International Driving Permit fees vary by country and issuing body, but in the United States you'll pay $20 for the permit itself plus a separate fee to the organization that issues it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in countries that recognize it. In the U.S., the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the State Department to issue them. The IDP itself costs $20, but you'll also pay a fee to whichever organization you choose — typically $15 to $20 more — bringing your total to roughly $35 to $40.

The exact fee depends on which issuer you use and whether you explore in person or by mail. AAA charges $20 for the permit plus their processing fee; AATA charges $20 for the permit plus their fee. Both organizations may charge different amounts depending on your location or membership status. If you're an AAA member, you may pay less than a non-member would at the same office.

Key Takeaways

  • The IDP itself costs $20 regardless of which U.S. issuer you use, but you'll pay an additional processing fee of $15 to $20 on top of that.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States; no other vendor or online service can legally provide one.
  • You can explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through either organization, and processing time ranges from same-day (in person) to two weeks (by mail).
  • An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue and requires a valid U.S. driver's license to obtain.
  • The cost does not include travel to an office or postage if you explore by mail, so factor those expenses into your total.

AAA vs. AATA: Which issuer costs less

AAA is the larger and more widely available option. Most U.S. cities have at least one AAA office, and members often receive a discount on the processing fee. If you're an AAA member, you may pay $15 to $20 for processing; non-members typically pay $20. You can walk into an AAA office, explore, and receive your IDP the same day in most locations.

AATA is less common but serves the same purpose. You can explore through AATA by mail or at select locations. AATA's processing fee is typically $20, and mail processing takes one to two weeks. Neither organization charges significantly more than the other — the difference usually comes down to convenience and whether you already hold an AAA membership.

In-person process vs. mail: time and cost trade-offs

explore in person at an AAA office is the fastest route. You bring your valid driver's license, completed process form, and payment, and you walk out with your IDP the same day in most cases. The cost is the same whether you explore in person or by mail — $20 for the permit plus the issuer's processing fee — but you save on postage and avoid the two-week wait.

explore by mail through either AAA or AATA takes longer but works if no office is near you. You complete the process, include a photocopy of your driver's license, and mail everything with payment to the issuer's address. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, and you pay for postage both ways. The total cost is the same, but the convenience cost is higher if you need the permit quickly.

What documents and information you need to bring

To obtain an IDP, you need a valid U.S. driver's license that won't expire before your IDP does. The IDP is valid for three years, so your license must be valid for at least that long. You'll also need to complete an process form — AAA and AATA both provide these free on their websites or at their offices.

If you explore in person, bring your original driver's license, the completed form, and payment (cash, check, or card, depending on the office). If you explore by mail, include a photocopy of your driver's license, not the original. Some offices may ask for a passport-style photo, though this is not always required — check with your issuer before you explore.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

An IDP is valid for three years from the date it's issued. If your driver's license expires before the three years are up, your IDP becomes invalid even if the three-year period hasn't ended. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one by paying the full $20 plus processing fee again.

If you're planning an international trip and your IDP is expiring soon, explore for a new one before you leave. Some countries may refuse to recognize an IDP that's close to expiration, even if it's technically still valid. Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel, and plan ahead if you'll need a replacement.

Countries that recognize U.S. International Driving Permits

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Driving Permit conventions. This includes most of Europe, much of Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and many countries in Central and South America. However, not every country recognizes it, and some countries require both an IDP and your original U.S. driver's license.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country you're visiting. Some countries have additional rules — for example, some require you to carry both documents at all times, and a few may not recognize an IDP at all. Your car rental company can tell you what documents they require, and your destination country's embassy website will have the official rules.

Hidden costs and things to watch for

The $20 permit fee plus processing fee is the only official cost, but several expenses can add up. If you explore by mail, you pay for postage both ways — typically $2 to $5 each direction. If no AAA office is near you and you choose to explore in person, travel time and gas are real costs. Some third-party websites advertise IDP services, but they are not authorized by the State Department and may charge $50 to $100 or more for the same document you can get from AAA or AATA for $35 to $40.

Do not use unauthorized vendors. Only AAA and AATA can legally issue an IDP in the United States. If a website promises to "get your IDP fast" or charges significantly more than $40, it is either a scam or an unauthorized service that may not be recognized abroad. Stick with AAA or AATA to may support your permit is valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. AAA and AATA are the only authorized issuers, and both require you to either visit an office in person or mail in a completed process. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and should be avoided.

Do I need an IDP if I already have a valid U.S. driver's license?

It depends on where you're traveling. Some countries recognize a U.S. driver's license alone, while others require an IDP, a license, or both. Check your destination country's rules before you book your trip. A rental car company can also tell you what documents they require.

What if my IDP expires while I'm traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid, and you cannot renew it abroad. If your IDP expires during your trip, you'll need to rely on your original U.S. driver's license and hope the country you're in recognizes it. Plan ahead and explore for a new IDP before you travel if yours is expiring soon.

Is an IDP the same as an International Driver's License?

Yes, they're the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "International Driver's License" refer to the same document. It's not a separate license — it's a translation of your U.S. license that makes it readable in other countries.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until your license is reinstated.