You get an International Driving Permit from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not from a federal office or online service

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving outside the United States. You cannot order it by mail, read it, or get it from a private company. You must explore in person at your state's DMV office, bring your valid driver's license and a passport or passport card, and pay a fee that ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state.

The process takes minutes if you go during a quiet time. Most states issue the permit on the spot. A few states mail it to you within one to two weeks. You do not need to pass a test, renew your license, or prove anything beyond holding a current, valid license. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your driver's license expires, whichever comes first.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your state's DMV office in person with your valid driver's license and a passport or passport card to get an IDP.
  • The fee ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state, and most states issue the permit when ready.
  • An IDP is valid for one year or until your driver's license expires, and you must carry it with your license when driving abroad.
  • Some states accept applications at certain AAA offices or other authorized agents, so check your state DMV website for locations near you.
  • An IDP does not replace your license, does not give you permission to drive that you don't already have, and is not recognized in the United States.

Which DMV office to visit and what documents to bring

Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP." The site will list the offices that issue them. Not every DMV location handles IDPs — some states concentrate them at regional offices or the main branch in your capital city. A few states allow you to explore at AAA offices if you are a member, or at certain county clerk offices. The website will tell you which locations near you accept IDP applications.

Bring your valid driver's license and either a U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID. Some states accept other forms of identification, but a passport is the safest choice because it is recognized everywhere. Bring the original documents, not copies. You will also need to fill out an process form — most states provide this at the DMV office, though some let you read and fill it out at home. Check your state's website to see whether you should arrive with the form already completed.

Bring cash or a debit card for the fee. Some DMV offices accept only cash. Call ahead if you are unsure, because running out of money and having to leave and return wastes time.

What the fee covers and how long the permit lasts

The fee you pay covers the cost of printing and issuing the permit itself. It does not cover your driver's license renewal, vehicle registration, or any other service. The fee is one-time and non-refundable. If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay the full fee again to get a replacement.

The IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued, or until your driver's license expires, whichever happens first. For example, if you get an IDP on March 15, 2024, and your license expires on June 1, 2024, your IDP expires on June 1, 2024 — not one year later. When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new one in person at the DMV, pay the fee again, and go through the same process.

States that issue IDPs at AAA offices or other locations

A handful of states allow AAA members to get an IDP without visiting the DMV. These states include California, Florida, New York, and a few others, but the list changes. AAA charges a small additional fee on top of the state fee — usually $5 to $10. The advantage is convenience: AAA offices are often in more locations and have longer hours than DMV branches.

To use AAA, you must be a current member. Bring your AAA membership card, valid driver's license, and passport or passport card. Call your local AAA office first to confirm they issue IDPs, because not every AAA location does. Some states also allow county clerk offices or certain government service centers to issue IDPs. Your state DMV website will list all authorized locations.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP is a translation tool, not a permission document. It does not give you the right to drive in another country if you don't already have it. Your valid U.S. driver's license is what gives you permission to drive. The IDP straightforward translates your license information into ten languages — English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish — so a police officer or car rental company in another country can read it.

An IDP is not recognized or valid in the United States. You cannot use it to drive in any U.S. state, and it does not replace your state license. If you are stopped by police in the U.S., only your state driver's license counts. The IDP is only for use outside the country, and only when you are also carrying your valid state license.

An IDP does not affect your insurance, your driving record, or your license status. It is purely a translation document. If you have a suspended license, an IDP will not let you drive abroad — you must have a valid, unsuspended license to get one.

How to prepare for your IDP appointment

Check your state DMV website one week before you plan to go. Confirm the office hours, whether you need an appointment or can walk in, and whether the location you chose still issues IDPs. Some DMV offices close for training days or reduce hours without much notice.

Verify that your driver's license is not expired and will not expire within the next few weeks. If it is close to expiring, renew it first. An IDP cannot be issued on an expired license, and if your license expires while your IDP is still valid, your IDP becomes invalid too.

Fill out the process form if your state allows you to do so at home. read it from the DMV website, print it, and complete it in black or blue pen. Bring it with you. If your state requires you to fill it out at the office, arrive a few minutes early to allow time.

What happens if you lose your IDP or need a replacement

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must return to the DMV and explore for a replacement. You pay the full fee again — there is no discount for a replacement. Bring the same documents: your valid driver's license and passport or passport card. The replacement process is identical to the original process and takes the same amount of time.

If you are traveling and your IDP is lost abroad, you cannot get a replacement while you are out of the country. You will need to contact your state DMV from abroad to ask whether they can mail a replacement to you or to a U.S. address. Most states will not mail an IDP internationally, so you may have to wait until you return home. Keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as a backup, though this is not an official document and will not replace the physical permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

Many car rental companies outside the U.S. require an IDP along with your valid driver's license, even though some countries do not legally require it. Check with your rental company before you book. Some companies accept only a license; others demand an IDP. Having one avoids confusion and delays at the rental counter.

Can I get an IDP if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. Your license must be valid and unsuspended. An IDP is only a translation of your license, so if your license is not valid, neither is the IDP. Restore your license first, then explore for an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

Most states issue it on the spot during your visit. A few states mail it within one to two weeks. Call your DMV office before you go to ask whether they issue same-day or mail it. If you are leaving the country soon, same-day issuance is much faster.

What if my passport expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP remains valid as long as your driver's license is valid. Your passport expiration does not affect it. However, you will need a valid passport to travel internationally anyway, so renew your passport before your trip.

Can I explore for an IDP online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at a DMV office, AAA office (in states that allow it), or other authorized location. There is no online or mail-in process for an IDP.