International driver's permits cost between $20 and $30 in the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The permit itself costs $20 for a three-year version or $30 for a one-year version when you obtain it through the American Automobile Association (AAA), which is the only organization authorized to issue them in the U.S.

You cannot order an IDP online or by mail. You must visit an AAA office in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo, and complete the process on the spot. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP — membership is not required, though members sometimes receive small discounts on other services.

Some countries recognize only the three-year permit, while others accept either version. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary, because a one-year permit may not be valid for your entire trip if you are traveling for longer than twelve months.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit costs $20 for three years or $30 for one year through AAA, the only authorized U.S. issuer.
  • You must visit an AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo; the process takes about 15 minutes.
  • The permit translates your license into ten languages but does not replace it — you carry both documents when driving outside the U.S.
  • Some countries accept only the three-year permit, so verify requirements for each destination before purchasing the one-year version.
  • AAA membership is not required to purchase an IDP, though you must visit a physical AAA location to obtain one.

What you need to bring to an AAA office

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license. It must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired but you have not yet renewed it, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew the license itself — the IDP is valid only as long as the license it translates is valid.

You also need one passport-style photo, which is a color photo 2 inches by 2 inches. Most AAA offices have a photo booth on-site or can direct you to one nearby, so you can have the photo taken the same day if you arrive without one. Some offices charge $5 to $10 for photos taken on-site.

Bring a form of payment — AAA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You do not need to be an AAA member, but if you are, bring your membership card to confirm your status.

How to find an AAA office near you

Visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show every AAA office within your area, along with hours and phone numbers. Call ahead before you go, because some offices have limited hours or may be temporarily closed.

If you live in a state without AAA coverage or cannot reach an AAA office, you have no alternative — only AAA can issue an IDP in the United States. Some travel agencies claim to offer IDPs, but they are actually just selling you an AAA permit at a markup. Ordering directly from AAA costs less.

How long the permit is valid and what countries accept it

A three-year IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. A one-year IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. Neither permit extends the validity of your underlying U.S. driver's license — if your license expires in two years, your three-year IDP becomes invalid when your license expires, even if the permit itself would still be good for another year.

Over 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit. However, some countries have specific rules about which version they accept. A few nations accept only the three-year permit and will not honor a one-year version. Others require the permit to be issued within a certain number of months before you arrive. Check the embassy or tourism website for each country you plan to visit to confirm their specific requirements before you purchase your permit.

Some rental car companies also have their own rules about which version of the IDP they will accept, separate from what the country itself requires. Contact your rental company before you travel to confirm they will accept your permit version.

When to get your permit before traveling

Get your IDP at least two weeks before your departure date. This gives you time to visit an AAA office during their regular hours and receive the permit when ready. Because you receive it on the spot, there is no waiting period — you can travel the same day if needed, though planning ahead is safer.

If you are leaving within a few days and have not yet obtained an IDP, call your nearest AAA office to confirm they are open and have staff available. Walk-in service is available, but calling ahead ensures someone will be there to process your process quickly.

What happens if you lose your permit while traveling

An IDP is not replaceable while you are abroad. If you lose it, you still have your valid U.S. driver's license, which is the actual legal document. Most car rental companies and police will accept your U.S. license alone if you can explain that you lost the translation document. However, some countries or rental companies may refuse to rent to you without the IDP present.

To avoid this risk, take a photo of your IDP on your phone before you leave, and email yourself a copy. If you lose the physical permit, you can show the photo as evidence that you had one, though it is not a legal substitute. When you return to the U.S., you can purchase a new IDP from AAA for the same cost.

International permits from other countries and reciprocal recognition

If you hold a valid driver's license from another country and are visiting the U.S., you do not need an IDP to drive here. Your foreign license is legal in all U.S. states as long as it is valid and written in the Latin alphabet. If your license is in another alphabet, you should obtain an IDP from your home country before traveling to the U.S., because some police officers or rental companies may not accept a license they cannot read.

The reverse is also true: your U.S. IDP is recognized in most countries that have signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, but not all countries. A few nations do not recognize the IDP at all, so always verify the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many rental companies require an IDP, though some accept a U.S. license alone. Check your rental company's policy before you book. Some companies charge extra if you do not have an IDP, while others will refuse to rent to you without one. Having the permit eliminates this uncertainty and costs only $20 to $30.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended?

No. Your IDP is valid only as long as your underlying U.S. license is valid. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is reinstated or renewed. Once your license is valid again, you can purchase an IDP when ready.

Is the one-year permit cheaper than buying a three-year permit every three years?

Yes, but only slightly. A one-year permit costs $30, so three one-year permits over three years cost $90 total. A three-year permit costs $20, so you save $70 by purchasing one three-year permit instead. If you travel internationally only once every few years, the three-year permit is the better value.

What if the country I am visiting does not recognize the International Driving Permit?

A small number of countries do not recognize the IDP. In those cases, your U.S. driver's license is your only legal driving document. Some rental companies in those countries may still refuse to rent to you, so contact them in advance. You may need to hire a driver or use public transportation instead.

Can I use my International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Your U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient to drive in Canada and Mexico — you do not need an IDP for either country. However, both countries require you to carry your license at all times while driving, and Mexico also requires proof of vehicle registration and liability insurance. An IDP is not required but does not hurt to have.