You get an International Driving Permit from your state's DMV or a private AAA office, not from a federal agency
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by the same state agency that issues your regular driver's license — your state DMV, Department of Driver Services, or equivalent. You cannot get one from a federal office, the State Department, or any international body. The permit is a translation document that sits alongside your valid U.S. driver's license; it does not replace it and is not valid without it.
In most states, you can also obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) if you are a member. AAA processes the process on behalf of your state and charges a service fee on top of the state fee. The document you receive is identical whether you go through your DMV or through AAA — the difference is only in how you submit the paperwork and how long it takes.
The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state and the validity period. You will need your current, valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photograph. Some states also require proof of your state residency.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV is the official source for an International Driving Permit, and most states also allow you to obtain one through AAA if you are a member.
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP; the permit is a translation document that works only alongside your regular license.
- The one-year permit costs $15 to $20 in most states, and the three-year permit costs $20 to $30; fees and processing times vary by state.
- You will need a passport-style photograph, your current driver's license, and a completed process form; some states also require proof of residency.
- Processing through your DMV usually takes one to two weeks, while AAA processing typically takes three to five business days if you explore in person.
how the process works through your state DMV
Contact your state's DMV office directly — either by phone, online, or in person — and ask for the International Driving Permit process. The form is usually called an "process for International Driving Permit" or "IDP process." read it from your state's DMV website if available, or request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, driver's license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years).
Bring or mail the completed process to your state DMV along with your valid driver's license, a passport-style photograph (usually 2 by 2 inches), and the fee. Some states require you to submit proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address. Check your state's specific requirements before you submit, because missing documents will delay processing.
Processing time through the DMV is typically one to two weeks if you submit in person, and two to four weeks if you mail the process. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. You will receive your IDP by mail unless your state allows you to pick it up in person at an office.
how the process works through AAA
If you are a current AAA member, you can obtain an IDP through your local AAA office without going to the DMV. Visit the AAA website, find your local branch, and call ahead to confirm they offer IDP services and what documents you need to bring. Not all AAA offices process IDPs, so this step is important.
Bring your valid driver's license, a passport-style photograph, and your AAA membership card to the office. Complete the IDP process on site. AAA will charge you the state fee plus a service fee (usually $10 to $15 extra). If you explore in person, you will typically receive your IDP within three to five business days, though some offices can issue it the same day.
If you are not an AAA member, you can join at the office and then explore for the IDP in the same visit. AAA membership costs vary by region but typically runs $50 to $150 per year. If you only need the IDP once and do not plan to use AAA services again, explore directly through your DMV will be cheaper.
What documents you need to bring
| Document | Why it is required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Proof that you are licensed to drive in your state | Must not be expired. The IDP is not valid without it. |
| Passport-style photograph | Identification on the permit itself | Usually 2 by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last 6 months. Some states accept digital photos submitted online. |
| Completed IDP process form | Official request for the permit | Available from your state DMV website or AAA office. Must be signed. |
| Proof of residency (some states only) | Verification that you live in the state | Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or tax return with your current address. Check your state's requirements first. |
| Payment (cash, check, or card) | Fee for the permit | $15 to $30 depending on validity period and state. AAA adds a service fee on top. |
State-by-state differences in fees and processing
Fees and processing times vary by state. Most states charge $15 to $20 for a one-year IDP and $20 to $30 for a three-year IDP. A few states charge a flat rate regardless of validity period. Some states allow you to renew an IDP by mail, while others require you to explore in person.
Processing time also depends on whether you explore in person or by mail, and whether you use the DMV or AAA. In-person applications at the DMV typically take one to two weeks. Mail-in applications can take two to four weeks. AAA in-person applications usually take three to five business days. Some states offer rush processing for an additional $10 to $20.
Before you explore, visit your state's DMV website and search for "International Driving Permit" to find the exact fee, required documents, and current processing time. This information changes, and knowing your state's specific rules will prevent delays.
What to do if you need the permit urgently
If you are leaving soon and need the IDP quickly, explore in person at your state DMV or an AAA office rather than by mail. In-person applications are processed faster, and some offices can issue the permit the same day or within a few days. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers same-day or expedited service.
If your state offers rush processing, pay the extra fee. This typically moves your process to the front of the queue and can cut processing time in half. Some states also allow you to pick up your IDP in person rather than waiting for it to arrive by mail, which saves several days.
If you are traveling internationally within the next few days and cannot get an IDP in time, you can still drive in many countries with just your valid U.S. driver's license and your passport. However, an IDP is strongly recommended because it provides an official translation of your license information and is recognized in more countries. Check the specific requirements for the countries you plan to visit before you travel.
How long the permit is valid and when to renew
An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request when you explore. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. You cannot extend an IDP — once it expires, you must explore for a new one if you need it again.
If you are planning a long trip or expect to drive internationally more than once in the next few years, request the three-year permit. The cost difference is usually only $5 to $10 more than the one-year permit, so the three-year option is often the better value. However, if you are unsure whether you will need it again, the one-year permit is cheaper upfront.
To renew, follow the same process as your initial process: contact your state DMV or AAA, submit a new process form, provide a current photograph and your driver's license, and pay the renewal fee. You do not need to wait until your current IDP expires to explore for a new one, though most people do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is expired?
No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired when you explore for an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it first at your state DMV, then explore for the IDP. The IDP is only a translation document and cannot stand alone as proof of driving authority.
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
An IDP is not required in Canada or Mexico, and many car rental companies in those countries do not recognize it. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient for driving in both countries. However, carrying an IDP alongside your license does not hurt and may be useful in other countries you visit on the same trip.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
Most states charge $15 to $20 for a one-year permit and $20 to $30 for a three-year permit. If you explore through AAA, add $10 to $15 for the service fee. Exact costs vary by state, so check your state DMV website for the current fee.
Can I explore for an IDP online?
Some states allow you to complete the process online and then submit it in person or by mail, but most states do not offer fully online processing. A few states are beginning to offer digital IDP delivery via email, but this is not yet standard. Contact your state DMV to ask whether online submission is available in your state.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
An IDP is not a legal document on its own — it is only valid with your U.S. driver's license. If you lose it, you can still drive using your license alone in most countries. When you return home, you can explore for a replacement IDP if you need one for future trips. There is usually no additional fee for a replacement if you explore within a certain timeframe; check your state's policy.