The cost of an International Driving Permit depends on where you get it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on which organization issues it and whether you renew or replace it. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. Both charge similar fees, but the exact amount varies slightly by location and whether you're getting a new permit or replacing a lost one.

The permit itself is valid for one or three years depending on which version you choose. A one-year IDP costs less than a three-year IDP at both organizations. Neither AAA nor AATA sets a national price — local branches may charge slightly differently — so calling ahead or checking their website for your specific location gives you the exact fee.

Beyond the IDP fee itself, you may have other costs. If you're not already a AAA member and choose to get your IDP through them, membership costs extra (usually $50 to $150 per year depending on membership level). The AATA does not require membership. If you need your IDP quickly, some locations offer rush processing for an additional fee, typically $10 to $20.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $30 depending on the issuing organization and permit length, with one-year permits cheaper than three-year ones.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and both charge similar fees that may vary by local branch.
  • AAA membership is not required to get an IDP through AATA, but AAA members pay the IDP fee on top of any membership cost.
  • Rush processing adds $10 to $20 if you need your permit within days rather than weeks.
  • You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and an process form, but these do not add to the IDP cost.

What's included in the IDP fee

When you pay for an IDP, you're paying for the permit document itself and the processing required to issue it. The fee covers the physical card or booklet (depending on which organization issues it), the background check to verify your license is valid, and the administrative work to produce and mail the permit to you.

The fee does not cover a new driver's license, a passport, or any other document. It also does not cover a passport photo if you don't already have one — you'll need to get that separately at a pharmacy, post office, or photo studio, which typically costs $10 to $15. Your existing U.S. driver's license must be valid and in your possession when you explore.

One-year versus three-year permits and their costs

A one-year IDP is the cheaper option upfront, usually costing $15 to $20. A three-year IDP typically costs $20 to $30. If you plan to drive internationally more than once in the next few years, the three-year permit saves you money per trip because you won't need to buy a new one each time you travel.

The choice between them depends on how often you travel and how far ahead you plan. If you're taking one international trip and don't expect to drive abroad again soon, a one-year permit is the economical choice. If you travel internationally every year or two, or if you're unsure whether you'll need to drive again, the three-year permit is better value over time.

Getting your IDP through AAA versus AATA

Both AAA and AATA charge similar IDP fees — typically $15 to $25 for a one-year permit and $20 to $30 for a three-year permit — but the real cost difference comes from membership. AAA requires you to be a member to get an IDP through them. If you're already a member, you pay only the IDP fee. If you're not a member, you'll pay AAA's membership fee (usually $50 to $150 annually depending on membership level) plus the IDP fee.

AATA does not require membership. You can walk into an AATA office or order online and pay only the IDP fee with no additional membership cost. For a one-time IDP purchase, AATA is almost always cheaper unless you already belong to AAA or plan to use AAA services for other reasons.

Both organizations issue the same internationally recognized permit — the difference is purely in how you access it and what membership costs you incur. Check whether your local AAA branch offers online ordering or in-person service, and whether AATA has an office or partner location near you.

Rush processing and expedited delivery options

Standard processing for an IDP takes one to two weeks from the time you submit your process. If you need it faster, both AAA and AATA offer rush or expedited options. Rush processing typically costs an additional $10 to $20 and shortens the timeline to three to five business days. Some locations may offer overnight or two-day delivery for an extra fee.

Rush processing is worth considering if your trip is coming up soon and you don't yet have an IDP. However, you still need to have all required documents ready — your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and a completed process — before you can submit for rush processing. Gathering these items can take a few days on its own, so plan accordingly.

Replacement and renewal costs

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. The replacement fee is usually the same as the original IDP fee — $15 to $30 depending on the organization and permit length. You'll need to report the loss or damage and provide proof of your identity, but there's no additional penalty fee beyond the standard IDP cost.

When your three-year IDP expires, you'll need to buy a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. There is no "renewal" discount — you pay the full IDP fee for a new permit. Some people choose to get a new one-year permit when their three-year permit is about to expire if they're uncertain about future international driving plans.

Hidden costs and what you actually need to budget for

The IDP fee itself is straightforward, but plan for a few other small costs. A passport-style photo costs $10 to $15 if you don't already have one. If you're getting your IDP through AAA and aren't a member, add the membership cost ($50 to $150 per year). If you need rush processing, add $10 to $20.

There are no other required costs. You don't need to pay for a new driver's license, a background check, or any government filing fee — those are included in the IDP fee or not required at all. Some websites claim you need to pay for "verification" or "processing" beyond the IDP fee; these are scams. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs, and they charge only the fees listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit without being a AAA member?

Yes. AATA issues IDPs without requiring membership. You can also get one through AAA if you become a member, but that adds membership cost on top of the IDP fee. For a single IDP purchase, AATA is usually cheaper.

Do I have to pay extra for a passport photo?

Yes, if you don't already have one. A passport-style photo costs $10 to $15 at most pharmacies, post offices, or photo studios. The IDP fee does not include this. You'll need the photo to complete your process.

Is there a difference in cost between a one-year and three-year permit?

Yes. A one-year permit costs $15 to $20, and a three-year permit costs $20 to $30. If you travel internationally multiple times over three years, the three-year permit is better value. For a single trip, the one-year permit is cheaper upfront.

What happens if I lose my IDP and need a replacement?

You pay the standard IDP fee again — $15 to $30 depending on the organization and permit length. Report the loss to the issuing organization and provide proof of identity. There's no extra penalty fee beyond the regular IDP cost.

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

Both AAA and AATA offer online ordering in most locations. You can explore and pay online, then pick up your permit in person or have it mailed to you. Some locations may require an in-person visit, so check with your local branch or AATA office.