RoadSeal offers three International Driving Permit packages. Two are valid for 1 year — Digital (from $29, digital PDF by email) and Printed + Digital (from $49, our most popular option: a printed booklet by tracked post plus the digital PDF) — while the 3-Year Pass ($89) gives you a printed booklet plus express digital across three consecutive years (a fresh 1-year permit issued each year). Each package offers an Express option (+$10) for faster digital delivery. The question is straightforward but the answer depends on how you travel. Here is everything you need to make the right choice.
The Numbers at a Glance
| 1-Year IDP | 3-Year IDP | |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | From $29 ($29–$59 by package) | $89 |
| Per-year cost | $29–$59/year | $29.67/year |
| Validity | 12 months | 3 × 12 months (renewed yearly) |
| Coverage | 150+ countries | 150+ countries |
| Digital delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Savings vs. 3× 1-year Printed + Digital | — | $58 saved |
The 3-Year Pass saves you $58 compared to buying three consecutive 1-year Printed + Digital permits ($147) — and it bundles a printed booklet plus express digital for barely more than a single year of the printed package. Every package includes digital delivery and acceptance in 150+ countries, prepared in the 1949 & 1968 Convention format used in 150+ countries (acceptance varies by destination).
Who Should Get the 1-Year IDP
The 1-year plan is the right choice if:
- You have a single trip planned and do not expect to drive abroad again within the next year.
- You travel internationally once a year or less. If your driving abroad is limited to one annual vacation, and you are not certain about next year's plans, the 1-year plan keeps your commitment low.
- You want to try the service first. If this is your first IDP and you want to see how the process works before committing to a longer plan, the 1-year option is the natural starting point.
Who Should Get the 3-Year IDP
The 3-year plan is the better value if:
- You travel internationally more than once a year. Business travelers, frequent vacationers, and anyone who drives abroad regularly will save money and avoid the hassle of reapplying annually.
- You are a digital nomad. If you move between countries regularly, a 3-year IDP means one application and three years of coverage across your entire itinerary.
- You are an expat or long-term resident abroad. Many countries require foreign residents to carry an IDP for extended periods. A 3-year permit covers you without annual renewals.
- You want to avoid the risk of expiration mid-trip. A longer validity period means more buffer. One traveler almost ran into trouble when their IDP expired during an extended trip. Read about IDP mistakes that cost travelers hundreds to understand why this matters.
1-year packages: $29–$59 per year. 3-Year Pass: $89 / 3 = $29.67 per year — a printed booklet plus express digital for barely more than the entry Digital price. If you will need an IDP for more than one year, the 3-Year Pass ($89) costs less than buying the Printed + Digital package twice ($98).
Decision Flowchart
What Happens When Your IDP Expires?
When your IDP reaches its expiration date, it is no longer valid for driving abroad. If you need to continue driving, you will need to renew. RoadSeal makes renewal simple through the renewal page. The process is the same as the original application, and your new IDP is delivered digitally.
For a full walkthrough of the application and renewal process, see our guide: How to Apply for an IDP in 2026.
Ready to Choose Your Plan?
1-year packages from $29. The 3-Year Pass at $89. Every package includes digital delivery and worldwide coverage.
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