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 driver's license into multiple languages so rental car companies and police in other countries can read it. You cannot order one online or through a private company — you must go to your state's DMV in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, and pay a fee that ranges from about $15 to $30 depending on your state.

The IDP is not a replacement for your driver's license. You must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. The permit is valid for one or two years depending on which version you request, and it expires whether you use it or not. If your U.S. driver's license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has time remaining on it.

Some countries do not require an IDP at all — they accept a U.S. driver's license with a certified English translation, which you can get from a translator in your state or from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Before you book a rental car, check the specific country's requirements, because what one nation requires another may not.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person with your valid driver's license to get an IDP; no online or mail-order option exists.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $30 and is valid for one or two years, but you must carry it alongside your original U.S. driver's license when driving abroad.
  • Some countries accept a certified English translation of your U.S. license instead of an IDP, so verify your destination's specific rules before traveling.
  • The IDP expires when your U.S. driver's license expires, even if the permit itself has time left, so check both expiration dates before your trip.

How to find your state's DMV office and what to bring

Start by visiting your state's DMV website — search "[your state] DMV international driving permit" to find the exact office location and hours. Some states allow you to walk in without an appointment; others require you to book a time slot online or by phone. Call ahead if the website is unclear, because wait times vary widely and some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one form of identification (usually a passport or state ID card), and the fee in cash or card — policies differ by state. Some DMVs require you to fill out a form before you arrive; others hand you the form when you check in. A few states let you read and complete the form at home, which can speed up the process. Check your state's website for the specific form name and whether you need to print it or bring it on your phone.

Processing time at the DMV is usually when ready — you walk out with the permit the same day. A few states mail it to you instead, which takes one to two weeks. The DMV staff will tell you which applies in your state when you arrive.

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

Most states offer both a one-year IDP for about $15 and a two-year IDP for about $20 to $30. The two-year version costs more but covers two calendar years of travel, so it makes sense if you plan multiple international trips or a long-term stay abroad. The one-year version is cheaper and sufficient if you are taking a single vacation.

Neither version is renewable — when it expires, you must return to the DMV and pay the fee again to get a new one. There is no grace period, so if your trip is scheduled for the day your permit expires, you will need to renew it before you leave. Check your expiration date against your travel dates before you leave home.

When an IDP is not required and what to do instead

Many countries, including Canada, Mexico, and most of Western Europe, do not legally require an IDP. They accept a U.S. driver's license as valid identification for driving. However, rental car companies often prefer an IDP because it removes any ambiguity about whether a foreign police officer can read your name and license number. Even if a country does not require it, carrying one can prevent arguments at a traffic stop or rental counter.

If you do not have time to visit the DMV before your trip, you can get a certified English translation of your driver's license from a professional translator, a notary public, or the American Automobile Association (AAA). This translation is not an official government document, but many rental companies and some countries accept it. The cost is usually $10 to $30, and it takes one to three business days. This is a backup option, not a replacement for an IDP in countries that do require one.

Before you travel, contact your rental car company directly and ask what documents they need. Some companies require an IDP; others accept a translation; a few accept only a U.S. license. Getting this answer in writing before you book can save you from showing up at the rental counter with the wrong paperwork.

What happens if you drive without an IDP in a country that requires one

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can face a fine, a warning, or in rare cases a temporary vehicle impound. The penalty depends on the country's traffic laws and the officer's judgment. Some countries treat a missing IDP as a minor infraction; others treat it more seriously. You cannot fix this by showing a translation or a photo of your license — you need the actual IDP document.

Rental car companies may also refuse to rent to you if you cannot show an IDP when the country requires one. If you realize after arriving that you need one and your home state's DMV is closed, some countries' tourist offices or automobile clubs can issue a temporary permit, but this is not may provide and may not be recognized everywhere. The safest approach is to get the IDP before you leave home.

How the IDP differs from other travel documents

An IDP is not a visa, passport, or travel permit — it is purely a translation of your driver's license. It does not grant you the right to enter a country or stay longer than your visa allows. You still need a valid passport and any visas required by your destination. The IDP only helps you drive once you are already in the country legally.

Some travelers confuse the IDP with an International Driving License, which is a different document issued by some countries to their own citizens. The U.S. does not issue an International Driving License — only an International Driving Permit. If a website or service claims to issue you a U.S. International Driving License, it is not a legitimate government document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order an IDP online or by mail?

No. You must visit your state's DMV office in person with your valid driver's license. No online or mail-order service is legitimate. Some websites claim to offer IDP services, but they are either scams or they straightforward fill out the DMV form for you and send you to the DMV anyway — you still have to go in person and pay the state fee.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

Most states issue it the same day you visit the DMV. A few states mail it to you, which takes one to two weeks. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether you walk out with it or wait for it in the mail.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your driver's license first at the DMV, then explore for the IDP. Some states let you do both in one visit; others require separate transactions. Call your DMV to ask whether you can combine them.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some rental companies require an IDP regardless of trip length; others do not. Contact your rental company before you book to find out what they need. If the country requires one and you do not have it, you may not be able to rent at all.

Is an IDP valid in every country?

An IDP is recognized by most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, and many others, but not all countries. Check your specific destination's requirements before you travel, because a few nations have their own rules.