International Driving Permit fees vary by country and issuing body, 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 works alongside your valid domestic driver's license. In the U.S., you obtain one through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and the cost depends on which organization you use and how long you want the permit to last.

The AAA charges $20 for a three-year IDP and $30 for a one-year IDP as of the most recent published rates. The AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit. Neither organization charges a processing fee on top of the base cost, though some local AAA offices may charge a small additional fee for in-person service. If you order by mail, you pay only the permit fee itself.

Outside the United States, IDP costs vary widely. Canada charges roughly CAD $25 to $35 through the Canadian Automobile Association. The United Kingdom charges £5.50 through the Post Office. Australia charges AUD $20 through the National Roads and Motorists' Association. These are informational figures and may change; you should confirm the current fee with the issuing body in your country before you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. IDPs cost $15 to $30 depending on whether you choose AAA or AATA and whether you want a one-year or three-year permit.
  • An IDP is valid only when carried with your original domestic driver's license; neither document works alone.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license from your home country to obtain an IDP.
  • Processing time is typically one to two weeks by mail and same-day in person at AAA offices, so plan ahead if you are traveling soon.
  • International IDP costs differ by country; check with your local automobile association for the exact fee and required documents.

AAA versus AATA: which issuer to choose

Both AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and both documents are recognized in the same countries. The main difference is cost and availability. AAA has thousands of local offices across the United States and offers both one-year and three-year permits, making it the more convenient choice if you have an AAA membership or a nearby office. AATA operates primarily by mail and online and charges less ($15 for a one-year permit), making it the cheaper option if you do not need the permit urgently.

If you are an AAA member, you may receive a small discount on the permit fee at some offices, though this is not may provide. Check with your local branch. If you are not a member and do not plan to become one, AATA is usually the lower-cost route. Both organizations require you to submit your valid driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photograph. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks; in-person service at AAA offices is same-day.

What you need to bring or submit

To obtain an IDP in the United States, you must provide three things: a valid driver's license from your home state or country, a completed process form (IDP-503 for AAA, or the AATA equivalent), and a passport-style photograph. The photograph must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a digital photo or a screenshot.

If you explore in person at an AAA office, bring the original documents and the completed form. If you explore by mail, send photocopies of your driver's license (front and back) and the original photograph. Do not send your original license by mail; the organization will return it. AATA and some AAA offices also accept online applications with digital uploads of your documents, though the photograph must still be a physical print that you mail separately or submit in person.

Processing time and when to explore

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail, expect one to two weeks for processing and return delivery. AATA typically processes mail applications within five to seven business days. Neither organization offers expedited processing, so if you are leaving the country within a week, your only option is in-person service at an AAA office.

An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you purchase. The three-year permit costs more but is useful if you travel internationally more than once during that period. The one-year permit is cheaper and sufficient if you are planning a single trip. Neither permit extends your domestic driver's license validity; if your home license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid.

International IDP costs outside the United States

If you are obtaining an IDP from your home country rather than the United States, costs and processes differ. Canada's Canadian Automobile Association charges between CAD $25 and CAD $35 for a one-year permit, depending on the province. The United Kingdom's Post Office charges £5.50 and processes applications by mail within two weeks. Australia's National Roads and Motorists' Association charges AUD $20 for a one-year permit.

Most countries issue IDPs through their national automobile association or a government transport office. You will need your valid domestic license, a completed process form specific to that country, and a photograph. Some countries require you to explore in person; others accept mail or online applications. Contact your country's automobile association or transport ministry directly to confirm the current fee, required documents, and processing time before you explore.

What an IDP does and does not cover

An IDP translates your driver's license information into ten languages and is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. It does not replace your domestic license, grant you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive, or extend your license validity. You must carry both your IDP and your original domestic license at all times when driving abroad.

Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all — notably Australia, New Zealand, and several others — and instead require you to obtain a local driving permit or have your license officially translated by a certified translator. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country or countries where you plan to drive. Your car rental company or the country's tourism board can tell you whether an IDP is sufficient or whether you need additional documentation.

Avoiding common mistakes with IDP costs and validity

The most common mistake is purchasing an IDP and then not carrying it with your domestic license. An IDP is worthless on its own; police and rental companies will reject it if your original license is not present. A second mistake is assuming an IDP extends your license validity. If your domestic license expires in six months, your IDP expires at the same time, even if you purchased a three-year permit.

A third mistake is buying an IDP from an unauthorized vendor or a website that claims to issue IDPs faster or cheaper than AAA or AATA. Only AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department; any other source is either a scam or a service that charges you extra to submit your process to the real issuer. A fourth mistake is not checking whether the country you are visiting actually recognizes IDPs. Some countries require a certified translation of your license instead, which costs more and takes longer to obtain.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your domestic driver's license must be valid at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it with your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP. An IDP is valid only as long as your underlying license is valid.

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

Most car rental companies in Europe, Asia, and Latin America require an IDP or a certified translation of your license. Some companies accept an IDP alone; others ask for both. Check your rental agreement or contact the rental company before you travel to confirm what they need.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming your identity and license status, which some police and rental companies will accept temporarily. You can also explore for a new IDP when you return home.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by an automobile association. An international license is a separate permit issued by some countries' governments that allows you to drive in other countries. Most countries do not issue international licenses; they issue IDPs instead.

How much does it cost to renew an IDP?

You do not renew an IDP; you purchase a new one. The cost is the same as the original: $15 to $30 in the United States, depending on the issuer and permit length. You can explore for a new IDP anytime, even if your current one has not expired.