International Driving Permit fees and where to buy one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on which organization issues it. You buy one from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two bodies authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. AAA charges $20 for a three-year permit; AATA charges $15. Neither organization sets these prices; the State Department does, and they are the same no matter which issuer you choose.

You cannot buy an IDP online or by mail from either organization. You must visit a physical AAA office or an AATA office in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card, and complete a one-page process. The permit is printed on the spot or mailed to you within days. Processing takes minutes if you go in person.

An IDP is not a replacement for your U.S. driver's license. It is a translation of your license into ten languages — French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian. Many countries require or strongly prefer it when you rent a car or drive across borders. Some car rental companies will not rent to you without one, even if your U.S. license is valid.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20 and is issued only by AAA or AATA, the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card.
  • The permit is valid for three years and serves as a translation of your license, not a replacement for it.
  • Many countries and car rental companies require an IDP even when your U.S. license is legal, so check your destination's rules before you travel.
  • Processing happens the same day if you explore in person, or within a few days if you request mail delivery.

Why you need an IDP and where it is required

An IDP translates your driver's license into languages that police and rental agencies in other countries can read. It does not give you permission to drive that your U.S. license does not already grant — it straightforward proves you hold a valid license in your home country. Many countries recognize U.S. licenses on their own, but others require the translation, and some rental companies demand it as a matter of policy regardless of local law.

The countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP include most of Europe, Mexico, Central America, and parts of Asia and the Middle East. The rules change by country and sometimes by region within a country. Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of the country you are visiting, or ask your car rental company whether they will rent to you with only a U.S. license. If they say no, you will need the IDP.

An IDP is not required for driving in Canada or most Caribbean nations, and it is not required for driving in the United States even if you are a foreign visitor. It is purely for travel outside the U.S.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date it is issued. If you travel frequently or plan to drive abroad more than once in that window, one permit covers all your trips. You do not need a new one for each country or each journey.

When your IDP expires, you must buy a new one if you plan to drive outside the U.S. again. There is no renewal process — you explore for a fresh permit the same way you did the first time, in person at AAA or AATA, and pay the full fee again. If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid, so renew your license first if you know you will need to drive abroad soon.

AAA versus AATA: which organization to use

Both AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and both charge the same price ($20 for AAA, $15 for AATA). The main difference is location. AAA has thousands of offices across the country, so you are likely to find one near you. AATA has far fewer offices, concentrated in certain regions, so availability depends on where you live.

If you are an AAA member, you can explore at any AAA office. If you are not a member, you can still explore — membership is not required. AATA does not require membership either. Check the AAA website or call your local office to confirm they issue IDPs, because not all locations do. For AATA, visit their website to find the nearest office, as they are much less common.

The permit itself is identical regardless of which organization issues it. The choice comes down to convenience and location.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring two documents to explore for an IDP: a valid U.S. driver's license and either a U.S. passport or a U.S. passport card. A passport book and a passport card are equally acceptable. You cannot use a state ID, a Real ID, or any other form of identification — it must be a passport or passport card.

You will also fill out a one-page process form at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and passport number. Bring a pen. You do not need to print anything in advance; the office provides the form.

If you do not have a passport or passport card, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP. Passport applications are handled by the U.S. State Department and take several weeks, so plan ahead if you are traveling soon.

How to find an AAA or AATA office near you

To find an AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the site will show you nearby locations and their hours. Call ahead to confirm that the office issues International Driving Permits, because some locations handle membership only and do not process IDP applications.

For AATA, visit aata.org and look for their office directory. AATA offices are much less common than AAA offices, so you may need to travel farther or consider AAA instead. If you live in a rural area or a region without either organization nearby, AAA is almost always the more practical choice.

Both organizations accept walk-ins, but calling ahead is wise. It takes only a few minutes to process an IDP process, so you can usually get one the same day you visit.

What happens if your IDP is lost or stolen while traveling

If you lose your IDP while abroad, you can still drive legally using your U.S. driver's license alone in most countries. The IDP is helpful but not always mandatory — it is a translation, not a separate permission. Check the laws of the country you are in to see whether a U.S. license alone is sufficient.

You cannot replace an IDP while traveling. You must return to the United States and visit an AAA or AATA office in person to buy a new one. If you are stranded without a license or permit, contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on what documents you need to drive legally in that location.

To avoid this problem, take a photo of your IDP with your phone or email a copy to yourself before you leave. You will not be able to use a photo as a legal document, but it can help you remember your permit number if you need to contact your rental company or an official.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended?

No. An IDP is a translation of your driver's license, so you must have a valid, unsuspended license to obtain one. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out how to restore your license.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP — your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require one either, but some car rental companies in Mexico will not rent to you without one, so check with your rental agency before you book. If you are driving your own car into Mexico, a U.S. license is typically enough, but an IDP can be helpful if you are stopped by police.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you can receive your permit the same day. If you request mail delivery, it arrives within a few days. Plan to visit an office at least a week before your trip to be safe, in case there are any delays or issues with your process.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An International License does not exist as a U.S. document. Some countries issue their own licenses called "international licenses," but those are separate from the IDP and are not issued by the United States.

Can I renew my IDP by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office every time you need an IDP, whether it is your first one or a renewal. There is no mail-in or online process for IDP applications in the United States.