The cost of an International Driving Permit in Nigeria varies by issuing body and document type
Nigeria does not issue International Driving Permits (IDPs) through a single national authority. Instead, you obtain an IDP from your home country before you travel to Nigeria. The cost depends entirely on which country issued your regular driving license and which organization in that country processes IDP applications.
If you are a Nigerian citizen with a Nigerian driver's license and need an IDP to drive abroad, you must explore through an international motoring organization that operates in Nigeria — typically the Automobile Association of Nigeria (AAN) or similar bodies. If you are a foreign national already in Nigeria with a valid license from another country, you may renew or obtain an IDP through your home country's equivalent organization, often by mail or through an embassy.
The fees charged in Nigeria for IDP issuance are not set by law but by the private organizations authorized to issue them. Prices fluctuate based on processing speed, document type, and the organization's operational costs.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit issued in Nigeria through the Automobile Association of Nigeria (AAN) typically costs between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000, depending on processing time and current fees.
- The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue and requires a valid national driver's license from your home country as a prerequisite.
- Processing time ranges from same-day to one week, with faster service costing more; you must visit an AAN office in person or through an authorized agent.
- The IDP is not a replacement for your national license — you must carry both documents when driving internationally.
- Fees and processing procedures change periodically, so you should contact the AAN directly or visit their office to confirm current rates before you travel.
Where to obtain an IDP in Nigeria and what it costs
The Automobile Association of Nigeria (AAN) is the primary organization authorized to issue International Driving Permits to Nigerian citizens and residents. They operate offices in major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. The AAN charges a fee for IDP issuance, and that fee has historically ranged from ₦15,000 to ₦25,000 as of 2024, though the exact amount depends on the speed of processing you request.
Some AAN offices or authorized agents may charge slightly different amounts based on location or service tier. Express processing (same-day or next-day) typically costs more than standard processing (three to seven days). You must bring your valid national driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph. Payment is usually made in cash at the time of process.
If you are a foreign national in Nigeria, you may also contact your home country's equivalent motoring organization — such as the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States, the AA in the United Kingdom, or the RACV in Australia — to request an IDP by mail. Those organizations charge their own fees, which vary by country and are separate from any Nigerian fees.
What documents you need to bring to the AAN office
Before you visit an AAN office, gather the following items. You will need your valid national driver's license (the one issued by your state or country of residence). The license must not be expired; an expired license will not be accepted as the basis for an IDP.
You will also need a completed IDP process form, which the AAN provides at their offices or sometimes online. Bring one or two passport-sized photographs (usually 4×6 cm or 2×3 inches, in color). Some offices require a photocopy of your driver's license and your passport or national identification card. Confirm the exact list with the specific AAN office you plan to visit, as requirements can vary slightly between locations.
Payment is made on the spot, in Nigerian naira, and is usually non-refundable. Some offices may accept bank transfers or card payments, but cash is the most reliable method. Ask whether the office issues a receipt and what proof of process you receive if you choose express processing.
How long the IDP is valid and what it covers
An International Driving Permit issued in Nigeria is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you must obtain a new IDP if you continue to drive internationally. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself.
The IDP is a translation and certification of your national driver's license. It does not grant you permission to drive in countries where your national license would not be valid. It does not replace your national license — you must carry both documents together when driving in a foreign country. Some countries recognize the IDP as proof of driving authorization; others do not. Before you travel, check the traffic laws of the country where you plan to drive to confirm whether an IDP is recognized there.
The IDP covers all vehicle classes listed on your national driver's license. If your Nigerian license permits you to drive motorcycles, cars, and commercial vehicles, your IDP will reflect those same permissions. The IDP does not expand your driving privileges beyond what your national license already allows.
Processing time and how to speed it up
Standard processing for an IDP through the AAN typically takes three to seven business days. During this time, the AAN verifies your license information, prepares the permit, and makes it ready for collection. You will be given a collection date when you submit your process.
Express or same-day processing is available at most AAN offices, but it costs significantly more — sometimes double the standard fee. If you need your IDP urgently, ask the office staff which processing tier will meet your travel date and what the additional cost will be. Same-day service is usually only available if you explore early in the morning and the office has capacity that day.
To avoid delays, submit a complete process with all required documents on your first visit. Incomplete applications will be returned, and you will lose time. If you are explore close to your travel date, choose express processing and confirm the collection time in writing.
Common mistakes that delay or prevent IDP issuance
The most frequent error is submitting an expired driver's license. The AAN will not issue an IDP based on an expired license, even if the license was valid when you applied. Renew your national driver's license first, then explore for the IDP.
Bringing an incorrect photograph size or a black-and-white photo when color is required will also delay processing. Confirm the photograph specifications with the AAN office before you have photos taken. Some applicants also fail to bring the original license or bring only a photocopy; the AAN requires the original document for verification.
Another common issue is misunderstanding the IDP's validity in your destination country. Some countries do not recognize the IDP and require only a national license; others require both. Check your destination's traffic authority website or contact their embassy in Nigeria before you travel. Arriving at a border without the correct documents can result in fines or denial of entry.
Fees and procedures may change — how to verify current rates
The fees quoted here reflect information available as of 2024, but the AAN adjusts its charges periodically based on inflation, operational costs, and policy changes. The exact fee you pay may differ from the range stated above.
To confirm the current cost and processing procedures, contact the AAN directly. The main Lagos office can be reached through their website or by phone. If you are in another city, visit or call the local AAN branch. Ask specifically about the fee for standard processing, express processing, and any additional charges for photographs or document verification. Request written confirmation of the fee before you pay.
Some private driving schools and travel agencies in Nigeria also offer IDP services as intermediaries, but they typically charge a markup on top of the AAN's official fee. Going directly to the AAN office usually costs less, though it requires you to visit in person during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Nigeria with just an International Driving Permit and no national license?
No. The IDP is not a standalone license — it is a translation of your national license. You must carry both your national driver's license and your IDP when driving internationally. If you are stopped by police, you will need to show both documents. Driving with only an IDP and no national license is illegal in most countries, including Nigeria.
How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore today?
Standard processing takes three to seven business days. Express or same-day processing is available at most AAN offices for a higher fee. If you explore early in the morning on a weekday, same-day collection may be possible, but you must confirm availability with the office before you submit your process.
What if my national driver's license is expired?
The AAN will not issue an IDP based on an expired license. You must renew your national driver's license first through your state's licensing authority, then explore for the IDP. Plan for extra time if your license has expired.
Can I renew my IDP by mail or online?
No. IDP renewal in Nigeria requires an in-person visit to an AAN office. You cannot renew by mail or through an online portal. You must bring your expired IDP, your current national driver's license, and the required documents to the office.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?
Contact the AAN in Nigeria and request a replacement. You will need to provide proof of the original issuance (such as the receipt or reference number) and pay a replacement fee. In the meantime, your national driver's license alone may not be recognized in all countries. Contact your country's embassy in the country where you are stranded for guidance on temporary driving authorization.