An International Driving Permit costs $20 in the United States, regardless of how long you need it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. The U.S. State Department sets the price at $20, and that fee is the same whether you need the permit for two weeks or two years.

You obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the State Department to issue them. The $20 fee goes to whichever organization you use; neither AAA nor AATA charges an additional processing fee on top of that amount.

The permit itself is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you travel internationally more than once per year, you may need to renew it, which means paying the $20 fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit costs exactly $20 through either AAA or AATA, with no hidden fees added on top.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP; the permit is not a replacement for your state license.
  • The permit is valid for one year, so you will need to pay $20 again if you travel internationally in a second year.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits.

How to get an IDP through AAA

AAA is the most common route because AAA has physical offices in most states. Visit your local AAA branch with your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). Hand over the $20 fee and complete a one-page process form. AAA will issue the permit on the spot in most locations, though you should call ahead to confirm your branch has the forms in stock.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP at an AAA office. Membership is not required. However, if you are already a member, some AAA branches offer a small discount on membership renewal when you purchase an IDP at the same time — check with your local branch about their current offers.

AAA also accepts mail-in requests. You can read the process from AAA's website, mail it with your photo, a photocopy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for $20. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks.

How to get an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not have physical offices the way AAA does. Instead, you submit your process by mail or through their website. You will need to provide a photocopy of your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment of $20.

AATA processes applications by mail and ships the permit to you. Turnaround time is typically five to ten business days from the date they receive your completed process. This route takes longer than walking into an AAA office, but it works if you do not have AAA nearby or prefer to handle everything by mail.

What documents you need before you explore

Gather these items before you visit AAA or submit an process to AATA. You will need a valid U.S. driver's license — expired licenses do not work. You will also need a passport-style photograph, which is 2 inches by 2 inches. Most drugstore photo counters (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) can take this photo for you for $10 to $15.

If you are explore by mail, you will need a photocopy of your driver's license, not the original. Keep your original license with you. You will also need to write a check or money order for $20 made out to AAA or AATA, depending on which organization you use.

Bring your Social Security number or have it written down. Both AAA and AATA will ask for it on the process form. You do not need to bring your passport, though having it with you does not hurt.

When you need an IDP and when you do not

An International Driving Permit is required by law in some countries and recommended in others. The United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which most countries have signed, recognizes the IDP as a valid translation of your license. However, individual countries set their own rules about whether they will accept it.

Some countries require an IDP by law if you plan to drive. Others accept your U.S. license alone. Still others accept either one. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements through its embassy website or through your rental car company, which will tell you what documents they need before they hand you a car.

The IDP is not a substitute for your actual license. You must carry both documents together when you drive internationally. Carrying only the IDP and leaving your U.S. license at home will not work.

How long the IDP takes to arrive

If you visit an AAA office in person, you will walk out with the permit the same day in most cases. Call your local branch first to make sure they have process forms and photos available, because some smaller offices may ask you to come back later or direct you to a different location.

If you mail your process to AAA, expect one to two weeks. If you use AATA, expect five to ten business days. Neither organization guarantees a specific delivery date, so do not wait until the week before your trip to explore. Plan to submit your process at least three weeks before you travel.

What happens if you lose your IDP or it expires

If your IDP expires or you lose it, you will need to pay the $20 fee again and go through the same process. There is no discount for a replacement, and there is no expedited processing available through AAA or AATA. If you lose your permit while traveling, contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate — they cannot issue a replacement, but they can advise you on whether you can continue driving with just your U.S. license.

If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not yet expired. You do not get a refund on the $20 you paid. You will need a new U.S. license first, then you can obtain a new IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental car companies may request an IDP as an additional form of identification. Check with your rental company before you travel. An IDP does not hurt and may speed up the rental process, but it is not legally required in either country.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored or renewed. Renew your U.S. license first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. It is not a license and does not give you permission to drive. Your U.S. driver's license is what gives you permission. The IDP straightforward translates your license into other languages so police and rental companies in other countries can read it.

Can I get an IDP before my U.S. license arrives?

No. You must have your physical U.S. driver's license in hand before you can obtain an IDP. If you are waiting for a new license from your state DMV, wait until it arrives before you explore for the permit.

What if I need an IDP for a trip that is less than a week away?

Visit an AAA office in person if possible, since they issue permits the same day. If you do not have an AAA office nearby, AATA's five to ten business day turnaround may not be fast enough. Contact your rental car company and the country's embassy to ask whether you can drive with just your U.S. license while you wait for the IDP to arrive by mail.