The cost of an International Driving Permit varies by country and issuing organization, but in the United States it typically runs $15 to $20 through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The permit itself is inexpensive; what changes the total cost is whether you need a passport photo, how far you travel to get it, and which organization you choose. Some countries charge more or less, and a few do not issue them at all.

Key Takeaways

  • In the US, an International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20 and is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state's DMV.
  • You must bring your valid US driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photo to the issuing office.
  • The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase, and the price difference is usually $5 to $10.
  • Processing takes minutes to hours if you explore in person, but mailing applications can take one to two weeks.
  • International Driving Permits are not the same as foreign driver's licenses and do not replace your US license when driving abroad.

US pricing through AAA and AATA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) charges $15 for a one-year International Driving Permit and $20 for a three-year permit as of 2024. The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) charges the same rates. Both organizations are authorized by the US State Department to issue these permits, and both charge identical fees. If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase a permit at any AAA office without joining.

The $15 or $20 covers the permit booklet itself and the processing. It does not include a passport photo, which you must bring yourself. If you do not have a passport photo, AAA offices can take one for an additional fee (typically $10 to $15), but you can also bring one from any photo service, drugstore, or online provider. Some AAA locations offer faster service if you explore in person; others accept mail-in applications, which take longer but cost the same.

What you need to bring and why it matters

To get an International Driving Permit in the US, you need three things: a valid US driver's license, a completed process form (IDP-503 for AAA or the AATA equivalent), and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The process form is free and available at any AAA or AATA office, or you can read it before you go. Bring the original of your driver's license, not a copy.

The passport photo requirement adds a hidden cost if you do not already have one. A single passport photo from a drugstore or online service costs $5 to $15. If you need multiple copies for other purposes, buying a set of four or six photos is often cheaper per photo than buying one. Some AAA offices will take the photo on-site, but this service is not available everywhere and costs extra.

One-year versus three-year permits

AAA and AATA both offer a one-year permit for $15 and a three-year permit for $20. The three-year permit is valid for three calendar years from the date of issue, while the one-year permit expires one year from issue. The choice depends on how often you travel internationally and how far in advance you plan.

If you travel abroad once every few years, the one-year permit may be cheaper overall because you only pay when you need it. If you travel internationally at least once a year, the three-year permit works out to about $6.67 per year, which is cheaper than buying a new one-year permit each time. Keep in mind that your International Driving Permit must be valid when you travel; an expired permit is not recognized by rental companies or police in other countries.

Processing time and delivery options

If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you can usually receive your permit the same day or within a few hours. The staff will verify your documents, take your process, and issue the permit on the spot. This is the fastest option and costs nothing extra.

If you mail in your process, processing typically takes one to two weeks, plus mail delivery time in both directions. Some AAA locations offer expedited mail processing for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15), which speeds up the return but does not change the permit cost itself. If you are traveling soon, explore in person is almost always faster and avoids the risk of mail delays.

International Driving Permits in other countries

The cost of an International Driving Permit outside the United States varies widely. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) charges roughly $20 to $25 CAD for a similar permit. In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) charges around £5.50 to £6 for a one-year permit. Australia's National Roads and Motorists' Association charges around $20 AUD. These prices fluctuate with exchange rates and organizational fee changes.

Some countries do not issue International Driving Permits at all. If you are traveling to a country that does not recognize them, you will need to obtain a certified translation of your driver's license from that country's consulate or a certified translator. This service costs $50 to $200 depending on the country and translator, so it is worth checking your destination's requirements before you travel.

What the permit does and does not cover

An International Driving Permit is a translation and verification document, not a license. It translates your US driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign authorities that your US license is valid. It does not give you permission to drive in another country if your US license would not; it does not replace your US license; and it does not cover you if you break traffic laws abroad.

Many car rental companies outside the US require an International Driving Permit along with your US license, even though the permit itself does not grant driving rights. Some countries legally require it; others do not. Before you book a rental car or travel, check the specific requirements of your destination and your rental company. The permit is inexpensive insurance against being turned away at a rental counter or stopped by police who do not recognize a US license without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state's DMV?

No. In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue International Driving Permits. Your state DMV cannot issue one, and neither can any other organization. You must go to an AAA or AATA office in person or mail in your process to one of these organizations.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The permit is valid for that period from the date of issue, regardless of when you actually use it. If your permit expires while you are abroad, it is no longer recognized.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and rental company. Many rental companies outside the US require an International Driving Permit along with your US license. Some countries legally require it; others do not. Check your destination country's rules and contact your rental company before you book to confirm what documents they need.

What if my passport photo is expired or I do not have one?

Passport photos do not expire for the purpose of an International Driving Permit process. If you do not have one, you can get one taken at any AAA office (for a fee), a drugstore photo service, or an online photo service. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches and meet passport photo standards (plain background, face clearly visible).

Can I renew my International Driving Permit by mail?

Yes. You can mail in a renewal process to AAA or AATA with your expired permit, a new passport photo, and a completed process form. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail. Some offices offer expedited mail service for an additional fee. In-person renewal at an AAA or AATA office is faster and costs the same.