You get an International Driving Permit from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not from a federal agency 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 works only alongside your actual license, and only in countries that recognize it. You obtain it through your state's DMV, usually in person, though a few states now offer mail-in or online ordering. The process takes between one day and two weeks depending on your state and whether you explore in person or by mail.

The IDP is issued by one of two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue permits under the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic. Your state DMV directs you to one or the other — you do not choose. Some states contract with AAA; others with AATA. A few allow both.

You will need your valid driver's license, a completed process form (provided by the issuing organization), one passport-sized photo, and a fee. The fee ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state and which organization issues it. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you request.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV is the only place to get an IDP; it is issued through either AAA or AATA, depending on your state.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license before you can obtain an IDP.
  • Most states require you to explore in person at a DMV office, though some accept mail-in applications or online orders.
  • The entire process costs between $15 and $30 and takes one day to two weeks, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years and must be carried together with your actual driver's license to be legal.

How to find your state's IDP issuer and process process

Start by contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. You can find the DMV website by searching "[your state] DMV" or by visiting your state government's main website. The DMV page will tell you whether your state issues IDPs through AAA, AATA, or both, and whether you can explore in person, by mail, or online.

If your state contracts with AAA, you can also visit an AAA office directly if you are a member. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount on the IDP fee. If your state uses AATA, you will explore through your DMV or, in some cases, directly through AATA's website.

Do not use third-party websites that claim to issue international driving permits for a higher fee. These services are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and their documents are not recognized in most countries. Stick to your state DMV or the official AAA or AATA channels.

What documents and information you will need to bring or submit

You will need your valid driver's license (not expired), a completed IDP process form, one passport-sized photo (usually 2x2 inches), and payment. Some states also require proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease. A few states ask for your Social Security number on the process.

The process form itself is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the vehicle classes you are licensed to drive. You fill it out by hand or online, depending on your state's process. If you are explore by mail, you will mail the form, photo, a copy of your license, and a check or money order to the address provided by your DMV.

If you are explore in person, bring the originals of everything listed above. The DMV or AAA office will take your photo on the spot in some cases, so you may not need to bring one — call ahead to confirm what your specific location requires.

In-person versus mail-in process timelines

In-person applications are the fastest route. You can walk into a DMV office or AAA location, complete the process on the spot, pay the fee, and receive your IDP the same day or within a few days. Some offices issue it when ready; others mail it to you within a week. Call your local DMV or AAA office before you go to confirm their turnaround time.

Mail-in applications take longer — typically one to two weeks from the time your process arrives at the processing center. You will mail your completed form, photo, license copy, and payment to the address provided. The DMV or AATA will process it and mail the permit back to you. Add time for mail delivery on both ends.

If you need the IDP urgently, in-person process is your only option. If you are planning a trip more than two weeks away, mail-in is usually safe. If your trip is sooner, visit a DMV office or AAA location in person.

Countries that recognize the International Driving Permit

The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. However, not every country recognizes it, and some countries require additional documents alongside it.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country where you will be driving. Contact that country's embassy or consulate, or visit its tourism board website. Some countries require an IDP plus a certified translation of your license, an International Certificate of Competency, or a separate national permit obtained in that country. A few countries do not recognize the IDP at all and require you to obtain a local driving permit instead.

The IDP does not replace your actual license — you must carry both documents together. If you are stopped by police, you will present your U.S. driver's license and your IDP. The IDP is the translation; the license is the legal document.

What the IDP does and does not cover

The IDP translates your license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. It lists your name, date of birth, license number, the classes of vehicles you are licensed to drive, and the expiration date of your U.S. license. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have — it straightforward makes your existing license readable to foreign authorities.

The IDP does not cover you if your U.S. license is suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license expires while you are abroad, your IDP expires with it. The IDP also does not override local traffic laws or insurance requirements. You are still responsible for following the speed limits, traffic signs, and insurance rules of the country where you are driving.

Rental car companies sometimes ask to see an IDP, but most accept a U.S. driver's license alone. Check with your rental company before you travel. Some insurance policies require an IDP for coverage abroad; others do not. Contact your insurance provider to confirm what they require.

Renewing or replacing an IDP

An IDP issued for one year expires one year from the date of issue. An IDP issued for three years expires three years from the date of issue. When your IDP expires, you will need to obtain a new one through the same process — contact your state DMV, submit a new process, and pay the fee again.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through your state DMV. The process and fee are the same as obtaining a new one. Some states allow you to request a replacement by mail; others require you to explore in person.

If your U.S. driver's license is renewed, your old IDP remains valid until its expiration date. You do not need to obtain a new IDP when your license is renewed. However, if your license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

Some states allow you to order an IDP online through their DMV website, but most require you to explore in person or by mail. Check your state DMV website to see whether online ordering is available in your state. If it is, you will still need to provide a photo and payment, usually by uploading a digital photo and paying by credit card.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can request either a one-year or three-year permit when you explore. Both are valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and the United States recognize each other's driver's licenses without an IDP. Mexico also recognizes a valid U.S. driver's license, though some rental car companies and insurance policies may request an IDP. Check with your rental company and insurance provider before you travel.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on how to proceed. You can also contact your state DMV from abroad to request an emergency replacement, though this may take time. Carry a photocopy of your IDP and your U.S. license as backup.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. An "international license" is not a real thing — if a website offers to sell you one, it is a scam. The only legitimate document is the IDP issued by your state DMV through AAA or AATA.