RoadSeal offers four International Driving Permit plans. Three are valid for 1 year — Digital Only ($29), Standard ($39), and Priority ($59) — while the 3-Year Pass ($89) gives you Priority-level features across three consecutive years (a fresh 1-year permit issued each year). 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 plan) | $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. 3x 1-year Priority | — | $88 saved |
The 3-Year Pass saves you $88 compared to buying three consecutive 1-year Priority permits ($177) — and it still saves $28 against three Standard permits ($117). Every plan includes digital delivery, acceptance in 150+ countries, and compliance with the 1949 & 1968 UN Road Traffic Conventions.
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 plans: $29–$59 per year. 3-Year Pass: $89 / 3 = $29.67 per year — Priority-level features for barely more than the Digital Only price. If you will need an IDP for more than one year, the 3-Year Pass ($89) costs less than buying the Priority plan twice ($118).
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 plans from $29. The 3-Year Pass at $89. Every plan includes digital delivery and worldwide coverage.
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