International Driving Permit fees and where to pay them

An International Driving Permit (IDP) costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on which organization issues it. The American Automobile Association (AAA) charges $20 for a permit valid for one year, or $30 for one valid for three years. The National Automobile Club charges $15 for a one-year permit. Both organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and both charge the same fee regardless of which state you live in.

You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Only AAA and the National Automobile Club issue them in the United States. You pay the issuing organization directly — either in person at a local office, by mail, or online depending on the organization's current process.

The IDP itself is not a replacement for your regular driver's license. You must carry both documents together when you drive in another country. The IDP is a translation of your license information into multiple languages and is recognized in over 150 countries as proof that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $30 depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit and which authorized organization you use.
  • Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Automobile Club are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States; your state DMV cannot issue one.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
  • Processing time is usually same-day or next-day if you explore in person, or one to two weeks if you explore by mail.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

To get an IDP from AAA or the National Automobile Club, you need your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and the fee. Some locations accept applications online or by mail, in which case you mail in a photocopy of your license and a photo instead of appearing in person.

You do not need to pass a test or provide proof of residency. The organization straightforward verifies that your U.S. license is current and valid, translates the information on it into multiple languages, and issues the permit. The whole process takes minutes if you explore in person.

How long an IDP is valid

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which term you pay for. A one-year permit costs $20 from AAA or $15 from the National Automobile Club. A three-year permit costs $30 from AAA.

The IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must get a new one if you plan to drive abroad again.

Where to explore for an IDP

The American Automobile Association has local offices in most states. You can find the nearest AAA office on their website, call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs, and bring your license, photo, and fee. Many AAA offices can issue an IDP the same day you explore.

The National Automobile Club operates primarily online and by mail. You can order an IDP through their website and mail in your documents, or in some cases explore online with a digital photo. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail.

Some travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities also issue IDPs on behalf of AAA, so if you do not have an AAA membership or a nearby office, calling a local travel agency may save you a trip.

Whether you need an IDP at all

An International Driving Permit is not required by law in most countries, but many car rental companies abroad will not rent to you without one. Some countries — including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy — do not legally require an IDP but strongly recommend carrying one because police may not accept a U.S. license alone as proof of your right to drive.

Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements. Your car rental company will tell you whether they require an IDP. If you are borrowing a car from a friend or family member abroad, ask them or contact the local police or motor vehicle authority to find out what documents you need.

If you are driving only in Canada or Mexico, an IDP is usually not necessary — your U.S. driver's license is typically sufficient. However, some Mexican states recommend carrying an IDP, and Mexican police may be more likely to accept it as proof of your driving status.

IDP cost compared to other travel documents

An International Driving Permit is much cheaper than a passport or passport card. A new U.S. passport book costs $130, and a passport card costs $35. An IDP costs $15 to $30 and takes minutes to obtain if you already have a valid driver's license.

You do need a valid passport to enter most countries, so you cannot use an IDP as a substitute for a passport. The IDP is only for driving. It proves to foreign police and car rental companies that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, but it does not prove your citizenship or your right to enter a country.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada?

Most car rental companies in Canada accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental agencies may request one, so check with your rental company before you travel. An IDP is not legally required in Canada.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid for driving. If you are abroad when it expires, you should not drive. Plan ahead and check your IDP's expiration date before you travel, or get a three-year permit if you travel frequently.

Can I get an IDP by mail from AAA?

AAA primarily issues IDPs in person at their local offices, though some offices may accept mail applications. Contact your nearest AAA office to ask whether they accept applications by mail. The National Automobile Club handles most mail orders.

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

Yes — "International Driving Permit" and "International Driver's License" refer to the same document. There is no separate "international driver's license" issued by the U.S. government. The IDP is the only official document that translates your U.S. license for use abroad.