AAA has been issuing International Driving Permits in the United States for decades. Permio is a newer digital-first provider. Both issue convention-compliant IDPs accepted worldwide. The difference is in the experience, speed, and convenience. Here is an honest comparison.
Speed of Delivery
AAA. Requires an in-person visit to a AAA office. Processing takes same-day if all documents are correct, but you must travel to the office during business hours. Mail-in applications take 4-6 weeks. No digital delivery option.
Permio. Fully online application. Digital IDP delivered by email, typically within 24 hours. Physical copy mailed separately. No office visit required. Apply from anywhere with an internet connection.
Permio delivers a digital IDP within hours. AAA requires an in-person visit or weeks for mail processing. For last-minute travelers, Permio's digital delivery is the clear advantage.
Cost Comparison
AAA. The IDP itself costs $20. However, you must be a AAA member ($56-180/year depending on tier) or pay a non-member fee. The effective cost for a non-member is higher than the sticker price suggests.
Permio. Pricing starts at $29 for a 1-year IDP. No membership required. 3-year options available. The price includes both digital and physical copies.
Digital vs Physical
AAA. Issues only physical IDP booklets. No digital version available. If you lose your IDP abroad, you must wait for a replacement to be mailed.
Permio. Issues a certified digital IDP immediately, plus a physical booklet by mail. The digital version lives on your phone and is accepted by most rental companies and many police forces. If you lose the physical copy, the digital version remains accessible.
A digital IDP on your phone cannot be lost in hotel safes, stolen from rental cars, or left in airport lounges. It is always with you, always accessible, and serves as permanent backup.
Convention Coverage
AAA. Issues IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention only. This covers most countries but notably excludes some that only accept the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
Permio. Issues IDPs compliant with the 1968 Vienna Convention, which is accepted by the broadest range of countries globally. Also provides guidance on which convention type specific countries require.
Customer Experience
AAA. In-person offices have variable wait times. Staff knowledge about IDPs varies by location. The experience depends heavily on which office you visit.
Permio. Fully digital experience with chat support. Trustpilot rating of 4.9/5 with over 12,000 reviews. Support available for questions about specific country requirements.
AAA: Lower base price, requires membership or in-person visit, physical only, 1949 Convention. Permio: Higher base price, fully online, digital + physical, 1968 Convention, faster delivery, no membership needed.
Both AAA and Permio issue legitimate, convention-compliant IDPs. The right choice depends on your priorities: if you are already a AAA member and have time for an office visit, AAA is a solid option. If you want speed, digital delivery, and the convenience of applying from anywhere, Permio is the better fit for modern travelers.