For all those times you've hemmed and hawed about heading to your nearest American Automobile Association (AAA) office to get an International Driving Permit before heading abroad, this is the news you've been waiting for: AAA quietly rolled out the option to apply for an International Driving Permit online.

At $30 a pop ($20 for the permit plus a $10 photo processing fee), it's a bit more expensive than the flat $20 you'll typically pay going to an AAA office. But you can easily fill out the form online, upload your own passport-worthy selfie, pay the fee, and get your permit via mail in a week or so.

Jonathan Weinberg – the founder and CEO of the game-changing rental car search engine AutoSlash – tipped us off to the news in our latest episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast. Better yet, he said a coworker recently tested out this new online option and got his permit back in the mail within just a few days.

 

 

It's unclear whether this online option was just recently rolled out or has been available for months without much fanfare. Regardless, we're excited: Between spending time in the car, waiting in line, filling out paperwork, and getting a photo taken, getting an international permit from AAA can be a hassle … for something you may or may not even need. Now, you can do it all from home in just a few clicks.

Ask 100 travelers whether you truly need an international driving permit in order to rent and drive a car in a foreign country and you'll get 97 different answers.

These permits translate your trusty U.S. driver's license into 10 different languages to be valid in 150-plus foreign country. But whether they're truly necessary or just an additional expense has always been a debate. For its part, AAA warns: “Many countries require an IDP to drive legally. Fines for driving without an IDP can be quite costly.”

Weinberg said getting a permit is absolutely essential if you're planning to rent a car and drive somewhere that doesn't use the English alphabet, like Japan. Elsewhere, there are major discrepancies: While Italy technically requires one by law, the big box chains never ask for it. Smaller companies might, though … and if you get pulled over by Italian police, they could ask for one and levy a hefty fine if you don't have it. 

That's turned an international permit into the quintessential “better safe than sorry” travel accessory. Now, it's much easier to get one.

AAA says to expect a turnaround in roughly five business days. If you need your permit in seven business days or less, the company says going to a local office is a safer bet. 

 

Bottom Line

At long last, you can apply for an International Driving Permit online through AAA!

Whether this option has been around for just weeks, several months, or close to a year, we're not entirely sure. But I'll tell you one thing: I'll be happy to skip the drive to my nearest AAA next time I (maybe) need one.

 

Featured image courtesy of International Driving Permit