International Driving Permit 2026: US Travelers Must Use AAA, Not Other Sites

Bottom line: American travelers who want to rent a car in Korea need both their US driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP), and in the US there's exactly one organization authorized to issue a genuine one: AAA (American Automobile Association). Older guides sometimes mention a second issuer called AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance), but AAA is the one confirmed as authorized by the State Department today, so apply at an AAA branch, by mail, or online before you leave.

If you didn't know: Show up with an 'International Driving Permit' bought from a site that isn't AAA, and if the rental counter doesn't recognize it as valid, your entire multi-day car reservation can get cancelled on the spot, leaving you scrambling for a train or bus ticket instead. An AAA branch visit costs $20 (you'll need two passport photos, the application, and a valid state license); mail or online orders run about $30 plus shipping and take roughly 5 business days to process -- rushing this the day before you fly is already too late.

Renting a car in Korea as a foreigner takes more than just an International Driving Permit -- you must also present your original state driver's license, or rental companies won't honor the contract. The complication is that fake AAA-styled websites in the US will take your money and mail you an 'International Driving Permit' that isn't issued by any organization the US State Department actually recognizes. A Korean rental counter can and does reject those on sight. AAA will issue one even if you're not a member, but not every branch handles IDPs, so a quick phone call before you drive over saves you a wasted trip.

Journey stage: Before you go · Verified 2026-10-18 · Source AAA