Search thousands of topics on CostHelper

BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Travel  > International Driver License

International Driver License Cost


How Much Does an International Driver License Cost?

 
low costInternational Driving Permit: $15average costWith Expedited Shipping: $45high costWith Expedited International Shipping: $90

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a recognizable form of identification for overseas travelers valid in 174 countries[1] . The document is a legal translation of the traveler's current driver's license in 10 languages. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must present their current U.S. driver's license to apply for an IDP.

Typical costs:

  • The U.S. Department of State[2] recommends ordering an International Driving Permit from one of two authorized retailers: the American Automobile Association (AAA)[3] or the National Auto Club (NAC)[4] .
  • The International Driving Permit costs $15 from either the AAA or the NAC. Add $3 for first class shipping when ordering from NAC.
Related articles: Eurail Pass, Passport, Travel Insurance

What should be included:
  • To order, the traveler should complete the application form in person or by mail. When applying by mail, applicants should photocopy both sides of a valid driver's license.
  • The International Driving Permit will arrive in 10 to15 business days from the date an application is received.
  • The traveler's name and photo should be included on the ID card, along with driver information translated into 10 languages.
  • The IDP card from AAA or the NAC is valid for one year from date issued, and the traveler must keep his or her original driver's license up to date.
  • The IDP is not a replacement for the original license; both should always be carried when driving abroad.
Additional costs:
  • For expedited shipping (one day) in the U.S., add $30. For expedited international shipping, add $75 and allow five to seven days.
  • To obtain an IDP, the traveler must include original copies of two passport-size photos. The cost of two passport photos is about $15.
Discounts:
  • To avoid paying expedited shipping fees, order an International Driving Permit from AAA[5] up to six months in advance of desired travel date. When ordering early, make sure your current U.S. license will still be valid for a period of six months past the date an IDP is given.
Shopping for an international driver license:
  • An International Driving Permit is required by major car rental companies. For travelers to U.S. border countries, the NAC[6] says an IDP is required when driving more than 50 miles into Canada or 300 miles into Mexico.
  • Though not required unless renting a car and driving in a foreign country, an IDP can help any traveler communicate with foreign authorities, and is therefore useful even for travelers who do not plan to drive.
  • Online retailers sell the IDP, valid for one to 10 years, for $30-$75. Use caution when ordering from these companies. Some online IDP retailers are commission-based travel agencies.
  • The U.S. State Department has tips on driving abroad[7] .
post Post   Comments (3)  
CostHelper News


7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013


7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
International Driving
Amount: $15.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Beijing, Other.Posted: January 11th, 2016 01:01PM
International Driving
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
International Drivers Livence
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: ooffie in Marotta, ID.Posted: November 27th, 2014 07:11AM
I cannot believe that it is costing us €150.00 to purchase in ITALY 2 International Drivers Licences to be able to drive South Africa - this is only valid for 1 YEAR! - It costs £5.50 each to buy one in the UK so why the vast difference!!! It doesn't make sense.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
IDP available instantly from AAA
Amount: $15.00
Posted by: Rajan in Durham, NC.Posted: August 2nd, 2011 05:08PM
Retailer: AAA
I went to a nearby AAA location and they issued my IDP within minutes after taking my photo. As a AAA member the photo is free, if not I believe they charge $15 additional for the photo. It was quick and easy to apply.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


 

Comment On Your Experience With an International Driver License
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Retailer:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 



External Resources:
  1.  www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html?association=undefined&clb_id=undefined&secure=N
  2.  travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html
  3.  www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
  4.  www.thenac.com/idp_faqs.htm
  5.  www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
  6.  www.thenac.com/idp_faqs.htm
  7.  travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html
More Travel Topics
Check Out All Costs for Travel How Much Does a Legoland California Vacation Cost? How Much Does Attending the Super Bowl Cost? How Much Does Swimming with Dolphins Cost?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles

About CostHelper
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit
Paid: 147.00
Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
-nervouschomper
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost
Spanish Medical Interpreter
Paid: 150.00
I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
-Gregory Richardson
Interpreter Cost
Dat
Paid: 495.00
This is how much I am paying... [more]
-Calista Christian
Dental Admission Test Cost
Shingrix
Paid: 48.00
... [more]
-Not that BB
Shingles Vaccine Cost
Skin prick allergy test
Paid: 573.00
Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]
-D’s mom
Allergy Testing Cost
Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat
Paid: 0.00
13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more]
-Terrimarie
Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost