International Driving Permit fees vary by country and issuing body, but in the United States you will pay between $15 and $30 for the permit itself, plus a separate fee to the organization that issues it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license — it is a translation document that works alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. When you explore for one in the United States, you pay two separate fees: one to the American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), which are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and one to your state's DMV if your state requires it.

The IDP itself costs $15 to $20 depending on which organization issues it. Some states add their own fee on top of that — typically $5 to $10 — but many states do not charge anything beyond the IDP fee. The total you pay depends on where you live and which issuing organization you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • The International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20 from AAA or AATA, the only two U.S. organizations authorized to issue them.
  • Some states add a separate $5 to $10 fee; others charge nothing beyond the IDP fee itself.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP — the permit is a translation document, not a replacement license.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase, and you can renew it by mail or in person.
  • The IDP does not replace your U.S. license when driving abroad; you must carry both documents together.

AAA versus AATA: which organization to use

AAA charges $15 for a one-year IDP or $20 for a three-year IDP. AATA charges the same amounts. Both organizations are equally valid — the choice comes down to whether you have a membership and which location is more convenient for you. AAA has physical offices in most states; AATA operates primarily through mail and online channels, though some AAA offices can process AATA applications.

If you are an AAA member, you may receive a small discount on the IDP fee, though this varies by region. Check with your local AAA office or the national AAA website to confirm current pricing and any member benefits. If you are not a member and do not want to join, AATA is the faster option for mail-in or online requests.

State-by-state fees you may owe on top of the IDP cost

Most states do not charge an additional fee beyond what AAA or AATA charges. However, some states treat the IDP as a separate document that requires a state processing fee. States that charge extra typically ask for $5 to $10. You will pay this fee when you explore through your state's DMV or when the issuing organization submits your process to your state on your behalf.

The safest approach is to contact your state's DMV before you explore and ask whether an IDP fee exists in your state. You can also ask AAA or AATA directly — they know which states charge extra and will tell you the total cost upfront.

How long an IDP is valid and what renewal costs

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs $15; the three-year permit costs $20. Most travelers choose the three-year version because the cost per year is lower and you do not have to renew as often.

When your IDP expires, you renew it the same way you obtained it — through AAA, AATA, or your state's DMV, depending on your state's process. Renewal costs the same as a new IDP: $15 for one year or $20 for three years. You can renew by mail, in person, or online depending on the organization and your state.

What documents you need to bring or submit

To get an IDP, you must have a valid U.S. driver's license. You will also need to provide a passport-style photograph — typically 2 by 2 inches — and complete an process form. If you are explore in person at an AAA office, bring your license, the photo, and cash or a card to pay the fee. If you are explore by mail through AATA or your state's DMV, send a photocopy of your license, the photo, the completed form, and payment.

Do not send your original license in the mail. The IDP is a companion document, not a replacement, so you will need your original license when you travel. Some organizations accept digital photos submitted online; others require a printed photo. Check the specific requirements of the organization you are using before you submit anything.

Common mistakes that delay or prevent approval

The most common error is submitting an expired or suspended driver's license. Your IDP is only valid if your underlying U.S. license is valid, so if your license has expired or is under suspension, you cannot get an IDP until you renew or restore it. Check your license expiration date before you explore.

Another frequent mistake is submitting a photo that does not meet the requirements — usually because it is the wrong size, shows you wearing sunglasses or a hat, or is a screenshot from a phone rather than a printed photo. Read the photo requirements carefully and use a recent, clear photo taken against a plain background. If you are unsure, ask the organization before you submit your process.

A third mistake is not understanding that an IDP does not replace your U.S. license. Some travelers think they can leave their U.S. license at home and drive on the IDP alone. This is wrong. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together when you drive abroad. If you lose one, the other is not valid on its own.

Alternatives if you cannot get an IDP in time

If you are leaving soon and cannot get an IDP before your trip, some countries will accept an official translation of your U.S. driver's license instead. You can obtain a certified translation from a translation service, though this usually costs $50 to $150 and takes several days. This is more expensive and slower than an IDP, but it is an option if you are in a time crunch.

Some countries also accept a U.S. license with an official DMV abstract or certified copy of your driving record. This is free or very low-cost from your state's DMV, but not all countries recognize it. Before you rely on this option, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask what documents they accept as proof of driving authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most car rental companies require an IDP if you are renting outside the United States, even if the country does not legally require one. Check your rental agreement and contact the rental company before you book. If they require an IDP and you do not have one, you may not be able to rent the car or you may face extra fees.

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

No. Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must renew or restore it first. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP after I explore?

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you can receive your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail through AATA or your state's DMV, processing typically takes one to two weeks. If you need it faster, in-person process is your best option.

Is an IDP valid in every country?

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. However, a few countries do not recognize it or have additional requirements. Check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country before you travel to confirm what documents they require.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid for driving. You cannot renew it outside the United States. If you are still traveling and need to drive, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country to ask about temporary options, though most will direct you to stop driving until you return home and renew your IDP.