You get an International Driving Permit from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not from an international body

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by your state DMV 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. The IDP itself is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, but it expires when your underlying state license expires, whichever comes first.

You cannot get an IDP online or by mail in most states. You must visit a DMV office in person, bring your valid state driver's license, and pay a fee that typically ranges from $15 to $30. Some states allow you to request an IDP when you renew your license, which can save a trip. A few states now offer IDP applications through their online portals, but you still pick up the physical permit at a DMV office.

The IDP is issued under the 1926 Geneva Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which the United States recognizes. However, not every country accepts it, and some countries require additional documents like an official translation of your license or an International Certificate of Competency. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit — your state's DMV website or the U.S. State Department travel advisory for that country will list what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • You obtain an IDP from your state DMV office in person by presenting your valid driver's license and paying a fee of roughly $15 to $30.
  • An IDP is a translation document, not a license itself, and you must carry it alongside your actual state license when driving abroad.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years but expires when your state license expires, so check both expiration dates before traveling.
  • Not all countries recognize the IDP, so verify the driving document requirements for each country on your itinerary before you leave.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current, valid state driver's license — this is the only document the DMV requires to issue an IDP. If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot get an IDP. Some states ask you to bring proof of residency (a utility bill or lease) or a second form of ID, but most do not. Check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm what that office requires.

You do not need a passport to get an IDP, though you will need your passport when you actually travel. The IDP and passport are separate documents that serve different purposes: the passport proves citizenship and allows you to enter a country; the IDP translates your driving credentials once you are there.

How long the process takes and when to explore

The IDP is usually issued on the spot at the DMV office. You walk in, present your license, pay the fee, and walk out with the permit in hand. The entire transaction typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Because the IDP is issued when ready, you can explore the day before you travel if you need to. However, if you are renewing your state license at the same time, that process may take longer — some states mail renewed licenses, which can take one to two weeks. If you need both a new license and an IDP before your trip, explore for the license first and ask whether you can get the IDP while you wait for the license to arrive, or visit the DMV again once it does.

The difference between a one-year and three-year IDP

Most states offer both a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP. The three-year version costs slightly more but lasts longer, so it is the better choice if you travel internationally more than once every few years. The one-year version is cheaper and makes sense if you are taking a single trip and do not plan to drive abroad again soon.

Both versions expire when your state driver's license expires, regardless of which term you choose. If your license expires in 18 months and you buy a three-year IDP, the IDP will stop being valid in 18 months. This is why it is worth checking your license expiration date before you buy the longer version — you may end up paying for time you cannot use.

Countries that accept the IDP and those that do not

Most countries in Europe, Central America, South America, and Asia recognize the IDP as a valid translation of your U.S. license. However, some countries do not accept it at all, and others require it alongside additional documents. For example, some European countries require an official translation of your license into the local language in addition to the IDP, or they may require an International Certificate of Competency (a separate document that proves you are a licensed driver).

The safest approach is to check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for each country you plan to visit — these advisories list what documents you need to drive legally. You can also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask what driving documents they require from U.S. citizens. Some car rental companies also list their document requirements on their websites, which can give you a sense of what that country expects.

A few countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and some Caribbean nations, do not recognize the IDP at all. In those places, you typically need an official English-language translation of your state license, which you can obtain from a translation service or sometimes from your state DMV. Again, check before you book your trip.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling

If you lose your IDP abroad, you still have your state driver's license, which is what you actually need to rent a car or drive legally in most places. The IDP is a translation aid, not the license itself. Carry your state license in a separate pocket or bag from your IDP so you do not lose both at once.

If you lose both your IDP and your state license while traveling, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can issue you a temporary travel document, though they cannot issue a replacement driver's license — you will need to handle that when you return home. For this reason, it is also wise to photograph both documents and email them to yourself before you leave, so you have proof of what you carried if you need to file a police report or insurance claim.

Renewing your IDP before it expires

You renew an IDP the same way you get a new one: visit your state DMV office in person with your current valid driver's license and pay the fee. There is no separate renewal process. If your state license is expiring soon, you can renew both at the same time — get a new license and a new IDP in one visit.

If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it while abroad; you must wait until you return home and visit a DMV office. This is another reason to check expiration dates before you travel and to consider buying the three-year version if you are planning a long trip or multiple trips over the next few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both accept a valid U.S. state driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may ask for an IDP, so it does not hurt to have one. Check with your rental company before you book to see what they require.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your state license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

Is an IDP the same as an International Certificate of Competency?

No. An IDP is a translation of your license issued by your state DMV. An International Certificate of Competency is a separate document that proves you are a licensed driver, sometimes required by certain countries or car rental companies. Some countries require both. Check your destination's requirements before you travel.

What happens if I drive without my IDP in a country that requires it?

You could be fined or have your car impounded, depending on the country's laws. Some countries treat driving without proper documentation as a serious traffic violation. Always carry both your state license and your IDP when driving abroad in a country that recognizes the IDP.

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

No. You must have a valid, full driver's license. A learner's permit is not sufficient because it does not authorize you to drive unsupervised, which is what you would be doing if you rented a car abroad.