What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your original license — you must carry both documents together when driving. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize foreign licenses, even if they are valid in your home country.

In the United States, an IDP is useful mainly if you are visiting from another country and plan to rent a car or drive. Most U.S. states will accept your foreign license alone for driving, but rental car companies often require an IDP alongside it. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need an IDP to drive within the United States — your state driver's license is sufficient everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried with your original foreign driver's license at all times.
  • U.S. states generally accept foreign licenses for driving, but car rental companies frequently require an IDP as well.
  • You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or licensing authority before traveling, not from U.S. authorities.
  • An IDP is typically valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and costs between $15 and $30.
  • U.S. citizens do not need an IDP to drive within the United States and cannot obtain one for domestic use.

Who Issues an International Driving Permit and Where to Get One

You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or national licensing authority before you travel to the United States. You cannot get one from any U.S. government office. The organization that issues it varies by country — in Canada it is the Canadian Automobile Association, in the United Kingdom it is the AA or RAC, in Australia it is the National Roads and Motorists' Association.

To find the correct issuer in your country, search for "[your country] international driving permit" plus the name of your national automobile club or transport ministry. Most countries have one primary organization authorized to issue them. You will need your valid home country driver's license, a passport or national ID, and a passport-sized photograph. The process usually takes a few days to a few weeks by mail, though some organizations offer in-person or expedited options.

When U.S. Rental Companies Require an IDP

Most major car rental chains — Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget — require an IDP if you are renting with a foreign license. Some will rent to you with only your foreign license if you also provide an International Driving Permit, while others make it mandatory. A few smaller or regional rental companies may accept a foreign license alone, but this is less common.

The requirement exists because rental companies use the IDP as proof that your license was legitimate in your home country and that you understood the rules of the road there. Without it, they face liability if you cause an accident. Before booking a rental car, contact the company directly and ask whether they require an IDP alongside your foreign license — this will save you from arriving at the counter and being turned away.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP When One Is Required

If a rental company requires an IDP and you do not have one, they will not rent you a vehicle. You cannot bypass this by arguing that your foreign license is valid — their insurance and company policy take precedence. If you have already booked a car, you will need to cancel and find alternative transportation, or obtain an IDP before your trip if time permits.

If you are stopped by police while driving a rental car, having only a foreign license without an IDP will not result in a ticket in most U.S. states — police recognize foreign licenses as valid. However, you may face complications with the rental company if they later discover you were driving without the IDP they required at pickup. The rental agreement you sign typically states that you must carry all required documents, and violating this can result in additional charges or a report to your insurance.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts

An IDP is typically valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request when you obtain it. The one-year permit is cheaper and sufficient if you are making a short trip. The three-year permit costs more but covers multiple visits to the United States or other countries over a longer period.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document itself, not when your home country license expires. If your home license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you must have a current, valid license in your home country for the IDP to mean anything. If you are planning to stay in the United States long-term, you will eventually need to obtain a U.S. driver's license rather than relying on an IDP.

International Driving Permits and U.S. Residency

If you move to the United States and become a resident, you cannot continue using an IDP indefinitely. Each state has its own rules about how long a foreign license and IDP combination is accepted before you must obtain a state driver's license. Some states allow you to drive on a foreign license for up to one year; others require you to get a U.S. license within 30 days of establishing residency.

To find your state's specific timeline, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. When you are ready to get a U.S. license, you will need to pass a written test and a driving test, though many states waive the written test if you already hold a valid foreign license. Your IDP will not transfer into a U.S. license — it straightforward confirms that you were a licensed driver in your home country, which may help during the conversion process.

What Documents You Need When Driving in the U.S. with an IDP

Always carry both your original home country driver's license and your International Driving Permit together. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient — it is a translation document and has no legal standing without the original license it translates. You should also carry your passport or national ID, as police may ask for it during a traffic stop.

If you are renting a car, bring the IDP, your foreign license, your passport, and your credit card in the name on your license. The rental company will verify that all three documents (IDP, license, and passport) match and that the IDP is current. Keep copies of these documents in a separate location in case the originals are lost or stolen during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in the United States with just my foreign license and no International Driving Permit?

Yes, most U.S. states will accept your foreign license alone for driving. However, car rental companies often require an IDP in addition to your foreign license before they will rent you a vehicle. If you plan to rent a car, check with the rental company before your trip to confirm their requirements.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am visiting the U.S. for a short trip?

You do not need one to drive on public roads, as your foreign license is valid. You only need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, since most rental companies require it. If you are not renting and will be driving someone else's vehicle, an IDP is not necessary.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

Cost varies by country and issuing organization, typically ranging from $15 to $30 for a one-year permit and $20 to $40 for a three-year permit. Contact your home country's automobile association for the exact fee and payment methods they accept.

What if my International Driving Permit expires while I am in the United States?

You cannot renew an IDP while in the United States. You must contact your home country's issuing organization and request a new one by mail, or return home to obtain one in person. Until you have a valid IDP, you will not be able to rent a car, though you can still drive on your foreign license alone.

Can a U.S. citizen get an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only issued to citizens of other countries and is intended for use when traveling abroad. U.S. citizens use their state driver's license for all driving within the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling outside the country, you can obtain an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) to use in other nations.