International Driver's License Fees Vary by Country and Issuing Body

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — it is a translation document that works alongside it. The cost depends entirely on where you get it and which country issued your original license.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) charges $20 for a permit valid for one year, or $30 for one valid for three years. The National Automobile Club charges similar rates. If you are not a member of either organization, you can still purchase an IDP from them without membership. Some state motor vehicle departments do not issue IDPs directly, which is why private organizations handle most of them.

Outside the US, costs shift significantly. Canada's CAA charges around $25 to $30 CAD. The UK's AA charges £5.50 for a one-year permit. Australia's NRMA charges around $20 AUD. If you hold a license from another country entirely, you will need to contact that country's equivalent automobile association or transport authority — there is no single international price.

Key Takeaways

  • US residents can get an International Driving Permit from AAA or the National Automobile Club for $20 (one year) or $30 (three years), without needing membership.
  • The permit is a translation document that must be carried with your actual driver's license, not a replacement for it.
  • Costs vary by country of origin — Canadian, UK, and Australian permits each have different pricing through their national automobile associations.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of identity to obtain an IDP in most countries.
  • An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries but is only valid while your underlying driver's license remains valid.

What You Need to Bring to Get One

The documents required are straightforward but you must have them in hand. You will need your current, valid driver's license (not expired), a passport-style photograph (usually 2x2 inches in the US), and a form of identification such as a passport or state ID. Some organizations also ask for proof of your address, though a driver's license usually covers that.

Processing time matters if you are traveling soon. AAA and the National Automobile Club can issue an IDP on the spot at many locations if you walk in with everything, though some branches require an appointment. If you order by mail, expect five to ten business days. Online orders through AAA's website ship within a similar timeframe. Plan ahead — do not wait until a week before your trip.

Where to Get One in the United States

AAA has the widest network. If you are a member, you can visit any AAA office, order online, or call 1-800-222-4357. Non-members can also use AAA locations — membership is not required to purchase an IDP. The National Automobile Club (NAC) operates similarly and accepts non-members as well.

Some state motor vehicle departments do issue IDPs directly, though this is less common. Check your state's DMV website first — if they do not offer them, AAA or NAC is your fastest route. A few travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities also carry them, but calling ahead is wise because inventory varies.

How Long an IDP Remains Valid

An International Driving Permit is only valid as long as your underlying driver's license is valid. If your US license expires in two years and you buy a three-year IDP, the permit becomes useless when your license expires — you cannot renew just the IDP. You must renew your actual driver's license first, then purchase a new IDP if you still need one.

The permit itself is also country-specific in its validity. A US-issued IDP is recognized in over 150 countries, but some nations have reciprocal agreements only with certain countries. Before traveling, check the specific country's requirements — some accept IDPs, others do not, and a few require additional documentation even with one.

IDP vs. Real ID: They Serve Different Purposes

An International Driving Permit is not the same as a Real ID-compliant driver's license. Real ID is a US domestic security standard required for air travel within the United States and entry to federal buildings. An IDP is purely for driving abroad. You can have both — one does not replace the other.

If you are flying internationally, you will still need a passport. The IDP helps you drive a rental car once you land. If you are flying domestically within the US, you need a Real ID-compliant license or passport. The IDP does not satisfy either requirement. Think of the IDP as a translation of your driving privileges, not a travel document in itself.

Renewal and Replacement Costs

Renewing an IDP costs the same as buying a new one — $20 for one year or $30 for three years through AAA. There is no discount for renewal. If your permit is lost or damaged, you pay the full price again; there is no replacement fee structure. Some organizations offer expedited processing for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15), which is worth considering if you are leaving within a week.

Keep your IDP in a safe place while traveling. If it is stolen or lost abroad, you can contact your country's embassy or consulate, but they cannot issue a replacement — you will need to get a new one when you return home. Carrying a photo of your IDP (stored separately) can help prove you had one if you need to rent a car while traveling.

Countries That Recognize International Driving Permits

An IDP issued in the US is recognized in most developed nations and many developing ones, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. However, recognition is not universal. Some countries require an IDP plus an official translation of your license, others accept only their own domestic permits, and a few do not recognize IDPs at all.

Before booking a rental car abroad, contact the rental company directly and ask whether they accept a US International Driving Permit. Many will, but some require an International Driving Permit plus an official translation from a certified translator, or they may have their own requirements. A few countries (notably some in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia) have limited or no recognition of IDPs, so check your specific destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just an International Driving Permit and no regular license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your actual driver's license. If you are stopped by police, you must show both documents. Driving with only an IDP is the same as driving without a license in most countries.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

Most major rental companies in Europe accept a US driver's license alone, but many recommend or require an IDP as well. Some smaller rental agencies in certain countries require one. Check with your specific rental company before you travel — it is easier to get one before you leave than to scramble abroad.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

Same-day issuance is available at many AAA offices if you walk in with all required documents. Mail orders take five to ten business days. Online orders through AAA ship within the same timeframe. If you need one urgently, visit an AAA location in person.

What happens if my driver's license expires while I am traveling with an IDP?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready when your underlying license expires, even if the permit itself has time remaining. You cannot drive legally. Renew your license before traveling, or plan your trip to end before your license expiration date.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

Yes — "International Driving Permit" and "International License" refer to the same document. The official term is International Driving Permit (IDP), but people often call it an international license. It is not a separate license; it is a translation of your existing one.