An International Driving Permit (IDP) is one of the more straightforward documents in the driving world — but it's also one of the most misunderstood. Many people search for it under AAA specifically because AAA is one of only two organizations authorized in the United States to issue IDPs. Here's how the cost structure works, what's included, and what variables actually affect what you'll spend.
An IDP is not a standalone license. It's a translation document — a standardized booklet that renders your valid U.S. driver's license into multiple languages so that foreign authorities, rental agencies, and law enforcement in other countries can read your credentials. It works alongside your U.S. license, not instead of it.
The IDP is governed by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention, which is why it's recognized in over 150 countries. The U.S. Department of State has designated two organizations to issue IDPs in the United States: AAA (American Automobile Association) and AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance).
You cannot get a legally valid U.S. IDP from any other source. If you've seen third-party websites selling "international driving permits," those documents carry no legal standing.
AAA charges a flat fee for the IDP, and that fee has been consistent for years. As of the most recently published AAA IDP information, the cost is $20. 🌍
This fee covers the booklet itself, which includes your photo, personal information, and license details translated into 10 languages. The fee is the same regardless of:
AAA membership is not required to apply for an IDP through AAA. Non-members can apply at any AAA branch office.
Note: Fees can change. Always confirm the current fee directly with a AAA branch before your visit, as AAA sets its own pricing and updates are not always widely publicized.
The cost of the IDP itself is only part of what you'll need to budget for. The application process requires:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel dates |
| Two passport-style photos | 2"×2", taken within the last 6 months |
| Completed application form | Available at AAA branches or for download from AAA's website |
| Payment | The flat IDP fee (currently $20) |
The passport photos are a separate cost. If you don't already have them, expect to pay anywhere from $10–$20 for a set of two at a pharmacy, print shop, or through certain AAA locations. Some AAA offices offer photo services on-site — fees vary by location.
AAA offers two application methods:
In-person at a AAA branch is the faster option. You can typically receive your IDP the same day. This is the preferred method if you're traveling soon.
By mail is available but comes with a processing window. Mail applications take longer, and given postal delivery times in both directions, applying well in advance of your departure is important. Exact turnaround times are not guaranteed and vary based on volume.
Neither method costs more than the other — the fee is the same regardless of how you apply.
An IDP issued through AAA is valid for one year from the date of issue. You cannot renew an IDP — you apply for a new one each time you need one. If you travel internationally multiple times per year, you'll pay the fee for each new IDP as your prior one expires.
This is where drivers sometimes miscalculate their budget. Not every country requires an IDP, and not every driving situation abroad does either. Whether you need one depends on:
Some countries — including several in Europe — have specific IDP requirements tied to the treaty under which the permit was issued. The 1949 or 1968 convention version matters in certain destinations. AAA issues permits under both conventions for this reason.
An IDP does not replace your home state driver's license requirements. It does not waive any restrictions on your U.S. license — if your license carries a corrective lens requirement or a vehicle class restriction, those restrictions apply internationally as well. An IDP simply translates what your license already says.
It also does not constitute auto insurance, vehicle registration, or any form of legal driving authorization beyond what your underlying U.S. license already grants you.
The flat $20 IDP fee itself is consistent — that part is simple. What varies is whether you actually need one, which countries and rental agencies require it, how far in advance you need to apply given your travel timeline, and what supporting costs (photos, potential travel insurance, international auto coverage) are part of your complete travel picture.
Your home state, your specific travel destination, and the nature of your trip are what determine how the IDP fits — or doesn't — into your driving plans abroad.