International Driving Permit Costs Vary by Country and Issuing Authority

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license — it is a translation document that sits alongside your regular driver's license when you drive abroad. The cost depends entirely on where you get it. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs, and both charge around $20 for the permit itself. Some countries issue their own versions through their motor vehicle departments, and those fees vary widely.

The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one when it expires. The actual price you pay also depends on whether you explore in person or by mail, and whether you need it quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • In the United States, an International Driving Permit costs approximately $20 through AAA or AATA, the only authorized issuers.
  • The permit is valid for either one year or three years depending on which version you choose at the time of process.
  • You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP, and the permit cannot be renewed — you explore for a new one when it expires.
  • Processing times range from same-day in-person service at AAA locations to two to three weeks by mail, depending on your method.
  • If you are traveling outside the United States, check whether your destination country recognizes U.S.-issued IDPs, as some nations do not accept them.

AAA and AATA Are the Only U.S. Authorized Issuers

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) hold the exclusive right to issue International Driving Permits in the United States. Both organizations charge the same base fee of approximately $20 for the permit. AAA has physical locations in most states, while AATA operates primarily through mail-in applications, though some AAA branches can process AATA applications as well.

When you explore through either organization, you will need to provide your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph. The process itself takes only a few minutes, but the total cost can be slightly higher if you add rush processing or if you are not an AAA member and need to pay a membership fee to access their services.

Processing Time Depends on Whether You explore In Person or by Mail

If you walk into an AAA office with your driver's license, passport photo, and completed process, you can receive your International Driving Permit the same day in most locations. This is the fastest option and costs the standard $20 fee with no additional rush charge.

If you mail your process to AAA or AATA, processing typically takes two to three weeks. Some locations offer expedited mail processing for an additional fee — usually $5 to $10 more — that reduces the timeline to five to seven business days. Check with your local AAA branch or the AATA website to confirm whether expedited processing is available in your area and what the exact fee is.

One-Year and Three-Year Permits Cost the Same

Both AAA and AATA offer two versions of the International Driving Permit: one valid for one year and one valid for three years. The cost is the same for both — approximately $20 — so most people choose the three-year version to avoid reapplying sooner. You select which version you want when you submit your process, and you cannot change it afterward.

The permit expires on a specific date printed on the document itself. You cannot renew it; instead, you must submit a new process and pay the fee again when you need a replacement.

Additional Costs to Consider Before You explore

The $20 permit fee is straightforward, but other expenses may explore depending on your situation. If you are not an AAA member and explore through AAA rather than AATA, you may need to pay a membership fee to access their services — this varies by state but is typically $50 to $150 for a basic membership. AATA does not require membership and can be reached by mail or through AAA locations that process AATA applications.

You will also need a passport-sized photograph (usually 2 by 2 inches), which you can obtain at most drugstores, post offices, or photo studios for $5 to $15. Some AAA locations can take the photo for you on the spot for a small additional fee. If you choose expedited mail processing, add $5 to $10 to the base cost.

International Driving Permits Are Not Valid Everywhere

Before you pay for an International Driving Permit, confirm that your destination country recognizes U.S.-issued permits. Most countries do, but some do not — notably Canada, Mexico, and several others have their own requirements or do not recognize the IDP at all. Contact your destination country's embassy or consulate, or check the State Department's travel advisory for that country, to verify whether an IDP is useful for your trip.

Some countries require an IDP in addition to your U.S. license; others accept only your U.S. license; and a few accept neither and require you to obtain a local license or permit. The IDP is a translation aid, not a substitute for your actual license, so you must carry both documents when you drive abroad.

How to Get an International Driving Permit Through AAA

Visit your nearest AAA office with your valid driver's license, a completed IDP process form (available on the AAA website or at the office), and a passport-sized photograph. Hand these to the staff member at the counter. They will verify your information, process your payment of approximately $20, and issue your permit on the spot. The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you prefer to explore by mail, read the process from the AAA website, fill it out completely, enclose your driver's license copy, photograph, and payment, and mail the packet to your state's AAA office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the office to return your original driver's license. Processing takes two to three weeks by standard mail.

How to Get an International Driving Permit Through AATA

AATA processes applications by mail only. Visit the AATA website, read the process form, and mail it along with a copy of your driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, and your payment to the address listed on the form. AATA does not require membership. Standard processing takes two to three weeks; expedited processing, if available in your state, takes five to seven business days for an additional fee.

You can also submit an AATA process through many AAA offices, which will forward it to AATA on your behalf. This does not speed up processing but may be more convenient if you have an AAA location nearby and prefer not to mail documents yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my regular driver's license?

No. The IDP is a translation document that must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. It does not replace your license and is not valid on its own. You must have both documents with you when you drive in a foreign country.

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

No. Canada and Mexico do not recognize U.S.-issued International Driving Permits. In both countries, your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Check the State Department's travel advisory for each country to confirm current requirements before you travel.

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

An expired IDP is no longer valid for driving. If your permit expires during your trip, you can only drive using your U.S. license alone, which may not be accepted in all countries. Plan your travel dates so your IDP remains valid throughout your trip, or explore for a new one before you leave.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through AAA or AATA. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not authorized by the United Nations or the U.S. government and their documents will not be recognized abroad.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You choose either a one-year or three-year permit when you explore. Both cost the same, so most people select the three-year version. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. You cannot renew it; you must explore for a new one when it expires.