Quick answer
Kenyans get an International Driving Permit from AA Kenya, online at permits.aakenya.co.ke or at a branch. You need a valid Kenyan licence, passport and two photos. Fees are KSh 12,000 (1 year), KSh 22,560 (2 years) or KSh 31,560 (3 years).
Updated 24 October 2026
If you plan to drive abroad, whether on holiday, for a work posting or to rent a car on a business trip, you will usually need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your Kenyan driving licence. In Kenya, the IDP is issued by the Automobile Association of Kenya (AA Kenya), and since 2026 you can apply fully online. This guide walks through who qualifies, the documents you need, the current fees and each step of the application.
In this guide
What an International Driving Permit is
An IDP is an official translation of your Kenyan driving licence into several languages. AA Kenya says its permit carries translations in 10 languages and is recognised in more than 150 countries. It lets police, car hire firms and insurers abroad read your licence details without needing a translator.
It is important to understand what an IDP is not. It does not replace your licence, and it is not valid for driving inside Kenya. When you drive abroad you must carry both the IDP and your original Kenyan licence. If your Kenyan licence expires, the IDP is no longer enough on its own.
In February 2026, AA Kenya launched a new passport style IDP with stronger security features. AA Kenya chief executive Francis Theuri said the new permit is tamper proof and can be verified online, a move meant to cut cases of Kenyans getting into trouble abroad with fake permits.
Who can apply
- You must hold a valid Kenyan driving licence for the class of vehicle you want to drive abroad. AA Kenya asks that it be valid for at least six months from the date you apply.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You need a valid passport with at least six months left before it expires.
If your licence is close to expiry, renew it first. Our guide on renewing a driving licence online in Kenya covers the NTSA steps, and you can check your driving licence status on NTSA to confirm the categories on your record. The categories on your IDP will mirror those on your Kenyan licence, so it helps to know what each licence category allows you to drive.
Documents you need
- A clear copy or scan of your valid Kenyan driving licence.
- A scan or photo of your passport bio data page.
- Two recent passport size photos, 35mm by 45mm, on a white background and taken within the last six months. Digital copies are accepted for online applications.
- A way to pay: M-Pesa, a bank card or a bank transfer.
AA Kenya accepts uploads in PDF, JPG or PNG format, so a sharp phone photo is usually fine as long as all the text is readable.
If you do not yet have a passport, you will need one before you apply. See our guides on applying for a Kenyan passport online and checking your passport application status.
International Driving Permit fees in Kenya
The fee depends on how long you want the permit to last. These are the rates published on AA Kenya’s permits portal (permits.aakenya.co.ke) at the time of writing:
| Validity | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 year | KSh 12,000 |
| 2 years | KSh 22,560 |
| 3 years | KSh 31,560 |
The two year permit works out KSh 1,440 cheaper than buying two one year permits. AA Kenya has in the past offered lower rates to its paid members, so if you are a member or plan to join, ask the branch or the portal whether a member rate applies before you pay. Delivery to your address may cost extra.
How to apply for an IDP online, step by step
- Go to the AA Kenya permits portal. Applications moved from the older aakidp portal to permits.aakenya.co.ke, which also handles Carnet de Passages applications for people driving their own car across borders.
- Fill in the application form. Enter your personal details and your driving licence details exactly as they appear on the licence. AA Kenya says the form takes about five minutes.
- Choose the validity period. Pick one, two or three years depending on how long you will be abroad.
- Upload your documents. Attach your licence, passport bio page and passport photos.
- Pay. Pay by M-Pesa, card or bank transfer. Confirmation of an online payment is immediate.
- Collect or receive your permit. AA Kenya says processing takes 24 to 48 hours, and you can collect from an AA office or ask for delivery.
Applying at an AA Kenya branch
If you prefer to apply in person, you can still visit an AA Kenya branch. Carry your original driving licence, a copy of your national ID or passport and two passport photos. You fill in the form at the counter, pay and submit your documents. When the new permit was launched in February 2026, AA Kenya said branch applications are usually processed within minutes.
Tips before you travel
- Check your destination’s rules. Recognition varies. AA Kenya lists Japan, South Korea, North Korea, mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam among places where its IDP is not recognised, so check with the embassy or your car hire company before relying on it.
- Apply early. Give yourself at least a week before your trip in case a document is rejected.
- Match the dates. Pick a validity period that covers your whole stay, but remember the IDP is only valid while your Kenyan licence is valid.
- Beware of fake permits. Only apply through AA Kenya. Permits bought from agents or websites that are not AA Kenya can land you in legal trouble abroad.
- Some countries want a local licence for long stays. If you are moving abroad for work, many countries only let you drive on an IDP for a limited period before you must convert to a local licence.
Moving abroad for a job? Browse current openings on jobinkenya.co.ke, and read our guide on opening a Kenyan bank account from abroad to keep your finances running back home.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an international driving permit in Kenya?
AA Kenya’s permits portal lists KSh 12,000 for one year, KSh 22,560 for two years and KSh 31,560 for three years.
How long does it take to get an IDP in Kenya?
Online applications take 24 to 48 hours according to AA Kenya. Branch applications are often processed the same day.
Can I use an IDP to drive in Kenya?
No. The IDP is only for driving outside Kenya. At home you use your Kenyan driving licence.
Do I need my Kenyan licence when I have an IDP?
Yes. You must carry your original, valid Kenyan driving licence together with the IDP when driving abroad.
Sources: AA Kenya permits portal (permits.aakenya.co.ke) requirements and fee schedule; AA Kenya IDP portal FAQs; AA Kenya announcement of the new IDP (February 2026) and TV47 report of 26 February 2026.
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