International Driving Permit fees vary by country and issuing body, but most cost between $15 and $30 in the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license — it is a translation document that works alongside your valid driver's license. In the U.S., the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two bodies authorized by the State Department to issue them. AAA charges $20 for a three-year permit, while AATA charges $15 for the same term. Both require you to bring your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship, and a passport-sized photo.

The cost you pay depends entirely on which organization you use and which country you are traveling to. Some countries recognize only AAA-issued permits, while others accept either. Before you pay, check the specific requirements for your destination — your embassy or consulate website will list which issuer they recognize.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA charges $20 for a three-year IDP; AATA charges $15 for the same permit, and both are the only U.S. State Department-authorized issuers.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo to obtain an IDP in person.
  • Some countries recognize only AAA permits or only AATA permits, so verify your destination's requirements before paying.
  • An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue and must be carried with your original driver's license at all times while driving abroad.
  • Processing is typically same-day at AAA and AATA offices, though some locations may require an appointment.

AAA vs. AATA: Which issuer to use and what each charges

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the larger and more widely recognized issuer. A three-year IDP costs $20, and you can obtain one at most AAA offices nationwide. AAA also offers a one-year permit for $10 if you only need short-term coverage, though this is less common. You do not need to be an AAA member to purchase an IDP, though members sometimes receive discounts on other services at the time of purchase.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller issuer based in Washington, D.C. Their three-year IDP costs $15, making it the cheaper option. AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, so you may need to explore by mail or visit their office in person if you live near the capital. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks, while in-person service is same-day.

Check your destination country's official requirements before choosing. Some nations list AAA specifically; others accept either issuer. Your country's embassy website or the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country will state which permits are recognized.

What you need to bring and how long processing takes

To obtain an IDP from either AAA or AATA, you must bring three items: a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept digital photos taken on-site, so call ahead to confirm what your local branch accepts.

In-person processing is almost always same-day. You walk in, present your documents, pay the fee, and receive your permit before you leave. AAA locations are open during standard business hours, and many are open on Saturdays. AATA's Washington office is open weekdays; if you explore by mail, allow one to two weeks plus postal time.

Your IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It does not extend your U.S. driver's license and cannot be renewed — when it expires, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive abroad again.

Where to get an IDP and what to expect at each location

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. You can find your nearest location by visiting AAA.com and using their office locator tool. Most AAA branches are in shopping centers or standalone locations in urban and suburban areas. Walk-ins are usually welcome, though some busy locations recommend calling ahead to confirm wait times.

AATA operates primarily through mail-in service and one physical office in Washington, D.C. If you live near D.C., you can visit in person; otherwise, you can read an process from their website, mail it with your documents and payment, and receive your permit by return mail. The mailing address and current processing times are on their website.

A few travel agencies and some AAA-affiliated insurance offices also issue IDPs, though AAA offices remain the most common and reliable option. Call ahead if you are using a non-AAA location to confirm they are still authorized and what their current fee is.

Hidden costs and what is not included in the IDP fee

The $15 to $20 you pay covers only the permit itself. If you need a passport photo and do not have one, most AAA offices can take one for you for an additional $10 to $15. Some locations offer this service; others direct you to a nearby pharmacy or photo studio. Budget for this if you do not already have a suitable photo.

An IDP does not cover international driving insurance, vehicle registration in another country, or road taxes. Many countries require you to purchase local car insurance before driving, and some charge road use fees or tolls. These are separate from the IDP cost and vary widely by destination.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad. You would need to return to the U.S. or contact your country's embassy for a temporary document. Keep your IDP in a safe place and consider carrying a photocopy separately from the original.

IDP costs for other countries and how they compare to the U.S.

If you are a citizen of another country and need an IDP to drive in the U.S., costs vary. Canada's CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) charges roughly $25 CAD for a three-year permit. The United Kingdom's AA (Automobile Association) charges around £5.50 for a one-year permit or £15.50 for a three-year permit. Australia's NRMA charges approximately $20 AUD for a three-year permit.

These prices fluctuate with currency exchange rates and are subject to change. If you are traveling to the U.S. from abroad, contact your home country's national automobile association to confirm current fees and required documents. Most countries follow a similar model to the U.S. — the permit is a translation document that must be carried with your original license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car abroad?

Most car rental companies require an IDP along with your U.S. driver's license, even though it is not legally required in all countries. Check your rental agreement or call the rental company before you travel. Some companies waive the requirement for certain countries, but having one protects you if there is a dispute with local police or the rental company.

Can I get an IDP online or do I have to go in person?

AAA requires in-person service at one of their offices. AATA accepts mail-in applications, which takes one to two weeks. If you need an IDP quickly, AAA's same-day service is your only option. Plan ahead if you are using AATA by mail.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid for driving. If it expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive in most countries. Check the expiration date before you leave and renew if necessary. You cannot extend an IDP — you must obtain a new one.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your U.S. driver's license and is only valid when carried with your original license. An international license is a separate document issued by some countries that replaces your domestic license while you are abroad. The U.S. does not issue international licenses — only IDPs.

Will my IDP work in every country?

Most countries recognize U.S. IDPs, but not all. Some nations require a specific type of permit or have additional requirements. Check your destination country's embassy website or the U.S. State Department travel advisory before you travel to confirm an IDP is sufficient.