International Driving Permit fees vary by country and issuing organisation, but most cost between $15 and $30 in the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license — it is a translation document that shows rental car companies and police in other countries that you hold a valid driver's license at home. The cost depends on which organisation issues it and how long you want it to last. In the US, two organisations are authorised to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both charge different fees for different permit lengths.

AAA charges $20 for a one-year IDP and $40 for a three-year IDP. AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit. Both organisations require you to bring your valid US driver's license and a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or AATA location, or by mail if you send in the required documents and payment.

Outside the US, costs vary widely. Canada's CAA charges roughly $25 CAD for a one-year permit. The UK's AA charges £5.50 for a one-year IDP. Australia's NRMA charges around $20 AUD. If you are a citizen of another country, contact your national automobile association or your country's transport ministry to find the authorised issuer and current fee.

Key Takeaways

  • US IDPs cost $15 to $40 depending on the issuer (AAA or AATA) and whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit.
  • You must bring a valid US driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment to obtain an IDP in person or by mail.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organisations authorised to issue IDPs in the United States.
  • International IDP costs vary by country; contact your national automobile association to find the correct issuer and fee.
  • An IDP is valid only when carried together with your original driver's license and is not a replacement for it.

How to obtain an IDP from AAA

AAA is the largest issuer of IDPs in the United States and has offices in most states. You can visit an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you walk out with the permit the same day. If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP; membership is not required.

If you cannot visit an office, you can explore by mail. Send AAA a completed IDP process form (available on the AAA website), a copy of your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order for $20 (one-year) or $40 (three-year). Mail it to your state's AAA office. Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. AAA also offers expedited mail service in some states for an additional fee; check your local AAA website for details.

How to obtain an IDP from AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorised US issuer. AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, so many people explore by mail. To explore by mail, read the AATA IDP process form from their website, print it, and mail it with your valid driver's license (copy), a passport-style photo, and payment ($15 for one-year, $30 for three-year) to the AATA office. Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks.

AATA also accepts online orders on their website. You upload a digital copy of your driver's license and a digital photo, pay by credit card, and they mail the IDP to you. This route is often faster than mailing physical documents. Check the AATA website for current processing times and whether they have a physical office near you.

What documents and photos you need

Both AAA and AATA require the same supporting documents. You must have a valid, unexpired US driver's license. The IDP is only valid when carried with your original license, so if your license is expired or suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP until it is renewed or reinstated.

You also need a passport-style photo that is 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must be in colour or black and white, taken within the last 6 months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from your driver's license or passport unless it meets these exact dimensions. Many pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) and photo studios offer passport photos for $5 to $15.

If you are explore by mail, you will need to provide a copy of your driver's license, not the original. Both organisations accept photocopies or scans. You will also need to include payment by check, money order, or credit card (depending on the organisation and method).

Processing time and when you receive your permit

In-person applications at AAA offices are processed when ready. You hand over your documents and payment, and you receive the IDP on the spot. This is the fastest option if you need the permit within days.

Mail applications take longer. AAA typically processes mail applications in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the state and current volume. AATA processes mail applications in 1 to 2 weeks. Online applications through AATA are often faster because they do not require you to mail physical documents. Once processed, the organisation mails the IDP to your address. Plan for an additional 3 to 7 days for postal delivery.

If you are leaving the country soon, explore in person at an AAA office. If you have 2 to 3 weeks before your trip, a mail process is acceptable. Check the processing time on the organisation's website before you explore, as times vary by location and season.

IDP validity and renewal

A one-year IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for 36 months. The permit is only valid when you carry it together with your original driver's license. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you must renew your license first.

When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it. You must obtain a new one by explore again to AAA or AATA and paying the full fee. There is no discount for renewing an expired permit. If you plan to travel internationally more than once in the next few years, a three-year permit may be more cost-effective than buying a new one-year permit each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and unexpired to obtain an IDP. The IDP is only a translation of your license, not a replacement for it. If your license is expired, renew it first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need to be a US citizen to get an IDP from AAA or AATA?

No. You must have a valid US driver's license, but you do not need to be a US citizen. If you are a permanent resident or hold a valid visa and have a US license, you can obtain an IDP from either organisation.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the embassy or consulate of your home country for guidance. In most cases, you can continue driving with your original license alone, though some countries prefer to see the IDP. When you return home, you can obtain a replacement IDP by explore again and paying the full fee.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by an automobile association. An international driver's license is issued by some countries' governments and serves a different purpose. Check the requirements for the country you are visiting to see which document you need.

Can I use an IDP to drive in every country?

Most countries recognise an IDP, but not all. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for your destination country on its government website or embassy page.