International driver's licenses in Elizabeth are issued through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, not through the DMV

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Colorado driver's license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. In Elizabeth, you obtain one through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office located in El Paso County, not through the standard DMV channels.

The process takes about 15 minutes if you walk in with the right documents, and the permit costs $20. It is valid for one year from the date of issue. You cannot renew it by mail — you must appear in person each time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in El Paso County issues International Driving Permits, not your local DMV.
  • You need your valid Colorado driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
  • The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year, after which you must return in person to renew it.
  • Some car rental companies abroad require an IDP even if your U.S. license is valid, so check with your rental agency before traveling.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current, valid Colorado driver's license. You will also need a completed process for an International Driving Permit — you can fill this out at home or at the office. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle information, though the vehicle details are optional for an IDP.

You must also provide one passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches. This is the same size photo used for passports and visas. You can get these taken at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) or at a local portrait studio. Do not use a photo from your phone or a regular snapshot — it will be rejected.

Bring cash or a card. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife office accepts both, though calling ahead to confirm their current payment methods is wise.

Where the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office is located

The office that issues International Driving Permits in El Paso County is the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region Office, located at 6060 Broadway, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. This is about 25 miles south of Elizabeth. There is no Parks and Wildlife office in Elizabeth itself.

Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you should call ahead at (719) 227-5200 to confirm current hours before driving down. Some state offices have adjusted their schedules, and a 25-mile trip wasted is frustrating.

Parking is available on-site. The office is not in a mall or shopping center — it is a standalone state building, so you will not have trouble finding it once you arrive.

How long the process takes and when you get your permit

The actual issuance takes 10 to 15 minutes if you arrive with all documents complete and correct. You fill out the form, provide your photo, pay the $20 fee, and walk out with your permit in hand. There is no waiting period or mailing delay.

If you are missing a document — for example, if your photo does not meet the size requirement — the office will tell you what is needed and you will have to return another day. This is why calling ahead or arriving early in the day is smart: if there is a problem, you have time to fix it.

Your permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. Mark that date on your calendar. You cannot renew by mail or online — you must return to the office in person.

What to do if you need the permit before you can visit Colorado Springs

If you are traveling soon and cannot reach the Colorado Springs office, you have two options. First, you can mail your process, photo, and $20 check to the Northeast Region Office at the address above, along with a copy of your driver's license. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks, so this works only if your trip is not imminent.

Second, if you are out of state, some AAA offices in other states issue International Driving Permits on behalf of Colorado. You can call your local AAA chapter to ask whether they offer this service. Not all do, and they may charge an additional fee, but it can save you a trip back to Colorado.

Why some rental car companies require an IDP even though your U.S. license is valid

Your Colorado driver's license is legal to drive with in most countries, but many car rental agencies — especially in Europe, Asia, and Latin America — will not rent to you without an International Driving Permit. The IDP is not a legal requirement in most places; it is a business requirement set by the rental company.

The reason is straightforward: the IDP translates your license information into ten languages, which makes it easier for police officers and rental agencies to verify your identity and driving status if you are stopped or if there is an accident. Without it, a rental agent may refuse the reservation even though you have a valid U.S. license.

Before you book a rental car abroad, check the rental company's website or call them directly and ask whether an IDP is required. If it is, you will need to obtain one before you leave Colorado.

Renewing your permit when it expires

When your one-year permit expires, you must return to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in person with the same documents: your updated driver's license (if you have renewed it), a new passport-style photo, the completed process form, and $20. There is no way to renew by mail or online.

If you are out of state when your permit expires and you need a new one, you will have to plan a trip back to Colorado or use the mail-in option, which takes two to three weeks. This is why many travelers obtain a new IDP before each trip rather than waiting until the old one expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my Colorado license is suspended or expired?

No. Your Colorado driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP. You must renew or reinstate your driver's license first through the DMV, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may still request one, so check with your rental agency. An IDP is most commonly required in Europe, Asia, and South America.

What if my passport-style photo does not meet the requirements?

The office will reject it and tell you what is wrong — usually the size, background color, or your expression. You will need to get a new photo taken and return. This is why arriving early in the day is helpful: if there is a problem, you can sometimes get a new photo taken the same day at a nearby pharmacy.

Can someone else pick up my International Driving Permit for me?

No. You must appear in person to receive your permit. The office will not issue it to a family member or friend, even with written permission. This is a security requirement.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that supplements your U.S. license. An "International License" is not a real thing — if someone offers to sell you one online, it is a scam. Your Colorado driver's license plus an IDP is all you need to drive legally abroad.