International Driver Licenses Cost Between $20 and $30 in the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — it is a translation document that some countries recognize alongside your valid U.S. license. The permit itself costs between $20 and $30 depending on which organization issues it. You will also pay the cost of explore in person, which usually means a trip to an AAA office, a passport acceptance facility, or a courthouse, though some locations charge no additional fee for the appointment itself.

The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase. A one-year permit costs less than a three-year permit, but if you travel internationally more than once, the three-year version usually saves money per trip. Neither version requires a written test or driving test — you straightforward show your current U.S. driver's license and passport.

The actual cost varies slightly by state and by issuing organization. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount, and some AAA branches charge less than others. If you do not have AAA membership, you can still obtain an IDP through other authorized providers, though availability and pricing differ by location.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit costs $20 to $30 and is valid for either one or three years depending on which version you purchase.
  • You must explore in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and passport; no test or renewal of your domestic license is required.
  • AAA is the most common issuer in the United States, but some passport acceptance facilities and courthouses also issue IDPs at similar prices.
  • The IDP is a translation document only and does not replace your regular driver's license — you must carry both when driving abroad.

Where to Obtain an International Driving Permit

AAA is the primary issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States. Most AAA branches accept applications during regular business hours, and you can often walk in without an appointment, though calling ahead is wise. If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore at an AAA office — membership is not required to purchase an IDP.

If you do not have an AAA office nearby, some U.S. passport acceptance facilities and county courthouses also issue IDPs. Call your local courthouse or passport office to ask whether they offer this service and what their fee is. A few state motor vehicle departments have begun issuing IDPs as well, though this is not yet universal.

Online services that claim to issue or "process" international permits are not legitimate. The IDP must be issued in person by an authorized organization. If a website offers to mail you a permit without an in-person visit, it is not a real IDP and will not be recognized abroad.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license and your passport. Some issuing offices also ask for a second form of identification, such as a birth certificate or state ID card. Check with the specific office before you go — requirements can vary slightly between AAA branches and between different courthouses.

You will also need to provide a passport-style photograph if the office does not take one on-site. Most AAA branches and passport facilities can photograph you for a small additional fee if you do not have a recent photo. Bring cash or a card, as payment methods vary by location.

How Long the Permit Remains Valid

A one-year IDP expires one year from the date of issue. A three-year IDP expires three years from the date of issue. Your IDP is only valid while your U.S. driver's license is also valid — if your domestic license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the three-year term has not ended.

Some countries have their own rules about how old an IDP can be when you arrive. A few nations will not accept an IDP that is more than one year old, even if it is still technically valid. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements on its embassy or consulate website.

Whether You Actually Need an International Driving Permit

An IDP is not required in every country. Canada, Mexico, and most Western European nations recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some countries — particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East — either require an IDP or strongly recommend carrying one alongside your U.S. license.

Car rental companies sometimes require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandatory. Check your rental agreement or call the rental company before you book. If you are unsure whether you need one for your destination, contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States, or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country.

Carrying an IDP when you do not need one costs little and creates no problems, so many travelers obtain one as a precaution. The decision depends on your destination, your rental company's policy, and your comfort level with potential language barriers at a traffic stop.

Differences Between One-Year and Three-Year Permits

The one-year IDP costs less upfront but requires you to reapply if you travel internationally again within three years. The three-year IDP costs more initially but covers multiple trips over a longer period. If you travel internationally once every two or three years, the three-year permit usually saves money and hassle.

Both versions are identical in how they work — they are both translations of your U.S. license into multiple languages. The only difference is the expiration date. Choose based on how often you expect to travel internationally over the next three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my International Driving Permit by mail?

No. You must explore in person each time, even if you are renewing an existing permit. Bring your current U.S. driver's license, passport, and the old IDP if you have one. The process takes about 15 minutes at most AAA offices.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. Renew your U.S. license before you travel, or plan to renew it while abroad through a U.S. embassy or consulate if necessary.

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

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some car rental companies in Mexico request an IDP as additional proof of identity. Check your rental agreement or call ahead to confirm the company's policy.

Can someone else pick up my International Driving Permit for me?

Most issuing offices require you to explore in person, but some AAA branches allow a family member to pick up a completed permit if you have already applied. Call the specific office to ask about their policy before you explore.

What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

You can still drive legally with just your U.S. driver's license in most countries. However, if a country requires an IDP and you have lost it, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to ask about replacement options. You may need to return home to obtain a new one.