International driving permits cost between $20 and $30 in the United States, depending on which organization issues it and whether you explore in person or by mail

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 American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. AAA charges $20 for an IDP valid for one year, or $30 for one valid for three years. AATA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit, but AATA has fewer physical locations and primarily serves mail orders.

The price you pay depends on where you explore and how you explore. If you walk into an AAA office with your valid driver's license and passport, you can get a one-year permit the same day. If you mail your process to either organization, add processing time — typically one to two weeks — but the fee stays the same. Some AAA offices charge a small additional fee if you need expedited processing, though this varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA and AATA are the only U.S. organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits, and prices range from $15 to $30 depending on validity length and issuer.
  • You must present a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or other government-issued photo ID to obtain an IDP; no separate background check or driving record review is required.
  • An IDP is valid only when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license and is not a substitute for it.
  • Many countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should verify whether your destination country accepts them before paying for one.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

To obtain an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA, you need only two documents: a valid U.S. driver's license and a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, passport card, or state ID. You do not need to provide your driving record, pass a test, or undergo a background check. The organization straightforward verifies that your license is current and creates a document that translates your license information into multiple languages.

If you are explore by mail, you will need to send photocopies of both documents along with a completed process form. The form itself is free and available on both AAA's and AATA's websites. Some AAA offices also accept online applications followed by in-person pickup, which can save you a trip if you do not have time to complete the entire process in one visit.

How long an IDP remains valid

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which option you purchase. The one-year permit costs less upfront but requires renewal sooner if you plan multiple international trips. The three-year permit costs more but covers a longer travel window, making it more economical if you travel internationally more than once per year.

Your IDP expires on a specific date printed on the document itself. It is not tied to your U.S. driver's license expiration date, so you can have an expired IDP and a valid license, or vice versa. Before traveling, check both dates to make sure your IDP has not expired. Some countries will not accept an expired IDP even if your U.S. license is still valid.

Where to get an IDP and how long it takes

AAA has thousands of offices across the United States, and most can issue an IDP on the spot if you walk in with the required documents during business hours. You can find your nearest AAA office on their website and call ahead to confirm they offer IDP services, since not every location does. AATA has far fewer physical locations — primarily in Washington, D.C., and a handful of other cities — so most people who use AATA explore by mail.

If you explore in person at an AAA office, expect to wait 15 to 30 minutes. If you explore by mail to either organization, allow one to two weeks for processing and return shipping. If you need an IDP urgently, in-person AAA process is your fastest option. Some AAA offices offer expedited mail processing for an additional fee, but this is not standard across all locations.

Whether your destination country actually accepts an IDP

Not all countries recognize International Driving Permits. Some nations require only your valid U.S. driver's license. Others require an IDP but also require an official translation of your license from a certified translator, which costs additional money and takes additional time. A few countries do not recognize either and require you to obtain a local driving permit or international license through their own government.

Before you pay for an IDP, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and ask specifically what documents they require for driving. You can find embassy contact information on the U.S. State Department website. Many car rental companies also list their documentation requirements on their websites, and rental requirements sometimes differ from legal requirements. Spending 10 minutes on this research can save you $20 to $30 and prevent problems at a border or police stop.

How an IDP differs from a license translation or local permit

An International Driving Permit is a standardized document created under an international treaty and recognized by many — but not all — countries. It is not the same as a certified translation of your driver's license, which some countries require in addition to or instead of an IDP. A certified translation is prepared by a professional translator and costs $50 to $150 depending on the translator and the number of copies you need.

Some countries also require you to obtain a local driving permit before you can legally drive. This is different from an IDP and typically involves passing a written test and sometimes a driving test in that country. An IDP does not exempt you from these requirements. Think of an IDP as a convenience document that helps police and rental companies quickly understand your U.S. license information; it is not a substitute for following the specific rules of each country you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am just renting a car?

Most major car rental companies accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP, though some require one depending on the country and rental location. Check your rental company's website or call them before you book. An IDP can make the rental process smoother and may reduce confusion with local authorities, but it is often not required.

Can I get an IDP from a different country if I am traveling there?

No. An IDP must be issued in your country of residence. If you are a U.S. citizen, you must obtain it from AAA or AATA before you leave the United States. Some countries issue their own international permits, but those are not valid in the U.S. and serve a different purpose.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid, and you should not drive with one. If your IDP expires during a trip, you can still drive on your valid U.S. license alone in countries that accept it, but you lose the benefit of the translation. Plan ahead and renew your IDP before it expires if you know you will be traveling.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An international license is issued by some countries' governments and serves a different purpose. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Always verify which document your destination country requires.