International Driving Permit costs and where to buy them

An International Driving Permit (IDP) costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on which organization issues it and whether you explore in person or by mail. The American Automobile Association (AAA) charges $20 for a permit valid for one year and $30 for one valid for three years. The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) 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 obtain an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV does not issue them. You must go through AAA, AATA, or a travel agency that partners with one of these organizations. Some travel agencies add a markup to the base fee, so calling ahead to confirm the total cost is worth doing if you plan to use that route.

The IDP itself is not a replacement for your valid U.S. driver's license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The permit is a translation of your license information into multiple languages and is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA charges $20 for a one-year IDP and $30 for a three-year IDP; AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit.
  • You must explore through AAA, AATA, or a travel agency partnered with one of these organizations — your state DMV cannot issue an IDP.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
  • An IDP is valid only when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license and does not replace it.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at AAA or AATA offices that offer walk-in service.

What documents and photos you need to bring

To obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and one passport-style photograph. The photograph must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a digital photo printed at home; the photo must meet passport standards.

You will also need to sign the process in front of the person processing it. If you explore by mail, you sign the form before sending it, and the organization verifies your signature against your driver's license. Some AAA offices allow you to explore online and then pick up your permit in person, which can speed up the process if you live near a location that offers this option.

Bring your original license, not a photocopy. The issuing organization will examine it to confirm it is valid and matches the information on your process form.

How long it takes to get an IDP

If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you can receive your IDP the same day in most cases. Processing takes 10 to 15 minutes. Not all locations offer walk-in service, so check the office's hours and services before you go.

If you explore by mail, processing takes one to two weeks from the date the organization receives your completed process, photo, and fee. You should mail your process at least three weeks before your trip to account for mail delivery time in both directions. Some people choose to use priority mail or a courier service to reduce the risk of delay, though this adds to the total cost.

AAA members and non-members pay the same fee and receive the same processing time. Membership status does not affect the cost or speed of an IDP.

Differences between AAA and AATA permits

Both AAA and AATA issue IDPs that are legally equivalent and recognized in the same countries. The main difference is price: AATA's one-year permit costs $15, while AAA's costs $20. AAA offers a three-year option for $30, which works out to $10 per year and is the better value if you plan to drive internationally more than once in three years. AATA does not offer a three-year permit.

AAA has more physical locations across the United States, making in-person process easier in most areas. AATA has fewer offices but accepts mail applications from anywhere in the country. If you live far from an AAA office and want to avoid mailing your original license, AATA may not help — you would still need to mail your documents or travel to an office.

Both organizations mail your permit to the address you provide on the process. Neither offers expedited shipping as an add-on service, so the delivery time is the same regardless of how urgently you need the permit.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are abroad

An expired IDP is not valid for driving. If your one-year permit expires during a trip, you cannot legally drive using that permit, even if your U.S. driver's license remains valid. You must obtain a new IDP before you travel or before your current one expires.

If you are abroad when your IDP expires and you need to rent a car or continue driving, you will need to contact AAA or AATA from outside the United States to request a replacement. This is difficult and time-consuming. The better approach is to obtain a three-year permit if you plan multiple trips within a three-year window, or to renew your IDP before it expires if you are planning another trip.

Some countries have their own rules about how long a foreign driver's license or IDP must be valid. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel to confirm your permit will be accepted for the entire duration of your stay.

Whether you need an IDP or a foreign license instead

An IDP is temporary and meant for short-term visits — typically tourism or business trips lasting weeks or a few months. If you are moving to another country permanently or staying for more than a few months, you will likely need to obtain a driver's license issued by that country instead. The rules vary by country and by how long you plan to stay.

Some countries recognize a U.S. driver's license on its own for a limited time (usually 30 days to one year) without requiring an IDP. Other countries require an IDP but will not accept a U.S. license alone. A few countries require neither but will not recognize either document and demand that you obtain a local license when ready. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to confirm what documents you need to drive legally there.

An IDP does not convert your U.S. license into a local license. It is a translation document only. If you need to drive in a country that does not recognize U.S. licenses or IDPs, you will need to take a driving test and obtain a license from that country's transportation authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP from my state DMV?

No. State DMVs do not issue International Driving Permits. You must obtain one from AAA, AATA, or a travel agency that works with one of these organizations. Both AAA and AATA are the only organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.

Do I need an IDP if my U.S. license is still valid?

It depends on the country. Some countries accept a valid U.S. driver's license alone for short visits. Others require an IDP even if your U.S. license is current. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel — contact its embassy, consulate, or tourism board to confirm what documents you need.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement IDP or confirm whether you can drive using only your U.S. license for the remainder of your trip. Keep a photocopy of your IDP separate from the original in case this happens.

Is a three-year IDP worth the extra cost?

A three-year IDP from AAA costs $30 and works out to $10 per year. A one-year permit costs $20. If you plan to drive internationally at least twice in three years, the three-year permit saves you money. If you drive internationally once every few years, buying a one-year permit each time you travel is cheaper.

Can I renew an IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one is still valid. You do not need to wait for it to expire. This is useful if you are planning another international trip before your current permit expires and want to may support you have a fresh permit with a later expiration date.