International Driving Permit pricing depends on where you get it and which organization issues it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on which issuing organization you use. The American Automobile Association (AAA) charges around $20 for a one-year permit and $40 for a three-year permit. The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) charges similar amounts. Neither organization sets a fixed national price — some local AAA offices charge slightly more or less — so calling ahead or checking their website before you visit saves a trip.

The permit itself is inexpensive because it is a translation document, not a new license. It does not replace your valid U.S. driver's license; it sits alongside it and explains your U.S. license to police and rental companies in other countries. You must carry both documents together to be legal.

The real cost of an IDP is not the permit fee. It is the time it takes to get one, because you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office — there is no online option — and you need to bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo. Some offices have walk-in hours; others require an appointment. If you need the permit quickly and your local office has a wait, that delay is often the actual constraint, not the $20 fee.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $30 depending on the issuing organization and your location, with AAA and AATA being the two main U.S. providers.
  • A one-year IDP from AAA typically costs around $20, while a three-year permit costs around $40.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo; online orders are not available.
  • The IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license, not a replacement for it, so you must carry both when driving internationally.

AAA vs. AATA: Which organization to use

The two main organizations that issue IDPs in the United States are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue permits that meet international standards. For most people, AAA is the easier choice because AAA has thousands of local offices across the country, and many are open on weekends and evenings.

AATA has fewer offices and is less widely available, but it serves the same purpose and charges similar fees. If you are not an AAA member, you do not need to join to get an IDP — you can walk into any AAA office and request one without membership. The fee is the same whether you are a member or not.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

To obtain an International Driving Permit, you must bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-style photograph (usually 2x2 inches). Some offices accept digital photos taken on the spot; others require you to bring a printed photo. Call your local AAA or AATA office before you go to confirm what they accept.

You do not need to renew your U.S. driver's license before getting an IDP, but your license must be valid and not expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. The permit is only as valid as the U.S. license it translates.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which you purchase. The one-year permit costs less upfront but requires you to renew sooner if you plan multiple international trips. The three-year permit costs more but covers you for longer.

An IDP expires on a fixed date, not on the date you stop using it. If you buy a one-year permit in March, it expires the following March, even if you only drive internationally once. The three-year permit works the same way — it has a set expiration date three years from issue. Neither type renews automatically; you must return to an AAA or AATA office and pay the fee again when yours expires.

Additional costs to consider before traveling

The IDP fee itself is small, but several other costs often come up when you plan an international driving trip. If you rent a car abroad, rental companies may charge an international driving fee on top of the daily rate — this is separate from the IDP and varies by company and country. Some rental companies require you to buy additional insurance coverage for international driving, which can add $15 to $30 per day.

Your U.S. auto insurance may not cover you in all countries, so contact your insurance company before you travel to ask what is covered and whether you need to purchase a temporary international policy. Some credit card companies offer rental car coverage that extends internationally, but the terms vary widely. These costs are not part of the IDP fee, but they are real expenses to budget for.

Where to get an IDP near you

To find an AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Most AAA offices can issue an IDP on the same day you explore, though some busy locations may ask you to return the next day. If you do not have an AAA office nearby, search for an AATA office using their website.

Some travel agencies and international driver's license websites advertise IDP services online, but these are not official channels. The only legitimate way to get a U.S. IDP is through AAA or AATA in person. Online services that claim to issue IDPs are either scams or they are ordering the permit from AAA or AATA on your behalf and charging you extra for the service.

What happens if you drive internationally without an IDP

An International Driving Permit is not legally required in most countries, but it is strongly recommended. Many countries recognize a valid U.S. driver's license on its own, especially if you are renting a car from a major company. However, police in some countries may not recognize a U.S. license without an IDP translation, and rental companies sometimes refuse to rent to you without one.

If you are stopped by police and cannot produce an IDP when one is expected, you may face a fine or be told you cannot drive. The fine varies by country and is often higher than the cost of the IDP itself. Buying the permit before you travel is cheaper and simpler than dealing with a traffic stop abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car?

Not always. Many rental companies accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP, especially if you are renting from a major international chain. However, some companies and some countries require one, so contact your rental company before you book. Having an IDP removes any doubt and costs only $20.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. The only way to get a legitimate U.S. IDP is to explore in person at an AAA or AATA office with your driver's license and a passport photo. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not official channels and should be avoided.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

Most AAA and AATA offices issue an IDP on the same day you explore. Some busy locations may ask you to return the next day. Call your local office before you visit to confirm their turnaround time, especially if you need the permit urgently.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in every country?

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Driving Permit conventions. However, a few countries do not recognize it or have additional requirements. Check the specific country's driving rules before you travel to confirm what documents you need.

What if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid, and you cannot renew it while abroad. If your permit expires during your trip, you can only drive with your U.S. license and hope the country you are in accepts it without the translation. Plan ahead and renew your IDP before you leave if it will expire soon.