Refund policy
Cancelling an order and getting your money back
You can cancel for a full refund any time before we start processing your application. After that, what comes back depends on how far the permit has travelled — and once the permit itself is printed, the permit fee can no longer be refunded.
Effective September 2026
Before processing begins
Cancel while your order is still awaiting review and you receive a full refund of everything you paid — the permit fee, any passport-photo fee, shipping and the processing fee.
While your application is in review
Shipping and photo fees are refunded in full. The permit fee is refunded less any cost already incurred on your behalf, which we itemise for you before the refund is sent.
Once the permit has been printed
The permit fee is not refundable. A printed permit cannot be un-issued once produced. If the permit has not yet been mailed, unused shipping is refunded.
After the permit has shipped
No refund is available. If the permit arrives damaged, or never arrives, contact USIDA support — a replacement is handled as a service issue, not a refund.
The detail
Other things worth knowing
- Refunds go back to the card used at checkout and usually appear within 5 to 10 business days, depending on your bank.
- A permit cannot be issued more than six months before its effective date; if you applied too early, cancel and re-apply rather than requesting a date change.
- USIDA membership dues are separate from the permit order and are governed by USIDA's membership terms, not this policy.
- Permit fees may be subject to sales tax where applicable; tax is refunded in proportion to any amount refunded.
- Contact USIDA support with your order number for help with this nationwide refund policy.
How to ask
Requesting a refund
Contact USIDA support with your order number and the reason. We confirm what is refundable at your order's current stage, send the money back to the card you paid with, and record it on your order so you can see it in your account.
- * International Driving Permits may not be issued more than six (6) months in advance of desired effective date.
- ** Contact the USIDA branch office directly to verify IDP Services is available.
- *** Plus sales tax if applicable. Check with the nearest branch office for exact fees.
Questions before you pay?
The FAQ covers fees, photos, processing time and shipping, with answers written by our team.