bring four things:

1. Your valid, current US driver’s license.

2. Two original passport-style photos. If you don’t have them, many AAA branches can take and print them for you right at the counter for an extra fee. This is what I did, and the charge at our local AAA office was $10. Prices can vary slightly by branch.

3. A completed, straightforward one-page International Driving Permit application. You can download the online form in advance or fill it out at the desk.

4. The $20 permit fee.

You can also apply online or by mail, but because I needed mine before our trip, I chose to visit a AAA branch in person.

From the moment I entered the AAA office, the experience was remarkably pleasant. A welcoming agent greeted me, reviewed my single page of paperwork, verified my identity against my domestic license, and efficiently assembled the booklet.

Within less than fifteen minutes, I walked back out the front doors with my physical International Driving Permit stamped, signed, and ready for the roads of Europe.

Click here to learn more about getting an International Driving Permit from AAA.

Getting an International Driving Permit for a Europe Trip

How To Plan A Trip To Europe For Your Family

Get an International Driving Permit Before Your Europe Vacation

Armed with my new International Driving Permit from AAA, our family trip to Portugal went off without a hitch. Picking up the rental car in Faro was seamless, and having the additional documentation gave me one less thing to worry about while driving through Portugal.

When you are planning an overseas vacation, your mental energy should be spent enjoying your trip, not stressing about bureaucratic red tape. Don’t let a missing piece of paperwork derail your peace of mind.

For twenty dollars and fifteen minutes of your time, a quick trip to your local AAA branch unlocks stress-free exploration of Europe’s most beautiful highways and byways.

That said, we will still try to use the train system in Europe as much as possible on future trips. In many countries, such as France and Italy, it’s incredibly convenient!

More Europe Travel Planning Tips

If you are looking for more firsthand travel tips, especially for Europe, you are in the right place! We visit Europe several times each year, and we have dozens of helpful travel-planning blog posts here at Our Little Lifestyle, including everything from finding top flight deals to detailed hotel reviews and recaps of our favorite tours!

Click here to browse all travel blog posts!

Or, use the main menu to explore Travel → Europe → and then the country you want to learn more about!

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