The cost of an International Driving Permit (IDP) varies by country and issuing organization, but in the United States, you will pay between $15 and $30 for the permit itself, plus a separate fee to the organization that issues it to you.

An IDP is not a license — it is a translation document that sits alongside your valid domestic driver's license. You cannot drive without both. The fee you pay covers the cost of printing, processing, and the organization's administrative work, not the right to drive internationally.

In the United States, two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Each charges its own fee, and the fee does not include membership or any other service. You pay only for the permit itself.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA charges $20 for a standard IDP valid for three years; AATA charges $15 for the same permit.
  • You must present a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and a passport-style photo to either organization.
  • The IDP itself is valid for three years from the date of issue, but it is only useful if your domestic license remains valid.
  • Some countries recognize only IDPs issued by the United Nations-affiliated organization in your country, so check your destination's requirements before paying.
  • No online IDP purchase is legitimate in the United States — you must explore in person or by mail through AAA or AATA.

AAA vs. AATA: Which Organization to Use

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the larger and more widely available option. AAA charges $20 for an IDP and requires you to visit a local AAA office in person. If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP without joining. The permit is valid for three years. AAA offices are located in most U.S. states, though availability varies by region.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller organization that charges $15 for the same three-year permit. AATA allows you to explore by mail, which means you do not have to visit an office in person. You send your process, documents, and payment by mail, and AATA returns your IDP by mail. This option takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but costs less and requires no travel on your part.

Both organizations issue the same document: a booklet that translates your license information into ten languages and is recognized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. The choice between them depends on whether you prefer to pay more for speed and convenience (AAA in person) or pay less and wait for mail delivery (AATA by mail).

What Documents You Need to Bring or Send

Both AAA and AATA require the same set of documents before they will issue an IDP. You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. The license must be in your name and must not be suspended, revoked, or restricted in a way that prevents you from driving. An IDP cannot restore driving privileges you have lost.

You will also need proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. A passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate all work. You cannot use a state ID card or a voter registration card for this purpose.

Finally, you must provide a passport-style photograph — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. If you explore in person at AAA, you can have the photo taken there for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15). If you explore by mail to AATA, you must provide your own photo.

How Long the IDP Remains Valid

An IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued to you. The expiration date is printed on the front of the booklet. You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must purchase a new one and pay the full fee again.

However, an IDP is only useful if your domestic U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless for driving. You must renew your license first, then purchase a new IDP if you still need it. Some travelers purchase a new IDP at the same time they renew their license to avoid this problem.

If you lose your IDP before it expires, you must purchase a replacement. Neither AAA nor AATA charges a reduced fee for a replacement — you pay the full amount again.

Fees Charged by Other Countries

If you are traveling to a country outside the United States, the cost of an IDP may be different. Most countries that issue IDPs charge between 10 and 30 in their local currency. Some countries issue IDPs for free through their national automobile association or government motor vehicle office.

The country where you hold a license is the country whose IDP you should carry. If you are a U.S. citizen with a U.S. license, you purchase an IDP from AAA or AATA. If you are a resident of another country with a license from that country, you purchase an IDP from that country's authorized issuer.

Some countries do not recognize U.S.-issued IDPs at all. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of your destination country. Your rental car company or the country's embassy website can tell you whether an IDP is required and which organization must issue it.

Why You Cannot Buy an IDP Online from Third Parties

Many websites advertise "international driving permits" or "international driver's licenses" for $50 to $200 and claim you can purchase them online and print them at home. These documents are not legitimate IDPs and will not be recognized by police, rental car companies, or border officials in most countries.

The only legitimate IDPs in the United States are issued by AAA and AATA. Both organizations require you to submit original documents and a photograph — either in person or by mail. There is no shortcut that allows you to complete the process entirely online.

If you purchase a fake IDP from a third-party website, you may face fines or legal trouble if you are stopped while driving in a foreign country. You will also have wasted money on a document that provides no protection or legal standing.

What Happens If You Lose Your IDP While Traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are outside the United States, you cannot purchase a replacement from AAA or AATA while you are abroad. You will need to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling and ask for guidance on how to proceed.

In most cases, you can continue to drive using only your U.S. driver's license if you are in a country that recognizes U.S. licenses without an IDP. However, some countries require the IDP specifically, and losing it may mean you cannot legally drive for the remainder of your trip.

To avoid this problem, make a photocopy of your IDP before you travel and keep it in a separate location from the original. Some travelers also photograph their IDP and store the image in cloud storage. If the original is lost, you will have proof of the document's existence, though the photocopy itself is not a legal substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an IDP without a valid driver's license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your license information. If your domestic license is expired, suspended, or revoked, the IDP is worthless. You must have a valid, current license in your name to drive legally anywhere, whether or not you carry an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP — a valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico technically does not require an IDP either, but some rental car companies request one, and carrying one can reduce friction with police. Check with your rental company before you travel.

How much does an IDP cost in the United Kingdom or Europe?

Costs vary by country. The UK charges around £5.50 through the DVLA. European countries typically charge between €10 and €30 through their national automobile associations or motor vehicle offices. You must obtain an IDP from the country where your license was issued.

What if my IDP expires while I am still traveling?

You cannot renew or replace an IDP while you are outside the United States. If your IDP expires during your trip, you will need to rely on your domestic U.S. license alone. Check the expiration date before you travel and purchase a new IDP if necessary before you leave.

Is there a rush fee if I need an IDP quickly?

AAA does not charge a rush fee, but you must visit an office in person to receive your IDP the same day. AATA processes mail applications in two to three weeks with no expedited option. If you need an IDP urgently, visit AAA in person.