The real cost of an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on which organization issues it. The American Automobile Association (AAA) charges $20 for a permit valid for one year, or $40 for one valid for three years. The National Auto Club charges $15 for a one-year permit. You cannot get an IDP from a government office — only from these private automobile clubs, and you must be a member or willing to join.

The permit itself is inexpensive, but the total cost depends on whether you already belong to AAA or the National Auto Club. If you do not, you will need to pay a membership fee first. AAA membership starts at roughly $50 to $70 per year depending on your state and membership level, though some states and regions vary. If you join only to get the permit, your total cost will be the membership fee plus the permit fee.

The IDP is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. It is a translation of your license into multiple languages, recognized in over 150 countries. It has no legal standing on its own.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $40 depending on validity length and which club issues it, but you must be a member of AAA or the National Auto Club to obtain one.
  • If you are not already a member, you will pay an additional membership fee of roughly $50 to $70 per year, making the total cost $65 to $110 for a one-year permit.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA office or National Auto Club location with your valid U.S. driver's license, passport, and a completed process form.
  • The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which option you purchase, and you must carry it alongside your regular license when driving outside the United States.

Where to get an International Driving Permit and what to bring

You can obtain an IDP only from AAA or the National Auto Club — no other organization or government agency issues them in the United States. You must visit a physical office location in person; you cannot order one by mail or online. AAA has offices in most states, while the National Auto Club has a smaller network, so AAA is usually the more convenient option.

Bring three things to your appointment: your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport, and a completed IDP process form. AAA and the National Auto Club both provide the process form on their websites, or you can fill one out when you arrive at the office. You will also need to provide a passport-sized photograph — typically 2 by 2 inches — though some offices can take one for you on the spot for an additional small fee.

The entire process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive the permit when ready after you pay, so you can leave with it the same day. There is no waiting period or mail delivery involved.

AAA membership costs and how to join

AAA membership is required to purchase an IDP through them. Basic AAA membership costs roughly $50 to $70 per year, though the exact price varies by state and region. Some states charge more; others charge less. AAA also offers higher tiers of membership that include roadside information benefits, which cost more but are not necessary to get an IDP.

You can join AAA online, by phone, or in person at an AAA office. If you join online or by phone, the membership becomes active when ready, and you can then visit an office to purchase your IDP. If you join in person at an office, you can often purchase your IDP during the same visit. New members typically receive their membership card within a few days if they join online or by phone.

Your AAA membership is separate from your IDP and continues for a full year from the date you join. If you only need the IDP for a single trip, you will still pay for a full year of membership, even if you do not use other AAA services.

How long an International Driving Permit is valid

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which option you purchase. A one-year permit costs $20 through AAA; a three-year permit costs $40. The National Auto Club charges $15 for a one-year permit and does not currently offer a three-year option.

The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. You must carry both your IDP and your regular U.S. driver's license together — the IDP has no legal standing without your license. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, you will need to renew your license, but you do not need to renew your IDP unless it has also expired.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it outside the United States. You must return to the U.S. and visit an AAA or National Auto Club office in person to obtain a new one. Plan accordingly if you are traveling for an extended period.

Countries that recognize an International Driving Permit

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries, including most of Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. However, recognition is not universal, and some countries do not accept it. The United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia all recognize IDPs, but they are not required — your U.S. license alone is usually sufficient in these countries.

Before traveling, check the specific requirements of the country you plan to visit. Some countries require an IDP in addition to your U.S. license; others accept your U.S. license alone; and a small number do not recognize either and require you to obtain a local license. Your car rental company or the country's tourism website can tell you what is required.

An IDP is most useful in countries where English is not widely spoken, because it translates your license information into multiple languages. In English-speaking countries, your U.S. license is often sufficient on its own.

What happens if you do not have an International Driving Permit

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you risk being fined or having your vehicle impounded by local police. The consequences vary by country and by local enforcement. Some countries enforce the requirement strictly; others rarely check. However, if you are in an accident or stopped for a traffic violation, the lack of an IDP can complicate the situation significantly.

Car rental companies in some countries will refuse to rent to you without an IDP, even if local law does not strictly require one. They do this to protect themselves from liability. If you plan to rent a car abroad, check the rental company's requirements before you travel.

The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you leave the United States if you plan to drive in any country outside North America or Australia. The cost is low relative to the risk of being stranded or fined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize your U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, you should carry your passport or passport card as well, because you will need it to cross the border. Some car rental companies in Mexico may request an IDP, so check with your rental company before you travel.

Can I get an International Driving Permit without being an AAA member?

Only if you join the National Auto Club, which has a smaller office network than AAA. If neither organization has an office near you, you will need to join AAA. You can join online and then visit an office to purchase your permit, so membership does not require an in-person visit first.

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

You cannot renew it abroad. If your permit expires during your trip, you will need to rely on your U.S. driver's license alone. This is legal in most countries, but some may not accept it. Plan your travel dates so your permit does not expire mid-trip, or purchase a three-year permit if you travel frequently.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. Some countries issue their own international licenses to residents, but the U.S. does not. An IDP is the only document the U.S. recognizes for this purpose.

Do I need to renew my International Driving Permit if I renew my driver's license?

No. Your IDP and your U.S. driver's license are separate documents with separate expiration dates. You can renew your license without renewing your IDP, and vice versa. However, you must carry both together when driving abroad.