The price of an International Driving Permit depends on who issues it and where you live

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not issued by any government. It is issued by private automobile clubs and travel organizations in your home country — in the United States, that is the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The cost varies between these two organizations and may change year to year, but as of now, AAA charges around $20 for a permit valid for one year, or $30 for a three-year permit. AATA charges similar amounts. Neither organization publishes a fixed national rate; prices can differ slightly by local branch.

The permit itself is inexpensive because it is a translation document, not a license. It translates your valid U.S. driver's license into multiple languages so that police and rental companies in other countries can read your name, license number, and driving record. You must already hold a valid U.S. driver's license to get one — the IDP does not replace it or grant you any driving rights you do not already have.

Beyond the permit fee, you may also pay for the time and travel to visit an AAA or AATA office in person. Some branches offer mail-in service for an additional fee (typically $5 to $15), which can save you a trip but adds processing time.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA and AATA are the only organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and both charge roughly $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for three years.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the permit is a translation document, not a license itself.
  • Mail-in service is available from some AAA branches for an additional fee of $5 to $15, though processing takes longer than in-person visits.
  • The IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid; if your license expires, the permit expires too.
  • Some countries do not recognize the IDP at all, so check your destination's requirements before you pay for one.

What the fee covers and what it does not

The fee you pay covers the physical permit booklet, the translation of your license information into ten languages, and the administrative cost of issuing it. You are not paying for a background check, a driving test, or any verification of your driving record — AAA and AATA straightforward copy the information from your existing U.S. license onto the permit.

The IDP does not cover any insurance, roadside information, or legal protection. If you are stopped by police in another country, the permit helps them read your license, but it does not shield you from traffic laws or fines. If you rent a car, the rental company may ask to see the IDP alongside your U.S. license, but the permit itself does not lower your rental rate or change your coverage.

Where to get an IDP and what to bring

AAA is the most widely available option. You can visit any AAA branch in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a completed process form (which AAA provides). Bring a passport-sized photo if you are explore in person; some branches require one, others do not. The permit is usually issued on the spot or within a few days.

If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still purchase an IDP — membership is not required. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount on the permit fee.

AATA operates similarly but has fewer physical locations. You can explore through AATA's website or by mail, and the organization will send the permit to you. This route typically takes one to two weeks.

How long an IDP is valid

An IDP is valid for one year or three years, depending on which option you purchase. The three-year permit costs more upfront but works out cheaper per year. However, your IDP is only valid as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your permit does, the permit becomes invalid — you cannot renew just the IDP.

If you are planning a trip more than a year away, a one-year permit may be enough. If you travel internationally multiple times over several years, a three-year permit saves you money and the hassle of getting a new one each time.

Whether you actually need an IDP

Not every country requires or recognizes an IDP. Some nations accept only your U.S. driver's license, while others require a license translated by an official government translator or a certified translation service. A few countries do not recognize either and require you to obtain a local license before driving.

Before you buy an IDP, check the specific requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit. Your car rental company can tell you what they need, and your destination's embassy or tourism board can confirm whether an IDP is recognized. If your destination does not recognize the IDP, you may need a certified translation of your U.S. license instead, which can cost $50 to $200 depending on the translator and language.

Comparing the cost to alternatives

If an IDP is not recognized in your destination, you have two main alternatives: a certified translation or an International Driving Permit from another country (if you hold a license there). A certified translation is usually more expensive than an IDP — expect $50 to $200 — but it is a legal document that some countries prefer. It also lasts as long as your U.S. license does, so you do not need to renew it separately.

Some travelers buy both an IDP and a certified translation as insurance, especially if they are renting a car in an unfamiliar country. The combined cost is still modest — under $250 in most cases — compared to the cost of a rental car or a flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP online and have it mailed to me?

Yes, through AATA and some AAA branches. You fill out an process on their website, upload a photo, and pay the fee. The permit arrives by mail in one to two weeks. AAA also offers mail-in service at some locations for a small additional fee.

Do I need an IDP if I am just renting a car for a day trip?

Not necessarily. Many car rental companies in Canada and Mexico accept a U.S. driver's license alone. However, some European rental companies require an IDP or a certified translation. Call your rental company before your trip to confirm what they need.

What happens if my U.S. driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your U.S. license expires, even if the permit itself has time left. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, and the IDP cannot extend your driving rights. Renew your U.S. license before you travel if it is close to expiration.

Is an IDP the same as a foreign driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your U.S. license, not a separate license. A foreign driver's license is issued by another country's government and allows you to drive in that country. You cannot use an IDP to drive in the United States or to prove you are a licensed driver in your home country.

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

No. You must hold a valid, full driver's license to obtain an IDP. A learner's permit does not may have access to because it does not authorize independent driving in the United States.