How Much Does an International Driver's License Cost?
If you're planning to drive abroad, you've likely come across the term International Driving Permit (IDP) — and you may be wondering what it costs to get one. The short answer is that the fee is relatively modest and fairly consistent in the United States, but the full picture involves more than just the permit itself.
What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone license. It's a translation document — a standardized booklet that renders your existing domestic driver's license into multiple languages recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention. You must carry it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, not instead of it.
The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is often required — or strongly recommended — when renting a car abroad or driving through countries where local authorities may not read English-language licenses.
The Standard IDP Fee in the United States 🌍
In the U.S., only two organizations are authorized by the federal government to issue IDPs to American license holders:
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)
As of recent years, the standard fee charged by these organizations has been $20 per permit. This is not a government fee — it's set by the issuing organizations. Unlike most DMV fees, which vary widely by state, the IDP fee in the U.S. has remained relatively uniform because it flows through these two private organizations rather than state agencies.
That said, fees can change, and you should verify the current amount directly with the issuing organization before applying.
What the Fee Covers — and What It Doesn't
The $20 fee typically covers the permit document itself. It does not cover:
- Passport-style photos — most applications require two, and if you don't bring your own, you may pay a separate photo fee on-site
- Postage or shipping — if you apply by mail rather than in person, mailing costs are typically your responsibility
- Rush processing fees — some locations may offer expedited processing for an additional charge
In-person applications at AAA branch offices are generally the fastest route. Mail-in applications are available but add processing and transit time, which matters if your travel date is close.
IDP Validity and Renewal Costs
A standard IDP issued in the U.S. is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be extended or renewed — when it expires, you apply and pay again. If you travel internationally more than once a year and your permit lapses between trips, you'll need a new one each time.
There is no multi-year IDP option in the U.S. system.
What You Need to Apply
The fee alone doesn't get you a permit. Applications typically require:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current — expired licenses are not accepted |
| Two passport-style photos | Specific size and background requirements apply |
| Completed application form | Available from AAA or AATA |
| Payment | Cash, card, or check depending on location or mail-in rules |
| Age minimum | Generally 18 years old |
Your domestic license class matters here too. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the IDP still reflects your underlying license — but the recognition of commercial driving privileges abroad varies significantly by country and is governed by local law, not the IDP itself.
Countries That Don't Recognize the IDP
Cost is only one piece of the equation. Some countries do not participate in the Geneva or Vienna conventions, or have their own bilateral agreements that supersede the IDP system. In those cases, an IDP offers little legal standing and a locally issued driving permit may be required instead.
Before traveling, confirming what the destination country actually accepts — not just what the IDP claims to cover — changes the cost calculation entirely. A locally issued permit can range from minimal to significant in cost, depending on the country's own licensing and tourism infrastructure.
Beware of Fraudulent IDP Issuers
One cost-related warning worth noting: a number of websites sell documents they describe as "international driver's licenses" or "international driving permits" for fees ranging from $30 to well over $100. These are not legitimate IDPs. Only AAA and AATA are federally authorized to issue IDPs to U.S. residents. Documents purchased through unauthorized third-party sites have no legal standing and may create problems at international borders or rental car counters.
The Variables That Shape Your Full Cost
While the IDP fee itself is simple, your total cost to drive internationally depends on factors the fee schedule doesn't account for:
- Your destination country's requirements — some require an IDP, some don't, some require something different entirely
- Whether your domestic license is current and valid
- Your license class — and whether commercial or motorcycle endorsements are recognized abroad under your specific permit
- Application method — in-person vs. mail-in affects both timeline and any incidental costs
- Photo preparation — whether you already have compliant passport photos or need them taken
The permit fee is the fixed part. Everything around it depends on your specific travel plans, your license status, and the requirements of wherever you're headed.
