You get an international driver's license through 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 U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that works only when you carry your valid U.S. license with it. You cannot get one by mail, through a website, or from a private company. You must go in person to your state's DMV office, bring your current driver's license and a passport-style photo, and pay a fee that typically ranges from $15 to $30.

The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It does not replace your state license and does not give you driving rights you do not already have — it straightforward makes your existing license readable to police and rental agencies in countries that recognize it. About 150 countries accept the IDP, but some do not, so you should check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your state's DMV office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment to get an International Driving Permit.
  • The IDP is not a separate license — it is a translation document that must be carried together with your U.S. driver's license at all times.
  • Processing takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks depending on your state's DMV, so plan ahead if you have a travel date.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $30 and is valid for either one or three years, depending on which version you request.
  • Not all countries recognize the IDP, so you should verify that your destination country accepts it before you travel.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license. This is the only document the DMV absolutely requires — the IDP cannot be issued without it. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it first before you can get the permit.

You also need one passport-style photo, typically 2 by 2 inches. Most DMV offices will take the photo for you on the spot for a small fee if you do not have one, so this is not a barrier if you arrive without it. Some states allow you to use a digital photo from your phone, but policies vary, so call your local office first if you want to avoid a second trip.

Bring payment in cash or card — most DMV offices take both, though a few rural locations may be cash-only. Have your fee ready: $15 to $30 depending on your state and whether you want the one-year or three-year version.

How to find your state's DMV office and check processing time

Search online for "[your state] DMV International Driving Permit" or go directly to your state's DMV website. Every state has a different web address and process, so a generic DMV.gov site will not work — you need your specific state's office.

Once you find your state's DMV site, look for a section labeled "International Driving Permit," "IDP," or "Driving Abroad." This page will tell you the fee, what photo format is accepted, and whether you can walk in or need an appointment. Some states require an appointment; others take walk-ins. A few states allow you to mail in your process, though this is rare and takes longer.

Call your local DMV office directly to ask how long processing takes. In many states, you can walk out with the permit the same day. In others, it takes one to three weeks. If you are leaving soon, ask whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.

What happens at the DMV when you explore

You will fill out a short form — usually one page — that asks for your name, address, license number, and travel dates. The form is straightforward and takes five minutes. The DMV staff will verify that your driver's license is valid and not suspended, check your photo, take payment, and hand you the permit or give you a receipt with a pickup date.

The IDP itself is a small booklet, about the size of a passport. It contains your name, photo, license number, and the same information from your U.S. license printed in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, and Japanese. There is nothing complicated about it — it is purely a translation tool.

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

The one-year permit costs less (usually $15 to $20) and is useful if you travel internationally only once or twice. The three-year permit costs more (usually $25 to $30) but makes sense if you travel regularly or plan multiple trips over the next few years.

Neither permit extends your U.S. driver's license. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless — you must have a valid U.S. license to use it. So if your U.S. license expires in two years, a three-year IDP will outlive it. Check your license expiration date before you decide.

Countries that accept the International Driving Permit

Most developed countries accept the IDP: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most of Europe. Many countries in Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia also accept it. However, some countries do not recognize it at all, and a few require additional documents like an International Driving Permit issued by a different organization.

Before you travel, search "[country name] International Driving Permit" or contact the country's embassy or tourism board to confirm. Some car rental agencies will rent to you with only your U.S. license, while others require the IDP. Checking ahead prevents a problem at the rental counter.

If your destination does not accept the IDP, you may need an official translation of your U.S. license from a certified translator, or you may need to obtain a temporary local permit. These requirements vary widely by country, so research your specific destination.

What to do if your state's DMV does not offer the IDP

A small number of states do not issue the IDP directly. If your state is one of them, you have two options. First, contact your state's DMV and ask where residents can get one — some states direct you to a specific office or partner organization. Second, if your state truly does not offer it, you can get one through the American Automobile Association (AAA). You do not need to be a AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount. AAA charges a fee (typically $20 to $25) and requires the same documents: your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo.

AAA offices are in most cities and towns, and processing is usually faster than the DMV in some areas. You can find your nearest AAA office on their website and call ahead to confirm they have the IDP in stock and what their current processing time is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a valid U.S. driver's license?

No. The IDP is a translation of your U.S. license, not a replacement for it. Your U.S. license must be current and valid. If your license is expired or suspended, you must renew or resolve the suspension first.

Do I need the IDP if I am renting a car in another country?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental agencies require it; others do not. Many will rent to you with only your U.S. license, though they may charge a higher rate or require additional insurance. Call the rental company before you book to find out their specific requirement.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact your state's DMV or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You can usually get a replacement by mail or in person, though it may take time. In the meantime, your U.S. driver's license alone is still valid in most countries, even without the IDP translation.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

Processing time varies by state. Many DMV offices issue it the same day you explore. Others take one to three weeks. Call your local DMV office to ask their current processing time before you visit, especially if you have a travel date coming up.

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

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "International License" are used interchangeably. It is not a separate license — it is a translation document that must be carried with your U.S. driver's license.