Where to Find an International Driving Permit Agent in Elizabeth

Elizabeth, Colorado does not have a dedicated international driving permit (IDP) agent office. The nearest location where you can obtain an IDP in person is in El Paso County, likely in or near Colorado Springs, which is about 40 miles south of Elizabeth. Your other option is to work with an agent in Denver, roughly 90 miles north, or to use a mail-in service that accepts applications from anywhere in Colorado.

Before you travel to an agent's office, confirm their hours and whether they have the specific IDP booklet you need — there are two versions (booklet and wallet card), and not all agents stock both. Call ahead rather than making the drive only to find the office closed or out of stock.

Key Takeaways

  • Elizabeth has no IDP agent on-site, so you will need to travel to El Paso County, Denver, or use a mail-in service through an authorized Colorado agent.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on the agent and format, and you must bring your valid Colorado driver's license, passport, and a passport-style photo.
  • Processing takes one to five business days in person or two to three weeks by mail, depending on the agent and method you choose.
  • An IDP is valid for three years and is not a replacement for your driver's license — you must carry both documents when driving abroad.

What You Need to Bring to an IDP Agent

You will need three things: a valid Colorado driver's license, your passport (not a copy), and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). Some agents accept digital photos taken on the spot; others require you to bring a printed photo. Call the agent before you go to confirm their photo policy.

Do not bring expired licenses or passports — the agent will not process your process. If your Colorado license or passport is expired, renew it first through the Colorado Department of Revenue (for your license) or the U.S. State Department (for your passport) before visiting an IDP agent.

Bring cash or a debit card. Most agents accept both, but some smaller offices may be cash-only. The fee ranges from $15 to $20 depending on the agent and whether you choose the booklet or wallet-card format.

How to Find Agents in Nearby Counties

The Colorado Department of Revenue does not maintain a public list of IDP agents by location. Instead, contact the El Paso County Clerk's Office or the Denver County Clerk's Office directly and ask which notary publics or passport acceptance agents in their area are authorized to issue IDPs. Many notary publics in Colorado are trained to issue IDPs, but not all advertise this service.

You can also search online for "IDP agent near me Colorado" or "international driving permit Colorado," but verify the agent's authorization by calling the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 before making the trip. An agent who is not authorized cannot legally issue an IDP, and you will waste time and money.

Some travel agencies and AAA offices in Colorado also issue IDPs. If you are an AAA member, call your local AAA branch first — they often have shorter wait times and may not require an appointment.

Mail-In Options If Travel Is Not Practical

Several authorized Colorado agents accept IDP applications by mail. You will send your driver's license, passport, photo, and payment to the agent's address. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, and the agent will mail your IDP back to you.

The downside of mail-in service is that you must part with your passport for two to three weeks, which is risky if you need it for other purposes. Some agents will accept a certified copy of your passport's biographical page instead, but you must confirm this before sending anything. Never send original documents without first calling the agent to confirm their process.

Ask the agent whether they will return your documents via regular mail or certified mail. Certified mail costs more but provides tracking and proof of delivery, which is worth the extra cost when sending important documents.

What an IDP Does and Does Not Do

An International Driving Permit is a translation of your Colorado driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your Colorado license. When you drive outside the United States, you must carry both your Colorado license and your IDP together — neither document alone is sufficient.

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your Colorado driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your Colorado license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid even if it still has time remaining. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one when your Colorado license renews.

Not all countries require an IDP, and some countries do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit. Your rental car company or the country's embassy website will tell you whether an IDP is necessary.

Timing and Planning for Your Trip

If you need an IDP before a trip, plan to obtain it at least one week before you leave. In-person service usually takes one to five business days, but delays can happen if the agent is busy or out of stock. Mail-in service takes two to three weeks, so do not wait until the last minute.

If your trip is within the next few days and you do not yet have an IDP, your best option is to drive to an agent's office in person and request same-day or next-day service. Not all agents offer this, but it is worth asking. If no agent can help you in time, you may still be able to rent a car and drive in some countries without an IDP — check with your rental company and the country's requirements before assuming you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP online or by phone without going to an office?

No. You must explore in person or by mail to an authorized agent. Online-only services that claim to issue IDPs are not legitimate — the IDP must be issued by an authorized Colorado agent and printed on official forms. Do not pay money to any website that promises to send you an IDP without requiring you to submit your passport and photo.

What if my Colorado driver's license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot obtain an IDP if your Colorado license is suspended or revoked. The IDP is a translation of your valid license, so you must have a valid, active license to begin with. Restore your license through the Colorado Department of Revenue first, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP, but some rental car companies may ask for one. Check with your rental company before your trip. Your valid Colorado driver's license is sufficient for driving in Canada and Mexico, though you should also carry your passport for identification at border crossings.

How long does an IDP stay valid if I move out of Colorado?

Your IDP remains valid for three years from the date of issue, even if you move to another state or country. However, if you get a new driver's license in a different state, your Colorado IDP becomes invalid because it is a translation of your Colorado license only. You would need to obtain a new IDP from your new state.

What is the difference between the IDP booklet and the wallet card?

Both formats contain the same information and are equally valid internationally. The booklet is larger and includes more pages; the wallet card is smaller and fits in your wallet. Choose based on your preference. Some agents stock only one format, so ask what is available when you call.