You get an International Driving Permit from your state's DMV, not from a separate federal office

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, and some countries do not recognize it at all. You obtain it from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the same office that issued your regular license.

The process takes between one and three weeks in most states, though some offer same-day service at certain locations. You will need your current driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed process form. The cost ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state. If you are traveling soon, check your state's DMV website first — some states allow you to order an IDP by mail, while others require you to visit in person.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit comes from your state's DMV and must be used together with your regular U.S. driver's license.
  • You will need your current driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and a completed process form.
  • Processing takes one to three weeks in most states, though some locations offer same-day service.
  • The cost is between $15 and $30, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on your state.
  • Not all countries recognize the IDP, so check your destination country's requirements before you travel.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

You must bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license. An expired license will not work. You also need a passport or passport card — a state ID card or birth certificate is not sufficient for this purpose.

You will need to complete an process form, which varies by state. Most states use a form called the process for an International Driving Permit, but the exact name and format differ. read the form from your state's DMV website before you go, or ask for it when you arrive. Bring a pen to fill it out on the spot if you prefer.

Some states require a passport-style photo, while others do not. Check your state's specific requirements on its DMV website before you visit. Bringing an extra photo is safer than making a second trip if one is needed.

How to find your state's DMV and check processing times

Go to your state's official DMV website and search for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP." The website will tell you whether your state offers this service, what the current processing time is, and whether you can explore by mail or must visit in person.

Some states, including California, New York, and Texas, allow you to order an IDP by mail. You send in your process, driver's license copy, passport copy, and payment. Others, like Florida and Illinois, require you to visit a DMV office in person. A few states do not offer IDPs at all — in those cases, you can obtain one through the American Automobile Association (AAA), which is authorized to issue them on behalf of the state.

Call your local DMV office directly if the website does not clearly state the processing time. Ask specifically whether they have same-day service or whether you need to schedule an appointment. Some busy locations have long waits, while smaller offices may serve you when ready.

Getting an IDP through AAA if your state does not offer it

If your state's DMV does not issue International Driving Permits, you can obtain one through the American Automobile Association (AAA). You do not need to be a AAA member to purchase an IDP from them, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

Visit an AAA office in person with your driver's license, passport, and a completed process form. AAA can issue the permit on the spot in most locations — you will walk out with it the same day. The cost is typically $20, though this varies slightly by location. If there is no AAA office near you, some AAA branches allow you to order by mail, though processing takes longer.

Call your nearest AAA office before you visit to confirm they have the permit in stock and to ask about their current wait times. AAA locations are often less crowded than DMV offices, making them a faster option even in states where the DMV does offer the service.

What the IDP covers and what it does not

An International Driving Permit translates your name, address, driver's license number, and driving restrictions into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It shows the vehicle classes you are licensed to drive and any medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required).

The IDP does not change your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where you would not be allowed to drive with your regular license. It is purely a translation document. Many countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, do recognize it, but others do not — some countries accept only your U.S. license, while a few accept neither and require you to obtain an international license from them.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country, or check their official tourism website. Some countries require both your U.S. license and an IDP, some require only your U.S. license, and some require neither.

How long the permit is valid and when to renew it

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on your state. Check your state's DMV website to see which term your state issues. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself.

The IDP expires on its printed date regardless of whether your U.S. driver's license is still valid. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, you must renew your license — the IDP becomes invalid once your U.S. license expires. If your IDP expires before your license does, you can renew the IDP by returning to the DMV or AAA with the same documents you used the first time.

If you are traveling frequently or for an extended period, a three-year permit is more practical than a one-year permit. Some states allow you to choose the term length when you explore, while others issue only one term. Ask when you submit your process.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling

If your International Driving Permit is lost or stolen while you are outside the United States, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are located. They can issue you a replacement document that will work temporarily, though it is not the same as the original IDP.

You will still need your original U.S. driver's license to drive legally. If you lose both your license and your IDP, contact the embassy when ready. Do not attempt to drive without either document, as you will be driving without a valid license under that country's law.

When you return to the United States, visit your state's DMV to obtain a replacement IDP using the same process as your first process. Bring your current driver's license, passport, and the process form. Report the loss to your state's DMV in writing if they request it, though most do not require a formal report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe or other countries?

Requirements vary by country and rental company. Some European countries require both your U.S. license and an IDP, some require only your U.S. license, and a few require neither. Most major rental companies will tell you their requirements when you book. Contact your rental company and the embassy of your destination country before you travel to confirm what you need.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my U.S. driver's license?

No. The IDP is only a translation document and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police, you must show both documents. Carrying only the IDP without your license is the same as driving without a license.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The cost ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state. AAA charges approximately $20. Some states charge less for a one-year permit and more for a three-year permit. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

Can I renew my IDP by mail?

Some states allow mail renewal, while others require you to visit in person. Check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office to ask whether you can renew by mail. If your state does not offer mail renewal, you can visit the DMV in person or use AAA if they operate in your state.

What if my destination country does not recognize the International Driving Permit?

Some countries do not recognize the IDP and accept only your U.S. driver's license. A few countries require you to obtain an international license from them directly. Check the official government website or embassy of your destination country before you travel. If they do not recognize the IDP, you will drive using only your U.S. license.