International Driving Permit fees vary by country and issuing organisation, 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 home-country driver's license. The cost depends on where you get it and which country issues it. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Express Travel Services are the only two organisations authorised by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. American Express charges $20 for a one-year permit. Both require you to bring your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and a passport-sized photo.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or resident, your home country's automobile association or transport ministry issues the IDP. Costs in other countries range from roughly £5.50 in the United Kingdom to €15 in France to CAD $25 in Canada. Some countries issue them free or for a nominal fee through their motor vehicle department. The permit is valid for one to three years depending on the country of issue and the type you purchase.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. residents pay $20 for a one-year IDP or $30 for a three-year IDP through AAA or American Express, the only two authorised issuers.
- You must bring your valid home-country driver's license, proof of citizenship or residency, and a passport photo to obtain an IDP.
- Non-U.S. citizens should contact their home country's automobile association or transport ministry, as costs and issuing bodies vary widely.
- An IDP is a translation document only and does not replace your home-country license; you must carry both when driving abroad.
How to get an IDP in the United States
If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you can obtain an IDP in person at most AAA branch offices or through American Express Travel Services locations. AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide; you can find your nearest branch on the AAA website. American Express has fewer locations, but you can also order an IDP by mail through their travel services division. Processing by mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
Bring your valid driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport or state ID), proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on-site, so call ahead to confirm what your local branch accepts. The entire process takes about 15 minutes in person. If you order by mail through American Express, include a check or money order for $20 and mail your documents to the address they provide; they will return your IDP and documents within two weeks.
What an IDP costs outside the United States
The cost of an IDP in your home country depends on which nation issues it and whether you are renewing or obtaining one for the first time. The table below shows approximate costs in major English-speaking countries; if your home country is not listed, contact your national automobile association or transport ministry directly.
| Country | Approximate Cost | Issuing Body | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £5.50 | Post Office or AA (Automobile Association) | 1 year |
| Canada | CAD $25 | Provincial motor vehicle department or CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) | 1 year |
| Australia | AUD $20–$30 | State motor vehicle registry or NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) | 1 year |
| Ireland | €15 | An Post (Irish postal service) or AA Ireland | 1 year |
| New Zealand | NZD $25–$35 | New Zealand Transport Agency or AA New Zealand | 1 year |
Most countries issue IDPs valid for one year from the date of issue. Some automobile associations offer three-year permits at a higher cost. Check with your home country's issuing body to see whether a multi-year option is available and whether it saves money per year.
Why an IDP costs money and what you get for it
An IDP is a booklet that translates your driver's license information — name, address, license number, driving categories, and restrictions — into ten languages recognised by the United Nations. It does not grant you permission to drive; your home-country license does. Instead, it helps police, rental car companies, and border officials in countries where your home license is not in a language they read understand what your license says and what you are authorised to drive.
The fee covers the cost of printing the booklet, verifying your identity and license status, and the administrative work of the issuing organisation. Automobile associations and government motor vehicle departments do not profit from IDP sales; the fee is set to cover their costs. This is why the price is similar across most countries and why it does not change often.
When you need an IDP and when you do not
Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving and which countries recognise your home license. The United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries recognise valid driver's licenses from other English-speaking countries without an IDP. However, some countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many others — require an IDP or will not accept your home license without one. Some rental car companies also require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandatory.
If you are renting a car abroad, check the rental company's requirements before you travel. If you are driving your own vehicle across an international border, check the entry requirements for each country you plan to visit. Your home country's automobile association can tell you which countries require an IDP. It is always safer to carry an IDP even if it is not required, because it removes any ambiguity if you are stopped by police.
How long an IDP lasts and when to renew
Most IDPs are valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries offer three-year permits, which cost more upfront but work out cheaper per year. An IDP expires on a specific date printed on the front cover; you cannot drive legally with an expired permit in most countries. Your home-country license remains valid after your IDP expires, but you will need a new IDP if you travel internationally again.
Renewal is the same process as obtaining a new IDP: contact the issuing organisation in your country, bring the required documents, and pay the renewal fee. There is no separate "renewal" price — you pay the standard fee for a new one-year or three-year permit. If you are a U.S. resident, you can renew through AAA or American Express at any time; you do not have to wait until your current IDP expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IDP online and have it mailed to me?
U.S. residents can order through American Express Travel Services by mail, which takes 5 to 10 business days. Most other countries require you to explore in person at an office or post location. Check your home country's automobile association website to see whether mail order is available.
What if my home country's automobile association does not issue IDPs?
Contact your national transport ministry or motor vehicle department directly. Some countries issue IDPs through government offices rather than private automobile associations. If neither body issues them, you may not be able to obtain an IDP, though your home license may still be recognised in many countries.
Do I need both my home license and the IDP when driving abroad?
Yes. An IDP is a translation document only and does not replace your home-country license. You must carry both together. Police and rental companies will ask to see both documents.
Is an IDP the same as an international license?
No. An international license does not exist as a single document. An IDP is a translation of your home-country license. Some countries issue their own multi-language driving documents, but these are not universally recognised. Your home-country license is what authorises you to drive.
Can I use an IDP to drive in my home country?
No. An IDP is only for driving abroad. In your home country, you must carry your home-country license. An IDP has no legal standing domestically.