You cannot get an International Driving Permit issued by the US government

The United States does not issue International Driving Permits (IDPs). The IDP is a document issued only by your country of citizenship, through its authorized motor vehicle authority. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you must obtain your IDP from your home country's government before you travel abroad.

What you can do in the US is prepare the documents that foreign countries require to recognize your US driver's license. Most countries will accept a valid US state driver's license alongside a certified English translation, an International Driving Permit from your country of origin, or both. The route depends on your citizenship and where you plan to drive.

If you are a US citizen, you will need to contact your country of citizenship's motor vehicle authority or embassy to request an IDP. If you hold a permanent resident card (green card) but are not a US citizen, the process is the same — you work through your home country's government, not through any US agency.

Key Takeaways

  • The US does not issue International Driving Permits; only your country of citizenship can issue one through its authorized motor vehicle authority.
  • US state driver's licenses are recognized in most countries without an IDP, though some nations require a certified English translation or an IDP from your home country.
  • US citizens must contact their country of citizenship's embassy or motor vehicle authority to request an IDP before traveling.
  • Permanent residents (green card holders) follow the same process as citizens — they obtain an IDP from their country of citizenship, not from the US.
  • Processing times and fees for IDPs vary widely by country and can take anywhere from one week to several months.

How to find your country's IDP issuing authority

Your country's embassy or consulate in the United States can direct you to the correct motor vehicle authority. Most countries have a single national agency responsible for issuing IDPs — for example, the DVLA in the United Kingdom, the SAAQ in Quebec, or the RTA in the United Arab Emirates. Some countries allow you to request an IDP by mail or through an online portal; others require you to explore in person at a local office in your home country.

Start by searching "[your country] International Driving Permit" plus the name of your country's motor vehicle authority. The embassy website will usually list the IDP process and fees. Many countries also allow you to explore through a representative or agent if you cannot travel home to explore in person. Some charge a flat fee; others charge based on how long you want the permit to be valid (usually one, two, or three years).

If you cannot locate the correct authority, contact your country's embassy or consulate in Washington, DC, or the nearest consulate in your state. Embassy staff can confirm which agency issues IDPs and whether you can explore by mail or must explore in person.

What documents you need to provide to your home country

Most countries require the same core documents to issue an IDP: a valid passport or national ID card, a valid driver's license from your home country, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph. Some countries also require proof of your current address, a medical certificate, or a letter from your employer or school. The exact list depends on your country's rules.

If you no longer hold a driver's license from your home country — for example, you surrendered it when you moved to the US — you may not be able to obtain an IDP. Some countries will issue an IDP based on a US state driver's license, but this is uncommon and varies by nation. Contact your country's motor vehicle authority directly to ask whether this is possible.

Keep copies of all documents you send. Processing times vary: some countries issue an IDP within one to two weeks; others take four to eight weeks or longer. Plan ahead if you have a specific travel date.

Whether you actually need an IDP to drive abroad

Many countries do not require an IDP if you carry a valid US state driver's license. The US is a signatory to the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic, which means most countries recognize US licenses as valid for temporary visitors. You can drive in Canada, Mexico, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and many other nations using only your US license.

However, some countries do require an IDP, and some require both an IDP and your US license together. A few nations require a certified English translation of your US license in addition to the license itself. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country where you plan to drive. The US State Department website lists driving requirements by country, and your car rental company can also confirm what documents you need.

An IDP is most useful if you plan to drive in multiple countries during one trip, because it is recognized across many nations and reduces the need to carry multiple translated licenses. It is also useful if you are concerned about language barriers — an IDP is printed in multiple languages and is designed to be understood by police and traffic authorities worldwide.

Certified English translations of your US driver's license

If a country requires a translation but does not require an IDP, you can obtain a certified English translation of your US driver's license through a professional translation service. Many countries accept translations certified by the American Automobile Association (AAA), which offers this service to members and non-members for a flat fee (typically $15 to $20). AAA can provide the translation in person at a local club office or by mail.

Other certified translation services, including online providers, can also produce translations that meet most countries' standards. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or organization, not handwritten or produced by a friend. Some countries specify that the translation must be notarized; check your destination country's requirements before you order.

A certified translation is valid indefinitely as long as your US driver's license remains valid. You do not need to renew it or obtain a new one each time you travel. Carry both your original US license and the certified translation together when you drive.

Timeline and cost for obtaining an IDP

The time and cost to obtain an IDP depend entirely on your country of citizenship. Processing times range from one week to three months or longer, depending on the country and how you explore. Fees typically range from $10 to $50 USD equivalent, though some countries charge more. If you explore by mail from the US, add postal time in both directions — usually one to two weeks each way.

Some countries offer expedited processing for an additional fee. If you have a firm travel date, contact your country's motor vehicle authority as soon as possible to confirm the current processing time. Do not assume it is the same as it was last year or the same as another country's process.

If you are explore by mail, use a tracked shipping method and keep proof of delivery. Some countries will not accept applications sent by regular mail, so confirm the correct mailing address and method before you send your documents.

What to do if you cannot obtain an IDP before your trip

If your country's processing time is too long or you cannot explore before you travel, you have two options: drive using only your valid US state driver's license (if your destination country permits this), or delay your trip until you receive your IDP.

Most countries will accept a US license alone for temporary visitors, so check your specific destination's requirements. If you are renting a car, the rental company can confirm what documents they require — they often have more flexibility than local law requires. Some rental companies will accept a US license without an IDP; others will not.

If you are moving to another country permanently or staying for an extended period, you may need to obtain a local driver's license instead of relying on an IDP or US license. This is a separate process handled by your destination country's motor vehicle authority and is outside the scope of US procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP from the US State Department or a US embassy?

No. US embassies and consulates do not issue IDPs. Only your country of citizenship's motor vehicle authority can issue an IDP. Contact your country's embassy in the US for a referral to the correct agency.

Do I need an IDP if I already have a US driver's license?

Not always. Most countries accept a valid US driver's license for temporary visitors. However, some countries require an IDP, a certified translation, or both. Check your destination country's specific requirements before you travel.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is typically valid for one, two, or three years, depending on which validity period you request when you explore. Check your IDP's expiration date before you travel. An expired IDP is not recognized by any country.

Can I renew my IDP from the US, or do I have to go back to my home country?

Most countries require you to explore for a new IDP through the same process you used to obtain the first one — usually through your country's motor vehicle authority. Some countries allow renewal by mail; others require you to explore in person. Contact your country's motor vehicle authority to confirm their renewal process.

What if I am a permanent resident but not a US citizen — do I need an IDP?

Yes, you follow the same process as a US citizen. You obtain an IDP from your country of citizenship through its motor vehicle authority, not from the US government. Your green card does not change this process.