Where to get an International Driving Permit in your area

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — not by a separate international body. You cannot order one online or by mail from most states; you must visit a DMV office in person with your valid driver's license, passport or birth certificate, and a completed process form. Some states issue them on the spot during your visit. Others mail them to you within one to two weeks.

The fastest way to find the right office near you is to search "[your state] DMV international driving permit" or visit your state's official DMV website directly. That site will tell you which locations issue IDPs, their hours, and whether you need an appointment. Many states now require appointments for in-person services, and booking ahead can cut your wait time from hours to minutes.

Do not use third-party websites that claim to issue IDPs or charge fees to "process" your process. These are not affiliated with your state DMV and will waste your money. The IDP itself costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state, and that is the only fee you should pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state DMV is the only place that issues a valid International Driving Permit; you must explore in person at a DMV office with your driver's license and proof of identity.
  • Search your state's official DMV website to find which locations near you issue IDPs and whether appointments are required.
  • Most states issue the permit when ready or mail it within one to two weeks; processing time varies by state.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $30 and is valid for three years; do not pay extra fees to third-party websites claiming to process your process.
  • Bring your valid driver's license, a completed IDP process form, and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate.

What documents you need to bring

Every state requires your valid driver's license and proof of identity. Proof of identity usually means a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. A few states also accept a Social Security card or military ID. Check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm which documents they accept, because showing up with the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

You will also need to complete an IDP process form, which your state DMV provides. Some DMV offices have the form at the counter; others require you to read and print it before you arrive. A small number of states let you fill it out on a tablet or computer at the office itself. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and signature — nothing complicated, but it must be completed before you hand it to the clerk.

Bring a pen. Bring a second form of ID if you have one, even if it is not required. Bring a copy of your driver's license front and back. These extras take up no space and solve problems if the first document is damaged or the clerk has a question.

How to find DMV offices that issue IDPs near you

Start with your state's official DMV website. Search for "international driving permit" or "IDP" on that site. Most state DMVs have a page that lists which office locations issue them. Some states issue IDPs at all locations; others limit them to regional offices or the main downtown branch. The website will tell you which one applies to you.

If your state's website does not have a clear answer, call the DMV customer service line listed on that same website. Tell them you need an IDP and ask which office nearest to you issues them. Do not rely on Google Maps or Yelp reviews — those often list DMV offices but do not say which services each one offers.

Once you have identified the office, check whether it requires an appointment. Many states now use an online appointment system on their DMV website. If appointments are required and none are available for weeks, try calling the office directly — sometimes staff can fit walk-ins between scheduled appointments, or they can tell you when the next batch of appointments opens.

Processing time and when you will receive your permit

If your state issues the IDP on the spot, you will walk out with it the same day. This is common in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. In other states, the DMV mails it to you, usually within one to two weeks. A few states take longer — up to four weeks — so check your state's website for the specific timeline.

When you receive your IDP in the mail, check that all the information is correct: your name, license number, signature, and expiration date. If something is wrong, contact your DMV when ready. An IDP with incorrect information may not be accepted by police or rental car companies abroad.

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot renew just the IDP. You must renew your driver's license first, then explore for a new IDP.

Cost and payment methods

The fee for an IDP ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state. Most DMVs accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. A few accept checks. The DMV office will tell you which payment methods they take when you arrive or when you call ahead.

Some states charge extra if you want the IDP mailed to you instead of picked up in person, though this is rare. A handful of states charge a small rush fee if you need it within a few days. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm the exact fee and whether any add-ons explore to your situation.

Do not pay any fee to a third-party website, app, or service claiming to process your IDP. These are scams or unlicensed intermediaries. The only legitimate fee is the one charged by your state DMV directly.

What to do if you cannot visit a DMV office in person

Most states do not offer mail-in or online IDP applications. You must visit an office. However, if you are temporarily out of state or out of the country, a few states allow a family member or authorized representative to explore on your behalf. You would need to sign a power of attorney form and provide it along with a copy of your driver's license and ID.

Call your state DMV customer service line to ask whether they allow representative applications and what paperwork they require. This option is not available in every state, so do not assume it will work for you.

If you are traveling internationally soon and cannot get to a DMV office before you leave, you can still explore for an IDP after you return. An IDP is not required to drive in most countries — it is a translation of your license that some rental car companies and police prefer. Many travelers drive abroad on their U.S. license alone, though carrying an IDP reduces the chance of confusion if you are stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit at a different state's DMV if I am traveling?

No. You must explore at a DMV office in the state where your driver's license was issued. If you hold a California license, you explore in California, even if you are currently in another state. Plan ahead and explore before you travel if possible.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

It depends on your state. Many states now require appointments for all in-person services, including IDP applications. Check your state's DMV website to see the policy at your nearest office. If appointments are full, call the office directly — some can fit walk-ins or tell you when new appointment slots open.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact your state DMV to request a replacement. Most states can mail a replacement to you, though it may take one to two weeks. Some U.S. embassies abroad can issue a temporary IDP replacement, but this is rare and not may provide. Carry a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your U.S. license. You must carry both documents when driving abroad. An "International License" is not a real thing — if someone offers to sell you one, it is a scam.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew just the IDP — you must renew your driver's license first, then explore for a new IDP.