You get an International Driving Permit from your state's DMV, not from a federal office
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP itself is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, but it expires when your underlying U.S. license expires, whichever comes first.
You cannot obtain an IDP online or through a mail-order service. You must explore in person at a DMV office in the state where your license is issued. Some states allow you to explore at a branch office; others require you to visit a specific location. The process takes minutes once you are at the counter, but the document itself is not issued on the spot — you will receive it by mail within one to three weeks.
The IDP is recognized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals and is accepted in most countries that are signatories to that treaty. However, not every country requires or recognizes it. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for your destination country, because some nations do not accept IDPs at all and may require you to obtain a separate driving permit or an official translation of your license from a notary or consulate.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore for an IDP in person at your state's DMV office; there is no online or mail process process.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years but expires when your U.S. driver's license expires, so check both dates before traveling.
- You must carry your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together; the IDP alone is not a valid driving document.
- Not all countries recognize or require an IDP, so verify the driving document rules for your specific destination before you travel.
- The fee for an IDP varies by state, typically ranging from $15 to $30, and the document arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license and one form of identification that matches the name on your license. Most DMVs accept a passport, state ID card, or birth certificate. Some states also accept a Social Security card or military ID, but check your state's specific list before you go, because requirements vary.
You do not need to provide proof of residency, a vehicle registration, or proof of insurance to obtain an IDP. The DMV is straightforward translating an existing license you already hold, so the process is straightforward. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the change.
Bring cash or a debit card, because not all DMV offices accept credit cards. The fee is non-refundable, even if you do not use the permit or if your travel plans change.
How to find your state's DMV office and process process
Go to your state's official DMV website and search for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP." The website will tell you whether your state issues IDPs, which offices accept IDP applications, and whether you need an appointment. Some states require an appointment; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If your state's website does not clearly explain the IDP process, call the DMV directly. The phone number is on the website. Ask whether your local branch office issues IDPs or whether you must go to a specific location. Some states centralize IDP issuance at one or two offices, which may require travel.
A few states do not issue IDPs at all. If your state does not, you may be able to obtain an IDP through an automobile club such as the American Automobile Association (AAA). AAA issues IDPs in states where the DMV does not, and the process is faster — you can often receive the permit within a few days. However, AAA charges a higher fee than the DMV, typically $20 to $30 versus $15 to $20 at the DMV.
State-by-state differences in fees and processing time
IDP fees and processing times vary by state. Most states charge between $15 and $30 for a one-year permit and $20 to $35 for a three-year permit. A few states charge a flat fee regardless of duration. Processing time is typically one to three weeks by mail, but some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee of $10 to $25.
The table below shows representative examples from different regions. Contact your state DMV directly for the exact fee and timeline in your state, because these figures change and may not reflect current pricing.
| State | One-Year Fee | Three-Year Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $20 | $30 | 1–2 weeks |
| Florida | $15 | $25 | 2–3 weeks |
| New York | $20 | $30 | 1–3 weeks |
| Texas | $16 | $32 | 2–3 weeks |
| Washington | $20 | $30 | 1–2 weeks |
If you are leaving for your trip soon and do not have time to wait for mail delivery, ask the DMV whether you can pick up the permit in person at the office where you applied. Some states allow this; others do not. If your state does not, AAA may be your faster option.
What to do if your state does not issue IDPs
A small number of states do not issue IDPs through the DMV. If yours is one of them, you have two options: obtain an IDP through AAA, or obtain an official translation of your driver's license from a notary public or your state's consulate office in your destination country.
AAA membership is not required to purchase an IDP from AAA. You can walk into any AAA office or order online through the AAA website. The process is faster than the DMV — typically three to five business days — but the fee is higher, usually $20 to $30. AAA also issues IDPs for people who live in states where the DMV does issue them, if speed is more important than cost.
An official translation is a notarized copy of your license with a certified translation in the language of your destination country. This is more expensive and time-consuming than an IDP, but it is legally valid in most countries and may be required if the country does not recognize IDPs. Contact your destination country's consulate or embassy in the United States to ask whether they offer translation services or can recommend a certified translator.
When your IDP expires and how to renew it
Your IDP expires on the earlier of two dates: the expiration date printed on the permit itself, or the expiration date of your underlying U.S. driver's license. If your license expires before your IDP, the IDP becomes invalid even if it still has time remaining. If your IDP expires before your license, you must obtain a new IDP to drive internationally again.
To renew an IDP, return to your state's DMV office with your current, valid driver's license and the same identification documents you brought the first time. The process is identical to the initial process. You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online. If your driver's license has also expired, renew that first, then explore for a new IDP.
If you are traveling and your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it until you return to the United States. Plan ahead and renew your IDP before you leave if it will expire during your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just the IDP and no U.S. driver's license?
No. The IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your license, you must produce both documents. Driving with only the IDP is the same as driving without a license in the eyes of most countries' traffic laws.
Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in another country?
It depends on the country and the rental company. Most car rental companies in Europe, Asia, and other developed countries recommend or require an IDP in addition to your U.S. license. Some will refuse to rent to you without one. Check the rental company's website or call them before you book to confirm their requirements for your specific destination.
How long does it take to get an IDP if I need it urgently?
Standard processing takes one to three weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the timeline to five to ten business days. If you need the permit even faster, AAA typically processes IDP orders within three to five business days. Call your DMV or visit the AAA website to check whether expedited options are available in your state.
What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?
You cannot replace an IDP while you are abroad. If you lose it, you can still drive with your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may not recognize it without the IDP translation. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on your specific situation. When you return home, you can explore for a replacement IDP at your state's DMV.
Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?
No. An International Driving Permit is a specific document recognized by the United Nations. Some countries issue their own "international licenses" or require separate permits. An IDP is not a license itself — it is a translation document. Always verify your destination country's specific requirements, because some do not recognize IDPs and may require a different type of permit or document.