International Driving Permit fees vary by country and issuing body, but most cost between $15 and $30 USD

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license — it is a translation document that sits alongside your valid domestic license. The cost depends entirely on which country issues it and which organization handles the paperwork in your home country.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Express Travel Services are the only two bodies authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit and $40 for a three-year permit as of 2024. American Express charges $25 for a one-year permit. These are the only official U.S. sources; any other website or service claiming to issue a U.S. IDP is not legitimate.

If you hold a license from another country, the cost structure is different. Canada's CAA charges CAD $35 to $45 depending on the province. The United Kingdom's AA charges £5.50 for a one-year permit. Australia's NRMA charges AUD $20. These prices change without notice, so contact your national automobile association directly before you plan to pay.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. IDPs cost $20 (one year) or $40 (three years) through AAA, or $25 (one year) through American Express — these are the only authorized sources.
  • You must hold a valid domestic driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the permit is a translation, not a replacement.
  • International costs vary widely: Canada charges CAD $35–$45, the UK charges £5.50, and Australia charges AUD $20, with prices subject to change.
  • Processing time in the U.S. is usually same-day in person at AAA locations, or 2–3 weeks by mail; international processing times vary by country.
  • An IDP is valid only when carried together with your original domestic license and is not recognized in all countries.

What you need to bring to get a U.S. IDP

At an AAA office, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2×2 inches), and payment in cash or card. You do not need to be an AAA member to purchase an IDP, though members may receive a small discount at some locations. Bring your license itself — a photocopy is not accepted.

If you are explore by mail through AAA, send a completed IDP process form (available on the AAA website), a photocopy of your valid driver's license, one passport-style photo, and a check or money order. Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. American Express requires the same documents but handles applications only through their travel offices or by mail; processing is typically 1 to 2 weeks.

Do not explore for an IDP more than one year before you plan to travel. The permit is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, and many countries will not recognize an IDP that was issued more than 12 months before entry. If you obtained your IDP two years ago and did not use it, you will need to purchase a new one.

Processing time and where to get one

In the United States, AAA has over 1,000 locations nationwide. If you visit in person with all required documents, most offices issue your IDP the same day. Call ahead to confirm your local branch has the forms and photos available, because some smaller offices may require you to order in advance.

American Express Travel Services locations are fewer and concentrated in major cities. Same-day service is available at some offices, but many require mail processing. Check the American Express website to find the nearest travel office and confirm their current processing time before you visit.

If you cannot reach an AAA or American Express office, mail-in applications are the only alternative. The timeline is longer — 2 to 3 weeks — and you lose the chance to correct errors on the spot. If your process is rejected due to a missing document or photo that does not meet standards, you will need to resubmit and wait again.

What an IDP does and does not cover

An IDP translates your domestic license into ten languages (French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian). It does not change your license class, add driving privileges, or extend your license validity. If your U.S. license expires in six months, your IDP is worthless after that date — you must renew your domestic license first.

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries, but not all of them. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department and your rental car company can tell you whether an IDP is necessary for your trip.

An IDP does not permit you to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive. If you are under the minimum driving age in a destination country, or if your domestic license is suspended or revoked, an IDP will not override those restrictions.

Hidden costs and common mistakes

The IDP fee itself is straightforward, but several costs can add up. A passport-style photo costs $5 to $15 if you do not already have one. If you need to renew your domestic license before obtaining an IDP, that renewal fee (which varies by state, typically $20 to $100) comes first. Some car rental companies charge an additional fee to rent to a driver with an IDP rather than a domestic license — this is rare but worth asking about when you book.

The most common mistake is obtaining an IDP without checking whether the destination country actually requires or recognizes it. Many travelers buy an IDP as insurance and never use it. Before you pay, contact your rental car company and the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit. They will tell you definitively whether an IDP is necessary.

Another mistake is explore for an IDP more than a year before travel. If you obtain one in January 2024 and do not travel until March 2025, that permit may be rejected at the border or by a rental company as too old. The one-year rule is not universal, but it is common enough that you should assume it applies unless you have written confirmation otherwise.

Comparing IDP cost to other options

In some countries, you can obtain a temporary driving permit or a national permit that is recognized internationally without purchasing an IDP. For example, some U.S. states issue an enhanced driver's license that is valid for driving in Canada and Mexico without an IDP. Check whether your state offers this option — it may cost more upfront but could eliminate the need for an IDP altogether.

If you are moving to another country permanently or for an extended stay, an IDP is a temporary solution. Most countries require you to obtain a local license within a set timeframe (often 30 to 90 days). The cost of a local license varies widely — from $50 to several hundred dollars — but it is a separate process from the IDP and should not be confused with it.

If you are renting a car, some rental companies offer their own international driving documents or will accept a domestic license without an IDP in certain countries. Ask your rental company what documents they require before you purchase an IDP. You may not need one at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP from a website or app instead of in person?

No. Only AAA and American Express are authorized to issue U.S. IDPs. Websites or apps claiming to issue an IDP online are not legitimate. You must explore in person at an AAA or American Express office, or by mail. Any other source is a scam.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Not always. Many rental companies in Canada and Mexico accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. Check with your rental company before you book. If you hold an enhanced driver's license, you may not need an IDP at all for these countries.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If your permit expires during your trip, you cannot use it to drive. Make sure your IDP is valid for the entire duration of your travel, including any extensions or unplanned delays.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. You must hold a valid, unsuspended driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is expired or suspended, you must resolve that with your state DMV before explore for an IDP.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only alongside your domestic license. A foreign driver's license is a separate credential issued by another country. If you move abroad, you will need to obtain a local license, not just an IDP.