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 and how long you want it to last. You do not pay the fee to a government agency — you pay it to one of two private organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

The fee covers the permit itself, which is a booklet that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license and is not valid on its own — you must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together when driving abroad. The permit is valid for either one year or three years, and the fee depends on which term you choose.

AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit. AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit and $20 for a three-year permit. Both organizations issue the same document — the difference is only in the fee structure and where you obtain it. You cannot renew an IDP; when it expires, you must purchase a new one if you plan to drive internationally again.

Key Takeaways

  • International Driving Permits cost $15 to $30 depending on the issuing organization and whether you choose a one-year or three-year term.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you pay the fee directly to whichever organization you use.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, and you must carry it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license when driving abroad.
  • You cannot renew an expired IDP — you must purchase a new one if you need it after expiration.

How to obtain an IDP through AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can obtain an IDP in person at any AAA office. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and the $20 or $30 fee in cash or card. The permit is issued on the spot, and you leave with it the same day. Processing takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP through AAA, but you will pay a non-member fee in addition to the permit cost. This fee varies by location but typically adds $5 to $10 to the total. You can find your nearest AAA office and confirm their current non-member pricing by visiting AAA.com or calling your local branch.

AAA also offers mail-in service for members. You can mail your driver's license, a passport photo, and a completed process form to your local AAA office along with payment. Turnaround is typically 5 to 7 business days, though this varies by location. Check with your local AAA office for their specific mail-in procedures and any additional fees.

How to obtain an IDP through AATA

AATA issues IDPs through a network of travel agencies and select locations across the country. You cannot walk into an AATA office directly — instead, you must find an authorized issuing location near you. The AATA website has a location finder tool where you can enter your zip code and see which travel agencies or other businesses in your area are authorized to issue permits.

When you visit an authorized AATA location, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and the $15 or $20 fee. The permit is issued on the spot. Processing time is similar to AAA — about 10 to 15 minutes in person.

AATA does not offer mail-in service. If no authorized location is near you, AAA may be your only practical option, even if you pay the non-member fee. Check the AATA location finder at AATA.org before deciding which organization to use.

What documents you need to bring

Both AAA and AATA require the same three items: a valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photograph, and payment. The photograph must be 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can obtain a passport photo at most pharmacies, drugstores, and portrait studios for $5 to $15.

Your driver's license must be valid — not expired and not suspended. The IDP is tied to your license, so if your license expires or is revoked, your IDP becomes invalid as well. You do not need to bring your passport, birth certificate, or any other document beyond these three items.

If you are explore by mail through AAA, you will also need to complete an process form. AAA provides this form on their website or at any AAA office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your license, photo, and payment to the address specified on the form.

Timeline: when you will have your permit

In-person service at either AAA or AATA is the fastest route. You will receive your permit the same day you explore, typically within 15 minutes. This is the only option if you need the permit urgently — for example, if you are leaving the country within a few days.

Mail-in service through AAA takes 5 to 7 business days for processing, plus time for the mail to reach you. If you mail your process on a Monday, expect to receive your permit by the following Monday or Tuesday, assuming standard delivery. This timeline can vary depending on your location and mail speed, so plan for up to 10 days if you are close to a important date.

AATA does not offer mail service, so if you cannot reach an authorized location in person, you must use AAA. Neither organization offers expedited processing or rush fees, so in-person process is the only way to may provide a same-day permit.

State-by-state differences in IDP availability

The fee for an IDP is the same nationwide — AAA charges $20 or $30, and AATA charges $15 or $20, regardless of which state you live in. However, the availability of issuing locations varies significantly by state.

States with large AAA membership and many AAA offices — such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York — have abundant in-person options. Rural states and states with smaller AAA presence may have fewer AAA offices, making AATA locations more practical if they exist in your area. Some states have very few authorized AATA locations, which means AAA may be your only option even if you pay a non-member fee.

Before you decide which organization to use, check both the AAA office locator and the AATA location finder for your state. This will show you which option is closest and most convenient. If both are equally distant, AATA is typically cheaper ($15 or $20 versus AAA's $20 or $30), but only if you can reach an authorized location.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is bringing an expired or suspended driver's license. An IDP cannot be issued if your underlying license is not valid. Check your license expiration date before you go, and renew it first if necessary. This adds time to your overall timeline, so plan ahead.

The second mistake is showing up without a passport photo. Many people assume they can use a digital photo or a photo from their phone, but both AAA and AATA require a physical 2-by-2-inch printed photo. If you do not have one, you will need to leave, obtain a photo, and return. Bring the photo with you on your first visit.

A third mistake is confusing an IDP with a license renewal or thinking an IDP extends your U.S. license validity. An IDP is a separate document that lasts one or three years independently of your U.S. license. If your U.S. license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid as well. Track both expiration dates separately.

Finally, some people assume they can renew an IDP by mail or online. You cannot. When an IDP expires, you must purchase a new one through AAA or AATA, following the same process as the first time. There is no renewal option or discount for repeat customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. An IDP is useful in countries that do not recognize U.S. licenses or where local police are unfamiliar with them — typically in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel, as rules vary.

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

No. Your license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it through your state DMV first, then obtain the IDP. This adds one to two weeks to your timeline depending on your state's renewal process.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

An IDP is not a legal document — it is a translation aid. If you lose it, you still have your valid U.S. driver's license, which is what matters legally. You can obtain a replacement IDP when you return home by purchasing a new one through AAA or AATA. There is no emergency replacement process while abroad.

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

No. An IDP is a translation booklet that supplements your U.S. license. An International License does not exist as a U.S. document. Some countries issue their own international licenses, but the U.S. does not. If you are moving to another country, you will need to obtain a license in that country according to their rules.

Can I use an IDP to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only valid outside the United States. Inside the U.S., you must carry your valid U.S. driver's license. An IDP has no legal standing in any U.S. state.