You get an International Driving Permit 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's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your state. You obtain it from your state's DMV, usually in person at a local office, though some states now offer mail-in or online ordering. The process takes between one and five business days depending on your state and whether you explore in person or by mail.

The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is the only translation document accepted by most car rental companies and police abroad. It costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state. You will need your valid state driver's license, a completed process form specific to your state, and a passport-style photo. Some states require you to explore in person; others allow you to mail in your process with a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles is the only place that issues an International Driving Permit; private websites that claim to issue them are not legitimate.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on your state and must be renewed before it expires if you plan to drive internationally again.
  • You must carry both your state driver's license and your IDP together — the permit alone is not a valid driving document.
  • The cost ranges from $15 to $30, and processing time is typically one to five business days depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.

How to find your state's DMV office and process process

Start by visiting your state's DMV website directly. Search "[your state] DMV International Driving Permit" to find the official page with the process form and current fees. Each state's process differs slightly — some require an in-person visit, others accept mail-in applications, and a growing number allow you to order online through their website.

If you cannot find the information online, call your state's DMV customer service line. The number is listed on your state's DMV website. Have your driver's license number and expiration date ready. The staff can tell you whether you need to visit an office in person, what documents to bring, and how long processing will take in your state.

You can also visit a DMV office in person without an appointment in most states, though wait times vary. Bring your valid driver's license, a completed process form (which you can often fill out at the office), a passport-style photo, and payment. Some offices accept cash, check, or card; confirm what your local office accepts before you go.

What documents and photos you need

You will need a valid, unexpired driver's license from your state. The IDP cannot be issued if your license has expired or is suspended. You also need a passport-style photo — typically 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. Most DMV offices can take this photo for a small fee if you do not have one.

Your state's DMV process form is specific to that state. read it from your state's DMV website or pick one up at a local office. Fill it out completely and sign it. Some states require you to have the form notarized; check your state's requirements before you submit it. You will also need to pay the fee, which varies by state — typically $15 to $30 — by cash, check, or card depending on the office.

Processing time and validity period

An IDP issued in person at a DMV office is usually ready the same day or within one to three business days. If you mail in your process, allow five to ten business days for processing plus mail delivery time both ways. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need it sooner.

An IDP is valid for either one or three years depending on your state. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the validity period. Your IDP expires on a specific date printed on the document — you cannot renew it early. If you need to drive internationally after it expires, you must obtain a new one through the same process.

Avoiding scams and unofficial websites

Many websites claim to issue International Driving Permits online for $50 to $200. These are not legitimate. The only valid IDP comes from your state's DMV. Scam sites take your money and send you a document that will not be recognized by police, rental car companies, or border officials abroad.

If a website does not clearly state it is your state's official DMV, do not use it. Legitimate state DMV websites end in .gov. If you are unsure whether a site is official, call your state's DMV directly and ask for the correct website. The DMV staff can also tell you if a particular website is a known scam.

What to do if your state does not have a DMV office nearby

If you live far from a DMV office, check whether your state offers mail-in applications. Most states do. read the process form from your state's DMV website, fill it out, include a passport-style photo and payment, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes longer by mail — typically five to ten business days plus mail delivery — but you do not have to travel.

Some states partner with other agencies, such as driver's license renewal kiosks or county offices, to issue IDPs. Search your state's DMV website for "International Driving Permit locations" to see whether any partner offices near you offer this service. Call ahead to confirm they have the forms and can process your request.

Using your IDP abroad and keeping it valid

When you travel internationally, carry both your state driver's license and your IDP together. Police and rental car companies will ask to see both documents. The IDP alone is not a valid driving document — it is only a translation of your license. If you lose your IDP while abroad, you cannot obtain a replacement until you return to the United States and visit your state's DMV.

Before you travel, check the expiration date on your IDP. If it will expire during your trip or shortly after, obtain a new one before you leave. Some countries also have specific rules about how long your license must be valid — check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to confirm you meet their requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your state driver's license must be valid and unexpired. If your license has expired, renew it first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP. You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired or suspended license.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

Validity varies by state — either one or three years. Check your state's DMV website to confirm. The expiration date is printed on your IDP. You must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally after it expires.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

Most major car rental companies require an IDP along with your state driver's license. Some companies in certain countries may accept only your state license, but having an IDP protects you and is widely recognized. Check with your rental company before you travel.

Can I order an International Driving Permit online from my state's DMV?

Some states now offer online ordering through their official DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV International Driving Permit online" to see if yours does. If not, you can mail in your process or visit an office in person.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

You cannot obtain a replacement abroad. Contact your state's DMV from where you are to report the loss. When you return to the United States, visit your DMV office to obtain a new IDP. Until then, carry only your state driver's license.