You get an International Driving Permit from 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 valid driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual state-issued driver's license, and you must carry both together when driving abroad. Most countries that recognize it do so because it helps police and rental companies verify your driving record without needing a translator.

You obtain an IDP directly from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not from the federal government, not from an international body, and not from any private company. The process is straightforward: you visit in person with your valid driver's license, proof of citizenship or legal residency, a passport-style photo, and a fee. Most states charge between $15 and $30. You walk out with the permit the same day or within a few days, depending on whether your DMV processes them on-site.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue in most countries, though some states print them valid for three years. You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online — you must return to the DMV in person when it expires if you need another one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV is the only legitimate source for an International Driving Permit; private websites and services that claim to issue them are not recognized by most countries.
  • You must bring your valid state driver's license, proof of citizenship or legal residency, a passport-style photo, and payment to your DMV office in person.
  • The permit is valid for one to three years depending on your state and costs $15 to $30, with no mail-in or online option.
  • An IDP is only useful when carried together with your actual driver's license; either document alone is not sufficient for driving abroad.
  • Not all countries recognize or require an IDP, so check the specific rules for your destination before obtaining one.

Which state DMV office to visit and what documents to bring

You must visit the DMV office in the state where your driver's license was issued. If you hold a California license, you go to a California DMV office. If you hold a New York license, you go to a New York DMV office. You cannot obtain an IDP from a state where you do not hold a license.

Bring these documents in person: your valid driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and a passport-style photo (usually 2x2 inches, color or black and white). Some states also accept a digital photo taken on-site. Bring your payment method — most DMVs accept cash, debit, and credit cards, though a few still require exact change or check.

Call your local DMV office or check its website before you go. Some offices issue IDPs on a walk-in basis; others require an appointment. A few states have specific days or hours when they process international permits. Waiting times vary widely — some offices complete the transaction in 15 minutes, while others may take an hour or more during peak times.

How long the process takes and when you can use the permit

Most DMVs issue the IDP the same day you explore, provided you bring all required documents and the office has photo equipment on-site. You leave with the permit in hand. A small number of offices mail the permit within 5 to 10 business days if they do not process photos in-house.

The IDP becomes valid when ready upon issue. You can use it for international travel as soon as you receive it. However, it is only valid when presented together with your state driver's license — a rental car company or police officer will not accept the IDP alone. Both documents must be current and valid.

The permit itself does not expire until the date printed on it, which is typically one year from issue in most states, though some states print three-year permits. Once it expires, you must return to the DMV to obtain a new one if you plan to drive abroad again.

Countries that recognize the International Driving Permit

Most countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East recognize the IDP as a valid supporting document. This includes the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. However, recognition is not universal, and some countries have specific rules about how old your IDP can be or whether they require additional documentation.

Some countries do not recognize the IDP at all and require you to obtain an official translation of your driver's license from a certified translator or their own government office. A few countries require both an IDP and a separate national driving permit. Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country to confirm what documents they require for driving.

Rental car companies often have their own policies separate from national law. Many major rental chains worldwide accept an IDP, but some require an International Driving Permit plus a credit card and passport. A few rental companies in certain countries require an official translation or a local driving permit in addition to your U.S. license. Check with your rental company before you book.

Private websites and services claiming to issue international permits

Several private websites advertise "International Driving Permits" or "International Driver's Licenses" that can be obtained online for a fee. These documents are not legitimate. They are not recognized by any government, police force, or major rental car company. Presenting one to a police officer or rental agent abroad may result in confusion, delay, or refusal to rent a vehicle.

The only legitimate IDP is issued by your state's DMV. If a website claims you can obtain an international permit without visiting a DMV office in person, it is not offering a real document. Some of these services may provide a translation of your license information or a wallet card, which has no legal standing outside the United States.

If you are considering paying a private service to obtain an international permit, save your money and visit your DMV instead. The cost is lower, the document is recognized worldwide, and you will have it the same day.

What to do if your state DMV does not offer International Driving Permits

A very small number of states do not issue IDPs through their DMV. If your state is one of them, you have two options: obtain a certified translation of your driver's license from a professional translator, or contact the American Automobile Association (AAA). AAA is an authorized issuer of International Driving Permits in the United States and can issue one on behalf of your state, even if your state DMV does not.

To obtain an IDP through AAA, you must be a member. Visit an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, proof of citizenship or legal residency, a passport-style photo, and payment. AAA charges a fee similar to the DMV (typically $15 to $20) and issues the permit the same day in most cases. AAA offices are located in most major cities and many smaller towns across the country.

If neither your state DMV nor AAA is an option, a certified translation of your driver's license from a professional translator is recognized in many countries as an alternative to an IDP. However, this is not as widely accepted as an official IDP, so confirm with your destination country before relying on a translation alone.

Renewing or replacing an expired or lost International Driving Permit

If your IDP has expired, you must return to your state DMV (or AAA, if you obtained it through them) to obtain a new one. There is no renewal by mail or online. Bring the same documents you brought the first time: your valid driver's license, proof of citizenship or legal residency, a passport-style photo, and payment. The process is identical to obtaining your first IDP.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling, you cannot replace it abroad. Contact your state DMV or AAA from your destination to request an emergency replacement, though this is not always possible depending on where you are. When you return to the United States, visit your DMV or AAA office to obtain a new permit. Bring your valid driver's license and the same supporting documents as before.

If your state driver's license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if the IDP itself has not expired. The two documents must both be current and valid to be used together. If you renew your driver's license, you do not automatically get a new IDP — you must obtain a new IDP separately if you still need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada and Mexico recognize the IDP, but it is not always required. Many travelers drive in both countries with only their U.S. driver's license. However, having an IDP can reduce confusion with police or rental companies, especially if your license is damaged or hard to read. Check the specific rules for the region you plan to visit, as some provinces or states have different requirements.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my regular driver's license?

No. The IDP is a supplement to your driver's license, not a replacement. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. Presenting only the IDP to a police officer or rental company is not sufficient and may cause problems.

How long does an International Driving Permit stay valid?

Most states issue IDPs valid for one year from the date of issue. Some states print three-year permits. Check the expiration date printed on your permit. Once it expires, you must obtain a new one from your DMV if you plan to drive internationally again.

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

Some countries do not recognize the IDP and require an official translation of your driver's license from a certified translator or their own government office. Contact your destination country's embassy or tourism board before you travel to find out what documents they require for driving.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. You must visit your state DMV (or an AAA office) in person. There is no online or mail-in option for obtaining a legitimate IDP. Any website claiming to issue one remotely is not offering a recognized document.