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 so you can rent a car and drive legally in most countries outside the United States. You cannot get one by mail, phone, or website — you must visit a DMV office in person with your current license and a passport or passport card. 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 is not a replacement for your U.S. driver's license. You must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. Many countries will not recognize the IDP alone, and some car rental companies will refuse to rent to you without both documents in hand.

You do not need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico, though some car rental agencies ask for one anyway. If you are planning to drive in Europe, Asia, Australia, or most other regions, an IDP is standard and often required by rental companies before they hand over the keys.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles is the only place to get an International Driving Permit — visit in person with your valid driver's license and a passport or passport card.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $30, takes a few minutes to issue, and is valid for either one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • You must carry your IDP and your U.S. driver's license together when driving abroad; neither document works alone.
  • An IDP is not required for Canada or Mexico but is standard for Europe, Asia, Australia, and most other countries.

What to bring to the DMV for your International Driving Permit

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license and either a U.S. passport or passport card. Some states accept a passport book; others accept only the card. Call your DMV office before you go to confirm which form of ID they take, because showing up with the wrong document means a wasted trip.

You do not need to bring a completed process form — the DMV staff will hand you one to fill out at the counter. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number. It takes two minutes. Some states let you fill it out online before you arrive, which can speed up the process.

Bring cash or a debit card. Not all DMV offices accept credit cards, and some rural locations may only take cash. Check your local office's payment methods on their website before you go.

How long it takes and when you can pick it up

The IDP is issued on the spot in most states. You walk in, hand over your documents, fill out the form, pay the fee, and walk out with the permit in hand — usually within 15 to 30 minutes. A few states mail the permit to your home address instead, which takes one to two weeks.

Call ahead to your DMV office or check their website to find out whether they issue permits same-day or by mail. If you are leaving the country soon, same-day issuance is much faster. If your state mails them, plan to visit the DMV at least two weeks before your trip.

Which DMV office to visit

You can visit any DMV office in your state, not just the one closest to your home. Some offices are less crowded than others, and you may get in and out faster by choosing a location in a smaller town or a less busy time of day.

Check your state's DMV website for office locations, hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Many states now use online appointment systems that let you book a specific time slot. If your state offers appointments, book one — you will wait much less time than if you walk in.

A few states require you to visit the DMV office that issued your current driver's license. Check your state's rules before you travel to a different office.

How long the permit is valid

When you explore, you choose whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. The three-year permit costs a bit more but is the better choice if you plan to travel internationally more than once during that time. Both are valid only while your U.S. driver's license is also valid — if your license expires, the IDP expires too, even if it has time left on it.

Check your driver's license expiration date before you explore. If your license expires within a year, get a one-year IDP or renew your license first. You cannot use an IDP with an expired U.S. license, and you cannot get a refund if your license expires early.

What to do if your state's DMV does not issue International Driving Permits

A small number of states do not issue IDPs through the DMV. If your state is one of them, you can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA). You do not have to be a AAA member to buy one, though members sometimes get a small discount. Visit a local AAA office with your driver's license and passport, and they will issue the permit on the spot for a fee of around $20.

Call your state's DMV first to confirm they do not issue IDPs before you go to AAA. Most states do issue them, and the DMV is usually faster and cheaper than going through a third party.

Replacing a lost or damaged International Driving Permit

If you lose your IDP or it gets damaged, go back to the DMV office or AAA location where you got it and ask for a replacement. Bring your driver's license and passport again. Most states issue replacements on the spot for a small fee, usually $5 to $10.

If you are out of the country when you lose your permit, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a new IDP, but they can tell you whether you can drive legally with just your U.S. license while you are there, and what to do when you return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Canada and Mexico recognize your U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies ask for an IDP anyway, so call ahead before you book. If you are renting a car, ask the rental agency whether they require an IDP before you travel.

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

No. You must visit a DMV office or AAA location in person with your driver's license and passport. The permit is issued on the spot in most states, or mailed to you within one to two weeks if your state uses mail delivery. There is no online or phone option.

What happens if my driver's license expires while I still have time left on my IDP?

Your IDP becomes invalid when your driver's license expires, even if the permit itself has months or years remaining. You cannot use an expired license to drive anywhere, and the IDP cannot extend your driving rights. Renew your license before it expires if you plan to drive abroad.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

Yes — they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "International License" are two names for the same document. It is not a separate license but a translation of your existing U.S. driver's license into multiple languages.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The cost varies by state, ranging from $15 to $30 for the permit itself. AAA charges around $20 for non-members. Some states charge extra if you want a three-year permit instead of a one-year permit. Call your DMV office or visit their website to find the exact fee in your state.