An international driver's license is a document that translates your driving privileges into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a booklet that translates your current driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign authorities that you hold a valid license at home. Most countries do not require it, but some do, and many car rental companies will not rent to you without one — even in places where the government does not legally require it.

The IDP is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. You explore in person, bring your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo, pay a fee (usually between $15 and $30), and receive the booklet on the spot or within a few days. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It is only useful when you carry it alongside your actual driver's license — the IDP alone has no legal standing.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a replacement license, and must be carried with your regular driver's license to be valid.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not, but car rental companies often demand one regardless of local law.
  • You obtain an IDP from your state's DMV in person with your valid license, passport photo, and a small fee.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years and becomes invalid if your regular driver's license expires or is suspended.

Which Countries Require an International Driving Permit

No single list covers every country, because requirements change and differ by region within some nations. However, several countries explicitly require an IDP: Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Thailand all list it as mandatory for foreign drivers. Many others — including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand — do not require it but accept it as proof of your license status.

The safest approach is to check the specific country's embassy or consulate website before you travel. Many also list requirements on their tourism boards. If you are renting a car, call the rental company directly and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination; their policy may be stricter than the country's law.

How to Get an International Driving Permit

You must explore at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles office in person. You cannot obtain an IDP by mail, online, or through a third-party service, despite websites that claim otherwise. Bring your valid driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (usually your passport), and one or two passport-style photos depending on your state's requirement. Some states accept digital photos taken on the spot; others require you to bring them.

The fee ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state. You will choose between a one-year and a three-year permit at the time of process. Processing is usually when ready — you walk out with the booklet the same day — though some states mail it to you within a week. The IDP is valid only while your regular driver's license is valid; if your license expires or is suspended, the permit becomes invalid even if it has time remaining on it.

What an International Driving Permit Does and Does Not Do

The IDP confirms to police, rental companies, and border officials that you hold a valid license in your home country. It translates your license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Japanese. It does not grant you any driving privileges you do not already have, and it does not override local traffic laws or age restrictions in the country you are visiting.

The permit is not a license itself. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your actual driver's license along with the IDP, the permit alone will not satisfy the officer. Some countries will not accept an IDP if your license is from a state they do not recognize or if your license is classified as a learner's permit or restricted license. Check with the destination country's authorities before you travel if your license has any restrictions.

When You Do Not Need an International Driving Permit

Many countries do not require an IDP and will accept your U.S. driver's license alone. These include Canada, Mexico, most of Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. However, car rental companies in these countries often have their own policies and may refuse to rent without an IDP even where the law does not require it. A few rental companies will rent to you with only your U.S. license if you are over 25, but this is becoming less common.

If you are not renting a car and are not driving — for instance, if you are using taxis, public transit, or ride-sharing services — you do not need an IDP at all. The permit is specifically for people who plan to operate a vehicle themselves in a foreign country.

International Driving Permit Validity and Renewal

An IDP is valid for the term you chose at issue: either one year or three years from the date of issue. It expires automatically on that date, regardless of whether you use it. Unlike a driver's license, you cannot renew an IDP by mail or online; you must return to the DMV in person and explore for a new one.

If your regular driver's license expires, is suspended, or is revoked before your IDP expires, the permit becomes invalid when ready. You cannot use an expired or suspended license to obtain an IDP, and you cannot use an IDP if your underlying license is no longer valid. If you renew your driver's license before your IDP expires, the old IDP remains valid — you do not need a new one unless you want to update the photo or information.

Alternatives to an International Driving Permit

Some countries accept a certified English translation of your driver's license in place of an IDP. You can obtain this from a notary public or certified translator in your state; the cost is usually $10 to $25. This option works in a few places — notably some regions of Mexico and parts of Central America — but is not widely recognized. Before relying on a translation, confirm with the specific country's embassy that it will be accepted.

A few car rental companies will accept a photocopy of your license and passport together in place of an IDP, though this is rare and varies by location and company. Always contact the rental company in advance to ask what documents they will accept; do not assume your U.S. license alone will be sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must explore in person at your state's DMV office with your valid driver's license, passport photo, and fee. Websites offering to obtain an IDP for you by mail or online are not legitimate — they cannot issue a document that only your state's DMV can issue.

What happens if I let my International Driving Permit expire while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are still abroad and need to drive, you will need to obtain a new one, which you cannot do outside your home state. Plan ahead and obtain a three-year permit if you travel frequently or for extended periods.

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

Neither country legally requires an IDP, and your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. However, car rental companies may demand one anyway. Call your rental company before you book to confirm their specific requirements.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation and verification document. An international license does not exist as a formal document. Some countries issue their own versions of a driving permit that may be recognized in other countries, but these are separate from the IDP and are issued by that country's government.

What if my driver's license gets suspended while I have a valid International Driving Permit?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready when your regular license is suspended or revoked. You cannot use it to drive in any country. The permit is only valid when your underlying license is valid.