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 — it works only alongside your real license, and only in countries that recognize it. You obtain it in person at your state's DMV office, usually the same place you renew your license. The process takes minutes, costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state, and the permit is valid for one or three years.

The IDP exists because some countries' police and rental car companies want proof that your U.S. license is legitimate. A few countries (mostly in Europe and parts of Asia) will accept it; many others will not. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements — the U.S. State Department website lists which nations recognize IDPs. Carrying one does not hurt, but it also does not override local driving laws or replace the need for a valid U.S. license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at your state's DMV with your valid driver's license, passport, and a completed process form.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $30 and is valid for one or three years, depending on which option you choose at the time of process.
  • An IDP is only useful in countries that recognize it; check your destination country's rules before assuming it will help.
  • You cannot get an IDP online, by mail, or through a third-party website — only directly from your state DMV office.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license. This is the document the IDP translates, so it must not be expired or suspended. You also need a passport or other government-issued photo ID to prove your identity — a state ID card works if you do not have a passport.

Most states require you to complete an process form before you arrive or at the counter. Check your state's DMV website to see whether the form is available online or only in the office. Some states use the American Automobile Association (AAA) form; others use their own. Bring the completed form with you, or be prepared to fill it out on site. You will also need to pay the fee — bring cash or a card, depending on what your DMV accepts.

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

Go to your state's official DMV website and search for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP." The page will tell you which offices issue them, whether you need an appointment, and what form to use. Some states allow walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online or by phone. A few states issue IDPs only at their main office, not at all branch locations.

If you cannot find the information online, call your state's DMV customer service line. The number is on your driver's license or on the DMV website. Tell them you want an International Driving Permit and ask which office nearest you issues them and whether you need an appointment. This call usually takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

Why some third-party websites claim to issue International Driving Permits

You will find websites that advertise "International Driving Permits" for $50 to $200 and promise to mail them to you. These are not legitimate IDPs issued by the U.S. government or your state. They are private documents with no legal standing outside the United States. Some countries' rental car companies may accept them as a translation aid, but police will not, and they carry no weight if you are stopped or in an accident.

The only legitimate IDP is issued by your state's DMV. If a website is not your state's official DMV site, it is not authorized to issue one. Paying a third party wastes money and may leave you with a document that causes problems when you try to rent a car or cross a border.

Which countries actually recognize U.S. International Driving Permits

The IDP is recognized under the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. However, not every country that signed these treaties actively uses or requires the IDP. Recognition varies widely and changes over time.

Countries that commonly accept IDPs include most of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others. However, some major destinations do not recognize it — China, for example, requires an official Chinese translation of your license or an International Driving Permit issued through a Chinese authority, not a U.S. one. Before you travel, visit the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page for your destination country, or contact that country's embassy or consulate to confirm what documents they require.

What an International Driving Permit does and does not do

An IDP translates your license information into multiple languages so a foreign police officer or rental car agent can understand that you are a licensed driver. It does not give you permission to drive in another country, override that country's traffic laws, or exempt you from local licensing requirements. If a country requires you to obtain a local permit or pass a local driving test, the IDP does not replace that.

Some countries require both your U.S. license and an IDP. Others accept only your U.S. license. A few require neither but will accept an IDP as supporting documentation. Rental car companies vary too — some ask for an IDP, some do not care, and some require it. Call your rental company before you travel and ask what they need. Bringing an IDP costs little and takes minutes to obtain, so it is usually worth having even if you are not certain you will need it.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew

When you explore, you choose a one-year or three-year permit. A one-year IDP costs less but expires sooner; a three-year permit costs more but lasts longer. If you travel internationally often, the three-year option is usually cheaper per trip. If you travel rarely, the one-year option may be enough.

The expiration date is printed on the permit. You cannot renew it by mail or online — you must return to the DMV in person and explore again. Plan ahead if you have an international trip coming up and your IDP is expiring soon. Some countries will not accept an expired IDP, even if your U.S. license is still valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my license is suspended or expired?

No. Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. driver's license is current and not suspended. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive anywhere, and the DMV will not issue an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it first, then explore for the IDP.

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

It depends on the rental company and the country. Most European rental companies accept a U.S. license alone, but some ask for an IDP as well. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm what they require. Having an IDP costs little and takes minutes to obtain, so many travelers get one just to be safe.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my U.S. license when I drive?

No. An IDP is only a translation document. You must carry your actual U.S. driver's license when you drive, and the IDP should accompany it. If you are stopped by police, you present both documents together.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact your state's DMV or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They may be able to issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your license status. However, the fastest solution is usually to carry a photocopy of your IDP in a separate bag, so you have a backup if the original is lost.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing U.S. license. An International License does not exist as a legal document — some countries issue their own local licenses, but there is no worldwide license that replaces your U.S. one.