Here's the short answer: Though there's no such thing as a digital IDP and you can't apply online directly through the AAA website, you can apply online for an official AAA IDP through the Fast IDP website. If you use our service, we will go to AAA on your behalf and then ship you your IDP to you anywhere in the world. Read on for more details:
The Legal Framework: Why IDPs Must Be Physical Booklets
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a digital IDP because the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which set the rules for IDPs issued for US drivers, stipulates the requirement of a physical booklet. Furthermore, there’s currently no way to even apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA online. Since AAA is the only authorized issuer of IDPs in the United States, that means that there’s no direct way to apply for an International Driving Permit online.
How Fast IDP Can Help You Apply for an IDP Online
However, if you use Fast IDP, you can fill out your application online on our website, and then we will review your application and have one of our agents go to AAA on your behalf to get your IDP for you. After that, we’ll email you a picture of your IDP to you before shipping it to you anywhere in the world.
Beware of Online IDP Scams
There are many IDP scams on the internet ready to sell you a “digital International driving permits,” which they may also call a “digital international driver’s license”. Beware that these are not official documents, and the United States Federal Trade Commission has prosecuted such companies on numerous occasions but cannot shut down the scam websites as quickly as they pop up.
For more details on your options to apply for an International Driving Permits, look up our blog post about that topic here.
Feel free to reach out to us at Fast IDP if you have any questions – we’re happy help!