The DMV does not issue international driver licenses — that is not how they work

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state issues a standard driver license valid in the United States. An international driving document — called an International Driving Permit (IDP) — comes from a separate organization, not your DMV. The IDP is a translation of your existing U.S. driver license into ten languages, and you get it through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or, in some states, through specific DMV offices that partner with AAA.

Many people think the DMV handles this because the IDP works alongside your regular license. In reality, your state's DMV issues the license itself, and then AAA (or a DMV partner office) issues the permit that translates it. You need both documents when you drive outside the United States — the IDP alone is not valid without your U.S. license in your wallet.

If you are planning to drive in another country, you will start with your current U.S. driver license, then add an IDP before you travel. The process is straightforward, but it helps to know which organization handles which part.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state DMV issues your U.S. driver license; the IDP comes from AAA or a DMV partner office, not from the DMV itself.
  • An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet that works only alongside your valid U.S. driver license — you must carry both when driving abroad.
  • AAA issues IDPs in all 50 states and can often process your request the same day if you visit in person with your license and a passport photo.
  • Some state DMV offices partner with AAA and can issue IDPs on-site, so check your state's DMV website to see if yours is one of them.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you request, and costs between $15 and $25 depending on the issuer.

Where to actually get an International Driving Permit

The fastest and most reliable route is the American Automobile Association (AAA). If you are a AAA member, you can walk into any AAA office with your valid U.S. driver license and a passport-sized photo, and many offices will issue your IDP the same day. If you are not a member, AAA will still issue one — membership is not required, though members sometimes pay a slightly lower fee.

To find an AAA office near you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. Call ahead to confirm they have IDP applications in stock and to ask about their current processing time. Some offices are busier than others, and a few may require you to mail in your process instead of visiting in person.

Your state DMV may also issue IDPs directly. Check your state's DMV website and search for "International Driving Permit" — if your state offers this service, the website will tell you which DMV locations handle it and what documents you need to bring. A handful of states have partnered with AAA to offer IDPs at select DMV offices, which can save you a trip if you are already renewing your license.

What you need to bring and how long it takes

Bring your valid U.S. driver license, one passport-sized photo (usually 2 by 2 inches), and proof of your address if the DMV or AAA asks for it. Some offices also accept a digital photo on your phone, so ask when you call. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you are visiting in person.

If you mail in your process, the IDP usually arrives within one to two weeks. AAA and most DMV offices accept payment by cash, check, or card. The cost ranges from $15 to $25 depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit and which organization issues it. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount.

Plan to get your IDP at least two weeks before you travel, even though many offices can issue it same-day. This gives you time to receive it by mail if you cannot visit in person, and it ensures you have it in hand before your trip.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew

When you order your IDP, you choose between a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year option is cheaper and makes sense if you are taking a single trip. The three-year option costs more upfront but is better if you travel internationally more than once during that period.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the front cover. Unlike your U.S. driver license, you cannot renew an IDP — you must order a new one when the old one expires. If your U.S. driver license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid, so check both expiration dates before you travel.

Some countries have their own rules about how long a foreign driving permit can be valid. Before you travel, check the specific country's driving requirements to make sure your IDP will be accepted for the length of your stay.

What an International Driving Permit actually does

The IDP is a booklet that translates your U.S. driver license information — your name, license number, address, and driving restrictions — into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not give you any new driving rights or permissions. It straightforward makes your U.S. license readable to police and rental car companies in countries where English is not widely spoken.

You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together. If a police officer or rental company asks to see your driving documents, show both. The IDP alone is not valid — it is only a translation aid. Some countries require the IDP by law; others do not. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

The IDP does not replace your U.S. license, does not give you permission to drive in countries where you are not licensed, and does not override any driving restrictions on your U.S. license. If your U.S. license has a restriction — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — that restriction applies when you drive abroad.

Differences between DMV licenses and international permits

Your U.S. driver license is issued by your state's DMV and is valid for driving in all 50 states and U.S. territories. It proves you passed a written test and a road test in your state. An International Driving Permit is not a license — it is a translation document issued by AAA or a DMV partner office. It does not prove you passed any test; it straightforward translates your existing license.

The DMV renews your U.S. license every few years (the timeline varies by state). You renew an IDP by ordering a brand-new one — there is no renewal process. The DMV may issue a REAL ID-compliant license if you bring the right documents; an IDP is never REAL ID-compliant because it is not a government-issued identification document in the traditional sense.

If you are a foreign national with a valid driver license from your home country, you may be able to drive in the United States on that license for a limited time (usually 30 days to one year, depending on the state and your visa status). You do not need an IDP to do this. However, if you plan to stay longer or get a U.S. address, you will need to get a U.S. driver license from your state's DMV.

Planning ahead: what to do before an international trip

Start by checking the specific country or countries where you plan to drive. Visit the U.S. State Department's travel advisory website or the country's official tourism site to find their driving requirements. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept a U.S. license alone. A few require both an IDP and an International Driving Permit from your home country if you hold dual citizenship.

Once you know you need an IDP, contact AAA or your state DMV at least two weeks before you travel. If you are a AAA member, you can often get it the same day. If you are not, plan for one to two weeks of processing time. Confirm that your U.S. driver license will still be valid on the dates you are traveling — if it expires during your trip, renew it before you leave.

Some rental car companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. When you book your rental, ask whether they need an IDP. If they do, having one in hand before you arrive saves time at the rental counter and prevents last-minute complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver license and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Some countries accept a U.S. license alone; others require an IDP by law. Many rental car companies require an IDP regardless of local law. Check the specific country's requirements and your rental company's policy before you travel. Carrying an IDP costs little and eliminates doubt.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

A one-year IDP costs between $15 and $20, and a three-year IDP costs between $20 and $25, depending on whether you get it from AAA or your state DMV. AAA members may receive a small discount. Prices vary slightly by location, so call ahead to confirm the current fee.

What if my U.S. driver license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid if your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet. Renew your U.S. license before you travel if it will expire during your trip. You cannot drive legally on an expired license, and an IDP cannot extend the validity of an expired license.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

Check with your rental company first. Some require an IDP for any international rental, even a short one. Others do not. If you are renting in Canada or Mexico and the company does not require an IDP, you may not need one, but having one costs little and provides peace of mind.

Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver license is suspended or expired?

No. You must have a valid, non-suspended U.S. driver license to get an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it at your state DMV first. If it is suspended, you cannot drive legally anywhere, including abroad, until the suspension is lifted.