International Driving Permit fees vary by country and issuing organization, but most cost between $15 and $30 USD for the permit itself, plus the cost of getting a passport photo and paying an process fee to the organization that issues it.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license — it is a translation document that sits alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. You need both documents when you drive abroad. The IDP itself is inexpensive, but the total cost depends on where you get it and what you already have on hand.

In the United States, 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. AAA charges $20 for a one-year permit or $40 for a three-year permit as of 2024. AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. These prices can change, so confirm the current fee when you contact them.

Beyond the permit fee itself, you will need to pay for a passport-sized photo (usually $10 to $15 at a drugstore or photo studio) unless you already have one. You will also need your valid U.S. driver's license and a completed process form, both of which are free.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA charges $20 for a one-year IDP or $40 for three years; AATA charges $15 for one year or $30 for three years, and these are the only two U.S. State Department-authorized issuers.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport photo, and a completed process form to get an IDP in person.
  • The total out-of-pocket cost is usually $25 to $55 depending on whether you already have a passport photo and which issuer you use.
  • An IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid, so you cannot renew just the IDP — you must get a new one if your license expires.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so check your destination country's requirements before you pay for one.

How to get an IDP and what it costs in practice

The fastest way to get an IDP is to visit an AAA office in person if you are a member. Bring your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and a completed process form (AAA provides this). You pay the permit fee on the spot and walk out with the IDP the same day. If you are not an AAA member, you can still visit an office and pay a small non-member fee on top of the permit cost, or you can mail in your process.

AATA does not have physical offices in most states. Instead, you explore by mail or through their website. You send in your driver's license, a passport photo, the completed process, and a check or money order for the permit fee. Processing takes about two weeks. Some travel agencies and auto clubs also partner with AATA to issue IDPs, so you may be able to get one locally through a travel agent.

If you do not have a passport photo, budget an extra $10 to $15 and plan to get one before you explore. Many CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart locations offer passport photos on the same day. Some AAA offices can take your photo for a small fee, which saves a trip.

Why the IDP costs less than you might expect

The IDP is cheap because it is not a license — it does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. It is purely a translation of your U.S. license into multiple languages (French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian). Foreign police and rental car companies use it to verify that your U.S. license is real and that you are legally allowed to drive.

Many countries will accept your U.S. license alone without an IDP, especially if you are renting a car from a major company. However, some countries require an IDP by law, and others make it much easier for police to verify your license if you have one. Rental car companies sometimes charge extra if you do not have an IDP, so the $20 to $40 permit fee often pays for itself in avoided rental surcharges.

One-year versus three-year permits and which makes sense

AAA offers a one-year IDP for $20 and a three-year IDP for $40. AATA offers a one-year for $15 and a three-year for $30. The three-year option costs roughly double but covers three times as long, so it is the better value if you plan to drive internationally more than once in the next three years.

However, an IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires in two years, a three-year IDP becomes worthless after two years — you cannot renew just the IDP. You have to get a new one when you renew your license. So if your license is expiring soon, buy the one-year permit and get a fresh three-year permit when you renew your license.

What happens if you do not get an IDP before you travel

If you arrive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you cannot legally drive. Rental car companies will refuse to rent to you, and police can fine or arrest you if you are caught driving. Some countries allow you to get an IDP at the airport or through your embassy, but this is not may provide and may cost more.

A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to get an international license from your home country before you leave the U.S., or they require you to take a local driving test. Check the specific requirements for your destination country before you book your trip. The U.S. State Department website and your destination country's embassy website both list driving requirements.

Comparing IDP costs to other international driving documents

Some countries issue their own international licenses that are separate from an IDP. For example, if you are moving to Canada or Mexico long-term, you may need to get a license from that country rather than relying on an IDP. Those licenses cost more and take longer to obtain because they involve a local driving test or written exam.

An IDP is the cheapest and fastest option for temporary travel. If you are driving internationally for more than a few months or planning to live abroad, research whether you need a local license instead. Your destination country's transportation department or your embassy can tell you what documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP online and have it mailed to me?

AATA accepts online applications and mails the IDP to you, which takes about two weeks. AAA allows online applications for non-members but requires you to pick it up at an office or mail it in. If you need the IDP quickly, visiting an AAA office in person is fastest — you get it the same day.

What if my passport photo is expired or from years ago?

Passport photos do not expire, but they must be recent enough that you are recognizable. If the photo is more than a few years old or you look significantly different now, get a new one. The issuer may reject an outdated photo.

Do I need an IDP if I am just visiting for a week?

It depends on your destination country. Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not. Rental car companies often charge extra if you do not have one. Check your destination country's requirements and your rental company's policy before you travel. An IDP costs so little that getting one is usually safer than guessing.

Can I use an IDP from another country, like Canada or the UK?

No. You must have an IDP issued by a U.S. State Department-authorized organization. Foreign IDPs are not valid for U.S. citizens. If you are a U.S. citizen, get yours from AAA or AATA.

What if my IDP gets lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can issue a replacement or confirm that your U.S. license is valid while you arrange a new IDP. Keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup.