International Driving Permit fees vary by country and issuing body, but in the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) charges $20 for a permit valid for one year, or $40 for one valid for three years

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — it is a translation of it into multiple languages, recognized in about 150 countries. You carry both documents together when you drive abroad. The cost depends on where you get it and how long you want it to last. In the U.S., AAA is the only authorized issuer, and they set the price. If you are outside the U.S., your national automobile association or equivalent body issues them, and costs differ by country.

The permit itself is inexpensive compared to other travel documents, but you need to factor in the time to obtain it and the cost of getting there if you do not live near an AAA office. Some people also pay for expedited processing or shipping, which adds to the total.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA charges $20 for a one-year International Driving Permit or $40 for a three-year permit in the United States.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo to an AAA office in person.
  • Processing takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you receive the permit the same day; no mail-in option is available through AAA.
  • If you live outside the U.S., your country's automobile association issues the permit at a different cost and process.
  • An International Driving Permit is valid only while your underlying driver's license is valid, so renewing your license means getting a new IDP.

What you need to bring to an AAA office

To get an International Driving Permit from AAA, you must appear in person at a local AAA office. You cannot mail in your request or order online. Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and one passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices have photo services on-site if you do not have one ready.

You do not need to be an AAA member to purchase an IDP, though membership does not reduce the fee. The staff will complete the form with you, take your photo if needed, and hand you the permit before you leave. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.

How long the permit lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs $20; the three-year permit costs $40. Neither is renewable — when it expires, you must return to an AAA office and pay the full fee again for a new one.

Your IDP is only valid as long as your underlying U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires or is suspended, your International Driving Permit becomes invalid even if the three-year term has not ended. If you renew your driver's license before your IDP expires, you will need a new IDP as well, because the permit is tied to your specific license number.

Finding an AAA office and what to expect

AAA has offices in most U.S. states, though not every town has one. Use the AAA website to search for the nearest office by zip code. Call ahead to confirm they have passport photos available if you do not have one, or to ask about wait times during busy hours. Some offices are busier than others, particularly near airports or in large cities.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait if the office is busy. There is no appointment system for IDP issuance. If you live far from an AAA office, factor in travel time and gas or transportation costs when deciding whether the $20 or $40 permit fee is worth it for your trip.

International Driving Permits issued outside the United States

If you hold a driver's license from another country, you obtain an International Driving Permit through your country's automobile association or equivalent government body. The process and cost vary widely. For example, the Canadian Automobile Association charges a different fee than AAA, and the process in the United Kingdom, Australia, or European countries differs significantly.

If you are traveling to the U.S. with a foreign license and want an IDP, you will need to contact your home country's issuing body before you leave. The U.S. recognizes IDPs issued by member nations of the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which covers most countries, but the permit must be current and issued by an authorized body in your home country.

Whether you actually need an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit is not required in every country, and some places do not recognize it at all. Many countries accept a valid U.S. driver's license on its own, especially if you also carry your passport. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit — your car rental company or the country's tourism board can tell you whether an IDP is necessary.

Some travelers get an IDP as a precaution even when it is not strictly required, because it provides a translation of your license information and can reduce confusion if you are stopped by police. Others skip it because their destination does not require it and they do not want to spend the time or money. The decision depends on where you are going and how comfortable you are with the risk of not having one.

What an International Driving Permit does not cover

An International Driving Permit does not change your insurance coverage, does not extend your driving privileges beyond what your regular license allows, and does not override local traffic laws. If your U.S. license is suspended or revoked, an IDP will not let you drive legally anywhere. If you are too young to drive in a country, an IDP will not change that.

The permit is purely a translation tool. It tells a police officer or rental agent what your license says in their language. It does not grant you any rights you do not already have under your regular driver's license, and it does not protect you from local traffic enforcement or insurance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail or online?

No. AAA requires you to appear in person at a local office with your driver's license, passport, and a passport-style photo. There is no mail-in or online option. You receive the permit the same day you explore.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Europe?

It depends on the country and rental company. Many European countries accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP, but some rental companies require one as a condition of the rental agreement. Check with your rental company and the specific country's requirements before you travel.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am abroad?

An expired IDP is no longer valid for driving. If you are still traveling and need to drive, you will have to rely on your regular U.S. driver's license alone and hope your destination accepts it. Plan your trip so your IDP does not expire while you are away, or purchase the three-year version if you travel frequently.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in all 50 U.S. states?

An International Driving Permit is not for driving in the United States — it is only for driving in foreign countries. In the U.S., you must carry your regular state driver's license. The IDP has no legal standing in American traffic enforcement.

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

No. An International License does not exist as an official document. Some websites use the term loosely to mean an IDP, but they are not the same thing. An IDP is the only internationally recognized translation document issued by authorized automobile associations.