You cannot get an international driver's license entirely online
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your regular driver's license into ten languages so rental car companies and police in other countries can read it. You can start the process online and submit some paperwork by mail, but you must appear in person at a final step — either at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles office or at an AAA location if your state allows it.
The reason for the in-person requirement is that someone needs to verify your identity and your current driver's license before they issue the permit. No state allows this to happen entirely through a website or email.
The fastest route is usually through AAA if you are a member, because AAA can issue the permit the same day you visit. The DMV route takes longer but costs less and works whether or not you belong to AAA.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit requires an in-person visit to either your state DMV or an AAA office, even though you can fill out the form online beforehand.
- AAA members can often get the permit the same day they visit an AAA office, while DMV processing usually takes one to two weeks.
- You need your current, valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a recent color photo (usually passport-sized) to complete the process.
- The permit costs between $15 and $30 depending on which route you choose, and it is valid for one or three years depending on your age and your state.
- An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — you must carry both documents when driving abroad.
What an International Driving Permit actually does
The permit is a booklet that contains your name, photo, and driving information printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. When a police officer or rental car agent in another country looks at it, they can read your license class, restrictions, and expiration date without needing a translator.
It does not give you permission to drive in another country — your home country's driver's license does that. The permit straightforward makes your license readable to people who do not speak English. Some countries require it by law; others do not. Before you travel, check the specific country's rules on their government website or through your car rental company.
The permit is valid only while your home driver's license is valid. If your license expires, the permit expires too, even if the permit itself has time remaining.
Getting the form and documents ready before you visit
Start by gathering the documents you will need: your current, valid driver's license; a passport or passport card; and a recent color photograph (usually 2 by 2 inches, passport-sized). Some states accept digital photos you print yourself; others require a photo from a professional photographer. Check your state DMV website to see which they accept.
Next, read the International Driving Permit process form from your state's DMV website. The form is usually called "process for International Driving Permit" or "IDP process." Fill it out completely at home — this step you can do online or on paper. You will need to enter your driver's license number, your full legal name, your date of birth, and your address.
If you are going through AAA instead of the DMV, you can read the AAA form from AAA.com. AAA uses a slightly different form, but the information required is the same. You do not need to be a AAA member to get the permit through AAA in most states, though membership sometimes gives you a small discount.
explore through your state DMV
Bring your completed process, your driver's license, your passport or passport card, your photo, and the process fee to your local DMV office. The fee ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state and whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. Call ahead to confirm your office accepts International Driving Permit applications — not all DMV locations do.
The DMV staff will verify your identity, check your driver's license, and attach your photo to the process. They will then send your paperwork to the state office that issues the permit. Processing usually takes one to two weeks, and the permit will be mailed to your home address.
Some states allow you to renew an International Driving Permit by mail if your previous one is still valid, but you cannot get an initial permit that way. You must visit in person the first time.
explore through AAA
If you choose AAA, visit a local AAA office with the same documents: your completed AAA process form, your driver's license, your passport or passport card, and your photo. AAA charges between $15 and $20 for the permit, depending on whether you want one year or three years of validity.
AAA can issue the permit on the spot in most cases, meaning you walk out with it the same day. This makes AAA the faster choice if you are leaving soon. Not all states allow AAA to issue permits — check AAA.com or call your local office to confirm your state participates in the AAA program.
AAA membership is not required, though members sometimes receive a small discount. If you are not a member, you can still visit an AAA office and request the permit process service.
Timing and validity of your permit
An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which you choose when you explore. The cost difference is small — usually $5 to $10 more for three years — so most people choose the longer validity in case they travel again.
The permit expires on the date printed on it, or when your home driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your license expires in two years and you buy a three-year permit, the permit will only be good for two years. You cannot renew just the permit; you must renew your driver's license first, then get a new permit.
If you are traveling within the next week or two, the AAA route is your only option because DMV processing takes longer. If you have more time, either route works, and the DMV is usually cheaper.
What to do if you lose your permit while traveling
If your International Driving Permit is lost or stolen abroad, contact your country's embassy or consulate. They can issue a temporary replacement that is valid for a limited time, usually until you return home. You will need to show your passport and explain what happened.
When you return home, you can get a new permit by visiting the DMV or AAA again with your driver's license and passport. There is usually no extra fee — you straightforward explore as if it were your first time. Keep a photo of your permit on your phone or email it to yourself as a backup in case the physical copy goes missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?
Requirements vary by country and rental company. Some European countries legally require it; others do not. Your rental car company will tell you whether they need it when you book. It is safer to have one than to arrive and discover you cannot rent without it.
Can I drive with just the International Driving Permit and no regular license?
No. You must carry both your home country's driver's license and the International Driving Permit together. The permit is only a translation aid — it does not replace your regular license.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit through the DMV?
DMV processing usually takes one to two weeks from the day you visit. AAA can issue it the same day in most states. If you are leaving within a week, AAA is your only realistic option.
What if my driver's license is expired?
You must renew your driver's license first. An International Driving Permit cannot be issued on an expired license, and it will expire when your license does anyway.
Is the International Driving Permit the same as an International License?
Yes — "International Driving Permit" and "International License" refer to the same document. The official name is International Driving Permit, but people use both terms. It is not a separate license; it is a translation document that works alongside your regular license.