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 to drive legally outside the United States. You obtain it in person at your state's DMV office, and the process typically takes less than an hour.

The IDP is issued under two international treaties: the 1926 convention and the 1968 convention. Most countries recognize the 1968 version, which is what U.S. DMVs issue. Some countries (mainly in Europe and Asia) may require the 1926 version instead, so check your destination's requirements before you explore.

You cannot order an IDP by mail, phone, or online. You must appear in person at a DMV office with your valid driver's license and proof of identity. Some states allow you to explore at AAA offices as well, which can be faster than the DMV during peak hours.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by your state's DMV or, in some states, by AAA offices — not by mail or online services.
  • You must bring your valid state driver's license and a form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) to explore in person.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state and is valid for one or three years.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your original state driver's license at all times when driving outside the United States.
  • Some countries recognize only the 1926 version of the IDP, so verify which version your destination requires before you travel.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current, valid state driver's license. This is the only document the DMV will translate into the IDP format. An expired license will not work, even if you have a renewal process pending.

You also need one form of government-issued photo identification. A U.S. passport, passport card, state ID card, or birth certificate (if you do not have a photo ID) will satisfy this requirement. Some states accept a military ID or tribal ID as well — check your state's DMV website for the full list.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring the card itself, but you will need to provide the number on the process form.

No other documents are required. You do not need proof of residency, vehicle registration, or insurance to obtain an IDP.

How to find your state's DMV office and process process

Visit your state's DMV website and search for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP." Each state's DMV maintains its own process form and fee schedule. Some states call it an International Driving Permit; others call it an International Driving Document or World Driving Permit. The name varies, but the function is identical.

Many state DMV websites let you check office hours and wait times before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. If your state requires an appointment, book it online or by phone before you travel to the office.

If your state allows AAA to issue IDPs, you can often walk into a local AAA office without an appointment. AAA typically charges the same fee as the DMV and issues the permit on the spot. Call your local AAA office first to confirm they offer this service and to ask about current wait times.

Cost and how long the permit is valid

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $30, depending on your state. Most states charge a flat fee regardless of whether you request a one-year or three-year permit. A few states offer only the one-year version.

The permit is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which option you choose and what your state offers. Your state driver's license must remain valid for the entire time you hold the IDP. If your state license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid even though it still has time remaining.

You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online. When it expires, you must return to the DMV or AAA office in person to obtain a new one.

What happens if you drive without your IDP in a country that requires it

If you are stopped by police in a country that recognizes the IDP and you are carrying only your U.S. driver's license without the IDP, you may be fined or have your vehicle impounded. Some countries treat driving without an IDP as a more serious violation than driving without a license.

The IDP is not required in every country. Many nations, including Canada, Mexico, and most of Central America, recognize a valid U.S. driver's license on its own. However, some countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa require the IDP, and a few require it only if your license is in English (which most U.S. licenses are).

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit. Your rental car company, travel insurance provider, or the country's embassy website can tell you whether an IDP is required. It is safer to obtain one before you leave the United States than to discover you need it after you arrive.

The difference between an IDP and other travel documents

An International Driving Permit is not the same as an international license. Some countries issue their own international licenses to their citizens; the U.S. does not. The IDP is the U.S. equivalent and is recognized by the United Nations and most countries worldwide.

An IDP is also not a visa, passport, or travel permit. It does not grant you the right to enter a country or stay for any length of time. It only translates your driving privileges into multiple languages so a foreign police officer can understand that your license is valid.

If you are moving to another country permanently or working there for an extended period, you will eventually need to obtain a local driver's license in that country. An IDP is for temporary travel only and typically covers visits of up to one year.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are outside the United States, you cannot obtain a replacement abroad. You must wait until you return home and visit your state's DMV or AAA office in person.

If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your IDP, carry your original state driver's license and your passport. Show both documents together. Many police officers will accept this combination even if the IDP is missing, though you may still face a fine depending on the country's laws.

To reduce the risk, make a photocopy of your IDP and store it separately from the original. Take a photo of both your IDP and your state license on your phone. These copies are not legal substitutes for the original documents, but they can help you prove your identity and driving status if the originals are lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at your state's DMV office or, in some states, at an AAA office. No online service or mail-order company can issue a legitimate IDP. Websites claiming to issue IDPs by mail are scams and do not produce documents recognized by any country.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in Mexico may ask to see an IDP as proof of your driving record, so it does not hurt to have one. Check with your rental company before you travel.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

If you explore in person at a DMV office or AAA, you typically receive the permit the same day or within a few hours. There is no waiting period. Some states mail the permit to you after you explore, which takes five to ten business days, but most issue it on the spot.

What if my state driver's license is suspended or expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated before you can explore for an IDP.

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

No. An International License is issued by some countries to their own citizens and is a separate document from their national license. The United States does not issue international licenses. The IDP is the U.S. equivalent and serves the same purpose: it translates your driving privileges for use abroad.