What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home country's license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your license is legitimate, because they can read your information even if they don't speak your language.

The IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority and is valid for one or three years, depending on which type you request. It costs between $15 and $30 in most U.S. states. You cannot get an IDP if your driver's license is suspended, expired, or restricted.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore for an IDP through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not through a travel agency or online service.
  • You need your valid driver's license, proof of identity, and a passport-style photo; requirements vary slightly by state.
  • The one-year IDP costs $15 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail, or you can get it same-day in person at some DMV offices.
  • An IDP is only useful outside your home country; it has no legal value within the United States.

Where to explore: Your State's DMV

You explore for an IDP directly through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through a travel company or third-party website. Each state handles IDP requests slightly differently, so the first step is to visit your state DMV's website and search for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP".

Most states allow you to explore in person at any DMV office, by mail, or sometimes online. explore in person is the fastest option — you can often walk out with your IDP the same day. explore by mail takes one to two weeks. A few states, including California and New York, allow online requests that you then pick up in person.

Before you go, call your local DMV office or check their website to confirm they issue IDPs. Some smaller offices do not, and you may need to visit a larger regional office instead.

Documents You Need to Bring

You will need your valid, unexpired driver's license, proof of your identity, and a passport-style photo. Most states require the photo to be 2 by 2 inches, in color, taken within the last six months, and showing your face straight-on with a plain background.

Proof of identity typically means your passport, but some states also accept a birth certificate, military ID, or state ID card. Check your state DMV's website for the exact list, because requirements vary. If you are explore by mail, you will need to include copies of these documents, not originals.

You do not need to prove citizenship or residency for an IDP — only that you hold a valid driver's license in that state. If your license is expired, suspended, or restricted, you cannot get an IDP until the license is renewed or the restriction is lifted.

The process Form and Fee

The process form is usually a single page, often called Form DL 43 or something similar depending on your state. You can read it from your state DMV website or pick one up at the office. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and the dates you want the IDP to cover.

You will choose between a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP. The one-year permit costs $15 to $30 in most states; the three-year permit costs slightly more. Payment is usually cash, check, or card, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail. If you explore by mail, include a check or money order — do not send cash.

Some states charge a small additional fee if you request expedited processing or want the IDP mailed to you rather than picked up in person. Ask about these options when you call the DMV.

What Happens After You explore

If you explore in person, you will receive your IDP when ready or within a few hours. The permit is a booklet about the size of a passport, printed in English and nine other languages. Check it on the spot to make sure your name, license number, and photo are correct.

If you explore by mail, your IDP will arrive in one to two weeks. The DMV will mail it to the address you provided on the form. Once it arrives, check it carefully — if there are errors, contact your state DMV right away to request a corrected copy.

Keep your IDP with your driver's license at all times when you are outside your home country. The IDP alone is not valid; you must have both documents. If your driver's license expires while you are traveling, your IDP becomes invalid too, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet.

When You Cannot Get an IDP and What to Do Instead

If your driver's license is expired or suspended, you cannot get an IDP. You will need to renew or restore your license first. If your license is restricted (for example, you can only drive during daylight hours), some states will still issue an IDP, but the restriction will be noted on it. Check with your state DMV about whether a restriction will prevent you from renting a car abroad.

If you are not a U.S. resident but hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you can still get an IDP from the state that issued your license. You will need to provide proof of your current address, which may be outside the United States.

If you do not have a driver's license at all, an IDP will not help you. Some countries require an International Driving Permit only if you plan to drive; others do not require one at all. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements — many European and Asian countries recognize U.S. licenses without an IDP, though having one removes any doubt.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

A one-year IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for three years. The expiration date is printed on the front of the booklet. Once it expires, it is no longer valid anywhere, even if you are still traveling.

If you plan to travel internationally more than once in the next few years, the three-year IDP is usually the better choice, even though it costs a bit more. You can renew an IDP by explore again through your state DMV using the same process — there is no separate renewal form.

If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot use an expired license to drive anywhere, and the IDP that goes with it is no longer valid either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online without going to the DMV?

A few states allow you to request an IDP online, but you still have to pick it up in person at a DMV office. No state mails an IDP without you visiting in person first or submitting documents by mail. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online for a higher fee are not legitimate — they cannot issue a real IDP.

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

Canada and Mexico both recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, an IDP can be useful if a police officer does not recognize your U.S. license or if you are renting a car and the company wants extra proof. It is not required, but it removes uncertainty.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact your state DMV and request a replacement. You can also contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling — they can sometimes issue a temporary letter confirming your license status while you wait for a replacement to be mailed. Keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup.

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

Most states require you to pick up your IDP in person to verify your identity and check for errors. A few states allow a family member or authorized representative to pick it up if you provide a signed letter. Call your DMV office to ask about their specific policy.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost in my state?

The cost ranges from $15 to $30 for a one-year permit and slightly more for a three-year permit. Your state DMV website will list the exact fee. Some states charge extra for expedited processing or mailing.