You get an international driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not from a federal office

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your regular driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in other countries. You do not get it from the U.S. State Department or any international body. You get it from your own state's DMV — the same place you renewed your regular license.

The process is straightforward: you visit your DMV in person, bring your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo, pay a fee (usually $15 to $30, depending on your state), and walk out with the permit the same day or within a few days. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose, and it is only useful if you also carry your actual driver's license — the IDP alone means nothing to a police officer or rental car company.

Not every country requires an IDP, and some do not recognize it at all. Before you book a trip, check the specific country's requirements on its embassy website or ask your rental car company what they need. Many European countries, for example, accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP. Others, like Japan and China, require one.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person to get an International Driving Permit; there is no online or mail-only route.
  • Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo, and payment (typically $15 to $30) — requirements vary slightly by state.
  • The permit is valid for one or three years and must be carried together with your regular driver's license to be legal.
  • Not all countries require or recognize an IDP, so confirm the rules for your destination before you travel.
  • You can get an IDP only if you hold a valid driver's license; you cannot get one as a standalone document.

What documents and photos you need to bring

Your state's DMV will require your current, valid driver's license — expired licenses do not work. You will also need one passport-style photo, typically 2 by 2 inches. Some states accept photos from a photo booth or a recent passport photo; others are stricter about background color and lighting. Call your local DMV before you go to confirm whether your photo will be accepted, or bring two photos to be safe.

Bring a form of payment — cash, debit card, or credit card, depending on what your DMV accepts. Some states let you pay online before you arrive, which can speed up the visit. A few states also ask for proof of your state residency, such as a utility bill or lease, though most do not. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list before you go.

How long it takes and when you can use it

Most states issue the IDP on the spot or mail it to you within a week. A few states take longer — up to two weeks — so plan ahead if you are leaving soon. The permit itself is valid for either one year or three years depending on which option you choose at the DMV. The three-year permit costs more but is better value if you travel internationally more than once.

The IDP is only legal when you carry it together with your actual driver's license. If a police officer stops you in another country and you show only the IDP, it is not valid. The permit is also not a substitute for your license in your home state — you still need your regular license to drive in the U.S.

Differences between states

Every state's DMV issues IDPs, but the fee, photo requirements, and processing time vary. California charges $20 and processes most permits the same day. New York charges $30 and may take up to two weeks. Some states allow you to renew an IDP by mail if it is expiring soon; others require you to visit in person every time.

The easiest way to find your state's exact rules is to visit your state DMV's website and search for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP." If the website is unclear, call the DMV directly — they can tell you exactly what to bring and how long it will take. Do not rely on third-party websites that claim to issue IDPs for you; those are not legitimate, and you will waste money.

Countries that require or recognize an IDP

Many countries in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, countries including Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, and several Middle Eastern nations require an IDP by law. Some countries, like Mexico and Canada, technically do not require one but rental car companies often ask for it anyway.

The safest approach is to get an IDP before any international trip, even if you are not sure it is required. The cost is low, and having it prevents problems at a rental counter or with a police officer. Check the specific country's government website or call the rental car company you plan to use — they will tell you what they need.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP translates your driver's license information into ten languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish). It does not change your driving record, your insurance coverage, or your legal status to drive. It is purely a translation tool so that a foreign police officer or rental car agent can read your license information.

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you would not otherwise be allowed to drive. If you are too young to drive in a particular country, or if your license is suspended, an IDP will not override those rules. It also does not replace travel insurance or international car insurance — you still need to arrange those separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your regular driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP. If it is expired, renew it first at your DMV, then explore for the IDP.

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

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, but many rental car companies ask for one anyway. Call the rental company before your trip to confirm what they need. Having an IDP costs little and can prevent a problem at the counter.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can choose either one year or three years when you explore at the DMV. The three-year permit costs more but is better value if you travel internationally more than once. After it expires, you must visit the DMV again to get a new one.

Can I get an IDP online or by mail?

No. You must visit your state's DMV in person. Some states let you pay online before you arrive, but you still have to show up with your license and photo. No legitimate online service can issue an IDP for you.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide a letter confirming you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. That letter may help you with a rental car company or police officer. When you return home, visit your DMV to get a new IDP.