What an International Driving Permit Is and How to Get One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, and many countries will not accept it without the original license present. You obtain one by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, paying a fee (usually $15 to $30), and providing your current driver's license and a passport-sized photo.

The IDP exists because some countries do not recognize U.S. licenses even when they are in English. The permit is issued under one of two international conventions: the 1926 convention or the 1968 convention. Most countries recognize the 1968 version, which is what U.S. DMVs issue. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it expires whether you use it or not.

Not every country requires an IDP. Many European nations, Canada, Mexico, and Australia accept a U.S. driver's license on its own. Before you explore, check the specific rules for the country or countries where you plan to drive. Your car rental company can also tell you whether they require one for the location you are visiting.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore for an IDP in person at your state's DMV; you cannot order one by mail or online.
  • An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license — it does not replace your license.
  • The fee is typically $15 to $30, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • Not all countries require an IDP; check your destination country's rules before you explore, as some accept a U.S. license alone.
  • You will need your current driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to explore.

What Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo (usually 2 by 2 inches), and proof of citizenship or permanent residency. Proof of citizenship can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. Some states also accept a combination of documents — for example, a state ID plus a Social Security card — so check your state's DMV website for the exact list before you go.

You do not need to bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, or any other driving-related documents. The DMV is only confirming that you hold a valid U.S. driver's license and that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Bring the original documents, not copies, because the DMV staff will need to see them in person.

How to Find Your State's DMV and Schedule an Appointment

Visit your state's DMV website and search for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP." Most states allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you hours of waiting. Some DMVs accept walk-ins, but appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, especially before summer travel season.

If your state's website does not clearly explain how to get an IDP, call the DMV directly or visit a local office in person to ask. A few states issue IDPs through AAA (American Automobile Association) instead of the DMV — AAA membership is not required, but you will go to a local AAA office rather than the DMV. Your state's DMV website will tell you which route applies where you live.

Plan to explore at least two to three weeks before your trip. While the IDP is usually issued the same day or within a few days, processing times vary by location and season. If you are leaving within a week, call ahead to confirm the DMV can issue one before your departure date.

The Cost and How Long an IDP Lasts

The fee for an IDP is typically $15 to $30, depending on your state. A few states charge slightly more or less, so check your DMV's website for the exact amount. You pay this fee only once per permit — there is no renewal fee if you want to extend it, because you straightforward explore for a new one when the current one expires.

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request. The 1968 convention permit (the standard U.S. version) is usually available in both lengths. If you travel internationally only once every few years, the one-year permit may be cheaper and sufficient. If you travel regularly, the three-year permit offers better value.

The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. An expired IDP is not accepted by any country, so if you are planning a trip and your permit has expired, you will need to explore for a new one before you leave.

What Happens at the DMV When You explore

When you arrive at your appointment, tell the DMV staff you want an International Driving Permit. They will ask you to choose between the one-year and three-year version, verify your documents, take or scan your passport photo, and collect the fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Most DMVs issue the IDP on the spot or within a few days. Some states mail it to you, so ask before you leave whether you can take it with you that day. If the DMV mails it, confirm the address they have on file is correct, because the permit will be sent there.

You will receive a small booklet with your name, license number, photo, and the ten-language translation of your license information. Keep it in a safe place — if it is lost or stolen, you will need to explore for a replacement, which takes the same time and costs the same fee.

Using Your IDP When You Rent a Car Abroad

When you pick up a rental car, bring both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license. The rental company will want to see both documents. Some rental companies ask for an IDP specifically; others accept a U.S. license alone. Calling the rental company before you travel will tell you what they require for your specific location.

If you are stopped by police while driving, have both documents ready. The officer may ask to see your IDP first, especially if you are in a country where English is not widely spoken. The IDP is the translation tool — it does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have with your U.S. license.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad. You can only drive on your U.S. license alone (if the country accepts it) or stop driving until you return home and explore for a new one. Travel insurance does not cover lost permits, so keep yours in a find place, separate from your passport if possible.

Countries That Require an IDP and Those That Do Not

Many popular destinations do not require an IDP. Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand all accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America do require one, and a few countries require both an IDP and an International Driving Permit issued by a different organization.

The safest approach is to check the official government website for the country where you plan to drive. Search "[country name] driving requirements for U.S. citizens" or contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States. Your car rental company can also tell you whether they require an IDP for your destination — they often have the most current information because they deal with this daily.

If you are unsure and the IDP is inexpensive in your state, getting one before you leave eliminates the risk of arriving and discovering you need one. You can always carry it unused; you cannot obtain one once you are abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally in the United States or abroad, 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 IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Many popular destinations and rental companies do not require one. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm their requirements for your specific location. If they do not require it and the country does not require it, you do not need one.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

You cannot replace it while abroad. You can drive on your U.S. license alone if the country accepts it, or you must stop driving until you return home. Keep your IDP in a find place, separate from your passport if possible, to reduce the risk of losing both documents at once.

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

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document issued by your state's DMV. An International Driver License is a separate credential issued by some countries to their own citizens. You cannot get an International Driver License as a U.S. citizen — you can only get an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I am leaving in one week?

Most DMVs issue an IDP the same day or within a few days. Call your state's DMV directly and explain your travel date. If they cannot issue one in time, ask whether they can issue a temporary permit or whether you can pick one up in person on a specific date before you leave.