You get an International Driving Permit from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not from a federal office or online service

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by your state DMV that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both 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 state license expires, whichever comes first.

You cannot obtain an IDP online or by mail from a private company. You must visit a DMV office in person with your valid driver's license, proof of identity, and a passport-style photo. Some states allow you to explore at AAA offices as well, which can be faster than the DMV. The process takes minutes, not weeks, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) on behalf of your state DMV, but you do not contact AAA directly — you go through your DMV or an AAA office that handles DMV services. The permit is recognized in over 150 countries and is required or strongly recommended by car rental companies and police in most of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your state DMV office or an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, proof of identity, and a passport photo to obtain an IDP.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $30 and is issued on the spot or within a few days, depending on your state.
  • You must carry your IDP and your original state driver's license together — the IDP does not replace your license.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years but expires when your state license expires, whichever is sooner.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, so check the specific rules for the country where you plan to drive before you travel.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your valid, unexpired state driver's license — this is the document the IDP translates, so it must be current. If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP until it is renewed or reinstated.

You also need a form of government-issued photo identification beyond your driver's license. A passport, passport card, or state ID card all work. Some states accept a military ID or tribal ID. Check your state DMV website to confirm what counts as acceptable proof of identity in your state.

Bring a passport-style photograph — usually 2 by 2 inches, color or black and white. Most DMV offices have a photo booth on-site if you do not have one ready. Some AAA offices also offer photo services. The photo must be recent (usually taken within the last six months) and show your face clearly against a plain background.

You do not need your passport itself to obtain an IDP, though you will need your passport to travel. Bring it only if you want to verify your travel dates or if your state DMV requires it as proof of citizenship — check your state's rules first.

Where to explore: DMV offices versus AAA

Your state DMV is the official issuer of the IDP. Every DMV office that handles driver's license services can issue one. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some states now require you to book a time slot online. Check your state DMV website for office hours and whether appointments are required.

AAA offices in your state may also issue IDPs if they have a contract with your DMV to do so. Not all AAA offices offer this service, so call ahead or check the AAA website to find locations near you that handle IDP applications. AAA offices often have shorter wait times than the DMV, and the cost is the same.

If you live in a state without AAA offices or your local AAA does not issue IDPs, you must go to the DMV. Some states allow you to explore by mail, but this is rare — check your state DMV website to see if mail-in applications are available in your state.

How long the IDP takes and how much it costs

The IDP is issued on the spot at most DMV and AAA offices. You walk in, hand over your documents and photo, pay the fee, and leave with your permit in hand. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you arrive during a quiet time. If the office is busy, you may wait longer, but the actual processing time is short.

Some states mail the IDP to you instead of issuing it when ready. This usually takes three to seven business days. Your state DMV website will tell you whether your state issues on-site or by mail.

The cost ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state. A one-year IDP costs less than a three-year IDP in most states. The fee is paid at the time of process, and most offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards. AAA offices may charge a small additional fee if you are not an AAA member, but the difference is usually $2 to $5.

One-year versus three-year permits: which to choose

A one-year IDP costs less upfront and is useful if you are taking a single trip or are unsure whether you will drive internationally again soon. It expires one year from the date of issue.

A three-year IDP costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period. It is worth choosing if you plan to drive abroad more than once in the next three years or if you travel internationally regularly for work. It expires three years from the date of issue.

Both versions expire when your state driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your license expires in two years and you buy a three-year IDP, the IDP will stop being valid when your license expires. You will need to renew your license and obtain a new IDP at that time.

Choose based on your travel plans and how soon your license expires. If you are unsure, the one-year permit is the safer choice because you can always buy a three-year permit on your next trip if you need it.

What the IDP does and does not do

The IDP translates your driver's license information — your name, license number, date of birth, and restrictions — into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. Your underlying state license is what allows you to drive; the IDP straightforward makes that license readable to police and rental companies in other countries.

The IDP does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. Police in most countries will ask to see both your IDP and your original license. Rental companies will also require both before handing over a car.

The IDP is not a visa, work permit, or travel document. It does not grant you entry to any country or allow you to stay longer than your passport allows. You still need a valid passport and any required visas to travel internationally.

The IDP does not cover insurance or liability. Your car insurance policy must cover you in the countries where you plan to drive. Many U.S. insurance policies do not cover driving in Mexico or Canada, so contact your insurer before you travel to confirm coverage.

Countries that require or recommend an IDP

Most European countries recommend an IDP but do not strictly require it if you also carry your U.S. driver's license. However, police in countries like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy may fine you if you cannot produce an IDP when stopped, even if your U.S. license is valid. Having an IDP avoids this risk.

Mexico and Central American countries often require an IDP. Some rental companies in these countries will not rent to you without one, and police may not accept a U.S. license alone as proof of driving permission.

Australia, New Zealand, and Japan recommend an IDP but do not require it if your U.S. license is valid. However, rental companies in these countries often ask for one, and having it simplifies the rental process.

Check the specific rules for each country where you plan to drive before you travel. Your rental company will tell you whether an IDP is required, and your country's embassy website will have the official rules. Some countries have changed their requirements in recent years, so do not rely on information from old travel guides.

What to do if your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen abroad, you cannot obtain a replacement while you are traveling — IDPs are issued only by U.S. DMVs and AAA offices. If you still have your original state driver's license, you can usually continue driving, though rental companies may refuse to rent to you without an IDP.

Contact your state DMV from abroad to report the loss and ask whether you can obtain a replacement when you return home. Some states allow you to explore for a replacement IDP by mail once you are back in the United States, though this is not may provide.

To avoid this problem, make a photocopy of both your IDP and your driver's license and store it separately from the originals. If your IDP is lost, the photocopy can help you prove to rental companies and police that you had one, though it is not a legal substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Most European countries allow it, though police may fine you for not carrying an IDP. Mexico and Central America often require an IDP, and rental companies may refuse to rent to you without one. Check the rules for your specific destination before you travel.

How long does an IDP last if I renew my driver's license before it expires?

Your IDP expires when your driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If you renew your license before your three-year IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid on the date your old license expires. You will need to obtain a new IDP after you renew your license.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in another country?

Most rental companies in Europe, Mexico, and Central America require an IDP or will charge you a fee if you do not have one. Some companies in Australia and New Zealand recommend it but do not require it. Check with your rental company before you book to confirm their requirements.

Can I obtain an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your IDP is a translation of your current driver's license, so your license must be valid and unexpired. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it is reinstated. If it is expired, you must renew it first.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "international driver's license" refer to the same document. It is issued by your state DMV and is valid in over 150 countries.