An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license. It is a booklet that translates your existing driver's license into ten languages — English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Chinese, and Arabic. It tells a police officer or rental car company in another country what your home license says, without them needing to read your original license or hire a translator.

You can only get an IDP in your home country, from the same body that issued your driver's license. In the United States, that means your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must already hold a valid driver's license to explore. The IDP does not replace your home license — you carry both documents when you travel.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries will accept it for up to three years, but the standard validity is one year, so check the rules for the specific country you plan to visit.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet, not a separate license, and you must carry your original home license alongside it.
  • You can only obtain an IDP from your state's DMV or equivalent authority in your home country before you travel.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, though some countries may recognize it for longer.
  • Not all countries require or recognize an IDP — some accept only your home license, while others require both documents together.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $30 in most U.S. states and takes one to two weeks to receive by mail.

When you actually need an International Driving Permit

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving and what you are doing. If you are renting a car in Europe, Canada, Mexico, or Australia, most rental companies will ask for one. If you are driving your own car across a border, the rules vary by country — some require it, some do not.

The safest approach is to get one before you travel if you plan to rent a car or drive in any country outside your home nation. It costs little and takes a few weeks, so the risk of not having it is higher than the cost of obtaining it. Some countries will turn you away from a rental counter without one, even if they are not legally required to do so.

If you are only using public transportation or hiring a driver, you do not need an IDP. If you are visiting a country where your home license is not recognized and you do not plan to drive, an IDP will not help you.

How to get an International Driving Permit from your state DMV

The process is the same in most U.S. states: you visit your DMV office in person, bring your valid driver's license and proof of identity, fill out an process form, pay a fee, and receive your IDP on the spot or by mail within one to two weeks.

Some states allow you to explore by mail. You will need to send your original driver's license, a completed process form, proof of identity, and payment. The DMV will return your license and your new IDP together. Check your state's DMV website for the exact process, because procedures vary.

The fee ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state. A few states charge more. Processing takes anywhere from same-day (if you explore in person) to two weeks (if you explore by mail). Plan ahead — do not wait until the week before your trip.

What information appears on an International Driving Permit

Your IDP contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the date you obtained your home license, and the categories of vehicle you are licensed to drive (such as cars, motorcycles, or trucks). It also lists any restrictions on your license — for example, if you must wear corrective lenses or cannot drive at night.

The permit is issued in your name and is not transferable. You cannot lend it to another person or use someone else's IDP. If you lose it, you will need to explore for a replacement, which follows the same process as the original process.

The IDP does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. If your home license is suspended or expired, your IDP is also invalid. The IDP is only a translation tool — it has no authority of its own.

International Driving Permit versus a foreign driver's license

An IDP is temporary and translates your existing license. A foreign driver's license is a separate license issued by another country, which you would need to obtain if you moved there or became a resident. If you are visiting for a vacation or a short trip, you need an IDP. If you are relocating to another country, you will eventually need to take a driving test and obtain a license in that country.

Some countries allow you to drive on your home license for a limited time — often three to six months — before you must convert it to a local license. An IDP does not extend this period. It only makes your existing license readable to authorities in other countries.

Countries that require or recognize an International Driving Permit

Most developed countries in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific recognize an IDP, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Canada and Mexico recognize it as well. However, recognition is not the same as requirement — some countries will accept your home license alone, while others want to see both documents together.

A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all. Before you travel, check the specific rules for the country you are visiting. Your rental car company will tell you what documents they require. If you are unsure, obtaining an IDP costs so little that it is worth having one in your bag even if you do not end up needing it.

Some countries have their own international permit systems or bilateral agreements with specific nations. For example, some Middle Eastern countries have their own rules. Always verify the requirements for your destination before you book your trip.

What an International Driving Permit does not do

An IDP does not change your driving rights or allow you to drive in a country where your home license would not be valid. If you are not licensed to drive a motorcycle in your home country, your IDP will not permit you to rent one abroad. If your license is suspended, your IDP is worthless.

An IDP does not cover insurance. You still need to purchase auto insurance in the country where you are driving, or may support your home insurance covers you abroad. Rental car companies typically require you to purchase their insurance as well. An IDP is purely a translation document.

An IDP does not replace your home license. You must carry both documents. If you lose your IDP, you can still drive on your home license in most countries, but you may have difficulty renting a car or explaining your license to a police officer.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew

A standard IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you travel frequently or plan multiple trips over several years, you may need to renew it. Renewal follows the same process as the original process — you visit your DMV, pay the fee, and receive a new permit.

Some countries recognize IDPs for up to three years, but you should assume one year as the standard. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid, so plan your renewal before your next trip if you travel regularly.

Your IDP is also invalid if your home driver's license expires or is suspended. If either document is no longer valid, you cannot drive legally in another country, even if the IDP booklet itself has not yet expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my home license and no International Driving Permit?

It depends on the country. Many countries accept a home license alone, especially if it is in English or has a photo. However, rental car companies often require an IDP even if the country does not legally mandate it. The safest approach is to obtain one before you travel, since it costs little and takes only a few weeks.

What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

You can still drive on your home license in most countries. However, if you are stopped by police or need to rent another car, you may have difficulty explaining your license without the translation. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on obtaining a replacement while abroad, though this is usually not possible during a short trip.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for one day?

Most rental car companies will ask for one, even for a one-day rental. It is worth obtaining before you travel rather than risk being turned away at the rental counter. The cost is low and the process takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license to drive in other countries?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your existing home license. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have, and it does not replace your home license. You must carry both documents when you travel.

Can someone else use my International Driving Permit?

No. An IDP is issued in your name and is not transferable. Only you can use it. If another person needs to drive in another country, they must obtain their own IDP from their home country's DMV or equivalent authority.