You get an international driver 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 valid driver license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive in other countries. You cannot order one online from a government website or mail it in. You must visit a DMV office in person, bring your valid state driver license and proof of identity, and pay a fee that typically ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state.

The IDP is not a replacement for your state license — it is a companion document that works only when you carry both together. Most countries that accept the IDP will not recognize it without your original license. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it does not extend your state license's expiration date.

You do not need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico, though some car rental companies may ask for one. The IDP is most useful in Europe, Asia, and other regions where rental agencies and police commonly request it.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your state's DMV office in person with your valid driver license and a government-issued ID to get an International Driving Permit.
  • The fee is typically $15 to $30 and the permit is valid for either one or three years, depending on which version you choose.
  • You must carry both your state license and the IDP together when driving internationally — the permit alone is not valid.
  • Processing usually takes minutes to an hour at the DMV counter, though some states allow you to order by mail if you already hold a valid license.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current, valid state driver license. This is the document the IDP translates, so it must not be expired or suspended. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it first before the DMV will issue an IDP.

Bring one form of government-issued photo identification. A passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. Some states accept a combination of documents if you do not have a second photo ID — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill — so call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what they will accept.

Bring proof of your current address if it differs from the address on your driver license. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually satisfies this requirement. Check your state's DMV website for the specific list of documents they accept.

How to find your state's DMV office and hours

Go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website. Every state DMV has a location finder tool where you enter your city or zip code and see nearby offices, their hours, and whether they offer IDP services. Some smaller offices do not issue IDPs, so the tool will tell you which ones do.

Call ahead before you visit. Many DMV offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some use appointment systems or have walk-in hours that differ from regular business hours. A quick phone call can save you a trip if the office is closed or has a long wait.

If your state allows mail-in IDP requests, the DMV website will explain the process and provide the form. You will still need to mail in your original driver license, so this option works only if you do not need to drive while the permit is being processed.

The difference between a one-year and three-year permit

A one-year IDP costs less than a three-year permit, usually by $5 to $10. Choose the one-year version if you are taking a single trip and do not plan to drive internationally again soon. The one-year permit is also useful if your driver license will expire within a year, since the IDP cannot outlast your license.

A three-year permit makes sense if you travel internationally multiple times or plan to rent cars abroad over the next few years. The per-year cost is lower, and you will not need to return to the DMV for another IDP when your first one expires — as long as your driver license remains valid.

Both versions are equally recognized by rental companies and law enforcement. The choice is purely about how long you expect to need it and how much you want to spend upfront.

What happens at the DMV counter

Hand your documents to the DMV clerk. They will verify that your driver license is valid and current, check your ID, and confirm your address. This usually takes a few minutes.

Tell the clerk whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. They will ask you to sign the process form, which is typically a single page. You will also be asked to confirm your name, date of birth, and license number.

Pay the fee. Most DMV offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards. You will receive your IDP when ready or within a few minutes — processing is fast because the permit is printed on-site. Some states mail it to you instead, in which case you will receive it within one to two weeks.

Using your IDP when you travel

Carry both your state driver license and your IDP together at all times when driving abroad. Police or rental companies will ask to see both documents. Presenting only the IDP will not work.

The IDP is written in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian, so it translates your license information into languages used across most countries. However, it is not a substitute for a license — it is a translation of your existing license.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive using your state license alone in most countries, though rental companies may refuse to rent to you. If you lose your state license, the IDP becomes useless. Keep both documents in separate places if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your state driver license must be valid and current. If it is expired or suspended, you must resolve that with the DMV first. Once your license is valid again, you can then request an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No, but some car rental companies prefer one. Canada and Mexico recognize your U.S. driver license without an IDP. However, checking your rental agreement or calling the rental company before you book can tell you whether they require or recommend an IDP for your specific reservation.

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

If you visit the DMV in person, you usually receive it the same day or within minutes. If you mail in your request, it typically arrives within one to two weeks. Check your state's DMV website for their specific processing time.

What if I need an IDP but my state DMV office is far away?

Some states allow you to request an IDP by mail if you already hold a valid driver license. Check your state DMV website for mail-in options. If your state does not offer mail service, you will need to visit an office in person — there is no federal alternative or private service that can issue a valid IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your state license. An international license does not exist as a standalone U.S. document. Some countries issue their own licenses to residents, but the U.S. does not issue a separate international license.