An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on where you get it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — it is a translation document that works alongside it. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. AAA charges $20 for a permit valid for one year, or $30 for one valid for three years. AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit. Both organizations require you to bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches).

The permit itself is inexpensive, but the real cost depends on how you obtain it. If you already have a passport photo, the only expense is the permit fee. If you need a photo taken, expect to pay an additional $10 to $20 at most AAA locations or a local photo service. Some AAA branches offer same-day issuance; others require a few business days. AATA typically processes permits by mail, which adds shipping time.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA and AATA are the only U.S. organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits, and they charge $20 to $30 depending on validity length.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo to either organization.
  • AAA offers same-day service at many locations, while AATA processes by mail, which takes longer but may be cheaper.
  • An International Driving Permit is valid only when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license — it does not replace it.

Where to get an IDP and what each option costs

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has physical locations in most states. You can visit a local AAA office, show your documents, have your photo taken on-site (if needed), and walk out with your permit the same day at many branches. The cost is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. Some AAA locations charge a small fee for the photo if you do not bring one, typically $5 to $10.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) operates entirely by mail. You send in your process, documents, and a passport photo, and they mail the permit back to you. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit. Processing takes one to two weeks, plus mailing time in both directions. AATA is the cheaper option if you already have a passport photo and do not need the permit urgently.

If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still purchase an IDP from AAA without joining. Membership is not required. However, if you are already a member, the permit costs the same whether you are a member or not.

What documents you need to bring

You must have three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from a phone or computer screen; it must be a printed photograph.

If you are explore through AAA in person, bring the originals of your license and passport. AATA requires photocopies of both documents, not originals. Check the specific requirements on the organization's website before you go, because some AAA branches have slightly different rules about what they accept.

How long an IDP is valid and when you need 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 $20 through AAA or $15 through AATA. The three-year permit costs $30 through AAA and is not offered by AATA. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself.

Your IDP expires on a specific date, not based on when you use it. If you are traveling internationally and your permit expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid in that country. Renew before you travel if your permit is within a few months of expiring. The renewal process is the same as the initial issuance — you go back to AAA or AATA with your documents and pay the fee again.

What an IDP does and does not do

An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages. It tells police and rental car companies in other countries that you hold a valid U.S. license. However, it is not a separate license and does not replace your U.S. driver's license. You must carry both documents together when you drive internationally. If you lose your IDP but still have your U.S. license, you can get a new IDP by going through the same process again.

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you would not otherwise be allowed to drive. Each country has its own rules about who can drive and for how long. Some countries recognize U.S. licenses for up to one year; others require an IDP; still others require both plus an additional local permit. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country where you plan to drive.

Whether you actually need an IDP for your trip

Not every country requires an International Driving Permit. Many countries in Europe, Canada, and Australia recognize a valid U.S. driver's license on its own. However, some countries require an IDP, and others strongly recommend it even if it is not legally required. The safest approach is to check the requirements of your destination country before you book your trip.

The U.S. State Department website and your destination country's embassy website both list driving requirements for visitors. Some car rental companies also have their own rules — they may require an IDP even if the country does not. Call the rental company before you travel to confirm what documents they need. If you are unsure whether you need one, getting an IDP is inexpensive enough that it is usually worth the cost for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. AAA requires you to visit a physical location in person or explore through AATA by mail. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and their documents will not be recognized abroad. Only AAA and AATA are legitimate sources.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

AAA can issue one the same day at most locations if you visit in person. AATA processes by mail and typically takes one to two weeks, plus mailing time. If you need one quickly, visit an AAA office. If you have time, AATA is cheaper.

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

It depends on the country and the rental company. Canada and most European countries recognize a U.S. license without an IDP, but some rental companies require one anyway. Check with your rental company and the country's embassy website before you travel.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid. You cannot renew it while abroad. If your permit is close to expiring, renew it before you leave the United States. Plan ahead if you are taking a long trip.

Can I use an IDP instead of my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license. You must have both documents with you when you drive internationally. The IDP is a translation, not a replacement.