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 that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion to your existing state license, and you must carry both together when driving abroad. You cannot get one online or by mail from a private company. You must obtain it in person from your state's DMV office, and the process takes between one and five business days depending on your state.

The IDP is issued under two international conventions: the 1926 convention and the 1968 convention. Most countries recognize both, but a few recognize only the 1968 version. Your state DMV will issue whichever version applies to the countries you plan to visit, or both if you request it. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which convention it follows.

Not every country requires an IDP. Many European nations, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand accept your U.S. driver's license alone. However, some countries in Central America, South America, Africa, and Asia either require an IDP or make driving significantly easier if you have one. Before you book a trip, check the specific requirements for the country and rental car company you plan to use — rental agencies often have stricter rules than the country itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your state DMV in person with your valid driver's license and proof of residency to get an IDP; no online or mail-order service can issue one.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state and is valid for either one or three years.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your original state driver's license when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, so check the specific rules for your destination and rental car company before explore.
  • Processing takes one to five business days at most DMV offices, though some states offer same-day service if you arrive early.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current, valid state driver's license. This is non-negotiable — you cannot get an IDP without an active license. Bring one form of proof of residency issued within the last 60 days: a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. A credit card statement does not count as proof of residency in most states.

Bring a completed process form. Most states use their own form, which you can read from the DMV website or pick up at the office. Some states use the AAA form (the American Automobile Association is an authorized issuer in many states), which you can also read or request by mail. Check your state's DMV website to see which form is required and whether you can fill it out ahead of time.

Bring a passport or passport card if you have one. Some states do not require it, but having it speeds up the process and helps if the DMV needs to verify your identity. Bring cash or a debit card — not all DMV offices accept credit cards, and some charge a small fee for card payments.

How to find your state DMV office and check processing times

Go to your state's official DMV website. Search for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP" on that site — most states have a dedicated page listing the exact documents needed, the fee, and which offices issue them. Not every DMV office issues IDPs, so the website will tell you which locations do.

Call the office before you go. Ask whether they issue IDPs, what their current wait time is, and whether they can issue it the same day or if you need to return later. Some offices issue IDPs on the spot if you arrive early in the morning. Others require you to come back in three to five days. This varies by office and by how busy they are that week.

Many states allow you to make an appointment online through their DMV website. If your state offers this, book an appointment for IDP service specifically — a general license renewal appointment may not include IDP processing. If your state does not offer online appointments, arrive at the office 30 minutes before it opens to get a lower number in the queue.

The American Automobile Association as an alternative issuer

The AAA (American Automobile Association) is an authorized issuer of IDPs in most U.S. states. If you are an AAA member, you can get an IDP at your local AAA office without going to the DMV. The fee is usually $20 to $25 for AAA members, compared to $15 to $30 at the DMV depending on your state. Processing time is typically the same: one to five business days, though some AAA offices offer same-day service.

You still need the same documents: your valid driver's license, proof of residency, and a completed process form. AAA uses the same international forms that the DMV uses, so the IDP you receive is identical to one issued by the state. The advantage is convenience — AAA offices are often in more locations than DMV offices and may have shorter wait times.

Not all states allow AAA to issue IDPs. Check whether AAA is authorized in your state by visiting the AAA website or calling your local office. If you are not an AAA member, membership costs $50 to $150 per year depending on the membership level, so getting an IDP at the DMV is cheaper unless you plan to use other AAA services.

What happens after you receive your IDP

Your IDP will arrive as a small booklet, usually about the size of a passport. It contains your name, driver's license number, photograph (usually copied from your license), and the same information printed in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. The booklet also lists any restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses or automatic transmission only.

Keep your IDP with your passport and travel documents. You must carry it together with your original state driver's license when you drive abroad — neither document is valid without the other. If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact your country's embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide a letter confirming you hold a valid U.S. license, which some rental car companies and police will accept temporarily.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the back cover. If you plan to drive abroad again after that date, you will need to get a new one. You can renew it at the same DMV office or AAA location using the same process. Some states allow you to renew by mail if your driver's license has not changed, but most require you to appear in person again.

Countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP

An IDP is required or strongly recommended in much of Central and South America, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil. Many African countries require one, including South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya. In Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia either require one or make it much easier to rent a car if you have one. In the Middle East, some countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia require an IDP.

In Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, your U.S. driver's license alone is usually sufficient. However, some car rental companies in these regions require an IDP even if the country does not. This is a company policy, not a legal requirement. Always check with your rental car company before you book — they will tell you whether they require an IDP for your destination.

Some countries accept an IDP but also require a separate document, such as a carnet de passage (a customs document for vehicles) or a green card (international motor insurance certificate). These are separate from the IDP and must be obtained through different channels. Research your specific destination thoroughly before you travel.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Do not assume your IDP is valid without your state driver's license. Many travelers carry only the IDP and leave their state license at home. If you are stopped by police, the IDP alone will not satisfy them — you must have both documents. This is the single most common mistake and can result in a fine or even confiscation of your vehicle.

Do not wait until the week before your trip to get an IDP. Processing takes one to five business days, and if the office is busy or your process has an error, it can take longer. explore at least two weeks before you travel. If you are leaving sooner, call the DMV office directly and ask if they can expedite it — some offices will if you explain the situation.

Do not assume your IDP is valid in every country. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with the U.S. and accept the IDP automatically. Others do not recognize it at all. A few accept it but also require additional documents. Your rental car company's website will usually have this information, or you can contact the country's embassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. You must obtain an IDP in person at a DMV office or authorized AAA location. Any website claiming to issue an IDP by mail or online is not legitimate. The only exception is renewal in a few states, which may allow mail-in renewal if your driver's license has not changed.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for either one or three years depending on which international convention it is issued under. Your state DMV will tell you which applies to your destination. Most IDPs issued in the U.S. are valid for three years.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Europe?

Not legally. Canada, most European countries, Australia, and New Zealand accept your U.S. driver's license alone. However, some rental car companies require an IDP as a company policy even if the country does not. Check with your rental company before you book.

What if my driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP is only valid if your state driver's license is also valid. If your license expires during your trip, your IDP becomes invalid at the same moment. Renew your license before you travel if it will expire within six months of your trip.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. You must have a valid, active driver's license to get an IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until it is reinstated.