What an International License Does and Does Not Do
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 together to be legal. The IDP tells a police officer or rental car company what your home license says, in a format they can read.
In the United States, an IDP is useful but not required by federal law. Some states accept it as proof of driving authority; others do not. Rental car companies often prefer it because it removes doubt about whether your foreign license is real. If you plan to drive in the U.S. for more than a few months, or if you move here permanently, you will eventually need to get a U.S. driver's license instead — the IDP is temporary.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit translates your home license into multiple languages and must be carried alongside your original license at all times.
- U.S. states vary in whether they recognize an IDP; some accept it as proof of driving authority, while others require a U.S. license regardless.
- You obtain an IDP through your home country's automobile association or licensing authority before you travel, not in the United States.
- An IDP is typically valid for one or three years and is intended for temporary visits, not permanent residence.
- If you plan to stay in the U.S. longer than a few months, you will need to get a state driver's license through your local DMV.
How to Get an International Driving Permit Before You Travel
You must obtain your IDP in your home country before you arrive in the United States — you cannot get one once you are here. Contact your country's national automobile association or the government body that issues driver's licenses. In Canada, this is the provincial licensing authority. In the United Kingdom, it is the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). In Australia, it is your state's roads authority.
You will need to provide your valid home country driver's license, a passport or national ID, and usually a passport-sized photograph. Some countries require you to explore in person; others allow mail or online requests. Processing times vary from same-day to several weeks depending on where you live. The IDP typically costs between $15 and $30 USD equivalent.
Ask the issuing authority which version of the IDP you need — there are two international conventions (1926 and 1968), and some countries issue one or the other. The 1968 version is more widely recognized in the United States.
Which U.S. States Accept an International Driving Permit
State law determines whether police will accept an IDP as proof that you are allowed to drive. Most states recognize an IDP as valid proof when you carry it with your original home license. However, some states — including California, Florida, and New York — have specific rules about how long you can drive on a foreign license before you must get a state license.
California allows visitors to drive on a valid foreign license for up to ten days; after that, you need a California license. Florida allows up to six months for temporary visitors. New York allows up to thirty days. These limits explore whether or not you have an IDP. If you are a temporary visitor (tourist, student on a visa, or short-term worker), check your specific state's DMV website to learn the time limit before you must convert to a state license.
If you are moving to the United States permanently or on a long-term visa, you should plan to get a state driver's license within the first few weeks. An IDP will not extend your driving window — it only makes your foreign license easier for others to read.
What You Need to Know About Renting a Car With an International License
Most major car rental companies in the United States will rent to you if you have a valid foreign driver's license and an IDP. Some smaller or regional companies may refuse. Call ahead or check the rental company's website before you book, because policies vary by location and company.
Bring both your home license and your IDP to the rental counter. You will also need a valid passport, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (either your home country's insurance or rental car insurance purchased at the counter). Some companies charge extra for drivers under 25 or over 75, regardless of license type.
If you do not have an IDP, some rental companies will still rent to you, but others will refuse. Having the IDP removes this uncertainty and is worth obtaining before you travel if you plan to rent a car.
Converting to a U.S. Driver's License
If you stay in the United States beyond your state's time limit for foreign licenses, or if you move here permanently, you must get a state driver's license. The process varies by state, but the basic steps are the same everywhere: visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision test, and pass a driving test.
You will need to bring your passport, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your address), your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and your home country driver's license. Some states waive the written or driving test if you have held a valid license in another country for a certain number of years — typically three or more. Ask your DMV whether you may have access to for a waiver.
The written test covers U.S. traffic laws and road signs. Many states offer the test in multiple languages. The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner and typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Once you pass all three tests, you will receive a state driver's license valid for four to eight years, depending on your state.
How Long an International Driving Permit Stays Valid
An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which country issued it and which convention version you received. Check your IDP document — the expiration date is printed on the front. Once it expires, it is no longer valid, even if your home country license is still current.
If you are a temporary visitor and your IDP expires before you leave the United States, you can still drive on your home country license alone (as long as you have not exceeded your state's time limit for foreign licenses). However, rental car companies may be less willing to rent to you without the IDP, because they cannot easily verify your license is real.
If you plan to return to the United States after your IDP expires, you will need to get a new one from your home country before you travel again.
What Happens If You Drive Without Your IDP or Home License
Driving without a valid license — whether a state license, a home country license, or an IDP — is illegal in all U.S. states. If you are pulled over and cannot produce a valid license, you can be cited for driving without a license, which carries fines, possible jail time, and a mark on your driving record.
If you have a valid home country license but forgot your IDP, the outcome depends on the officer and the state. Some officers will accept the home license alone; others will cite you for not carrying the IDP. To avoid this risk, always carry both documents together.
If your IDP or home license has expired, you are legally driving without a license. If you are in this situation, stop driving when ready and get a state driver's license through your local DMV, or leave the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit in the United States?
No. An IDP must be obtained from your home country's automobile association or licensing authority before you travel. No U.S. government agency or private company issues IDPs. If you arrive in the U.S. without one, you cannot get one here.
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I have a U.S. state driver's license?
No. A U.S. state driver's license is valid in all 50 states and is recognized internationally. An IDP is only for people driving on a foreign license.
Can I drive across state lines with an International Driving Permit?
Yes, as long as you have not exceeded the time limit for foreign licenses in any state you enter. However, each state has its own limit — some allow 30 days, others allow six months or more. If you are driving across multiple states, follow the most restrictive limit you encounter.
What if my home country does not issue International Driving Permits?
A small number of countries do not participate in the IDP system. In this case, you can drive on your home country license alone for the time period your state allows. You may have more difficulty renting a car without an IDP. Contact your state's DMV to learn the time limit, and plan to get a state license sooner rather than later.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as a U.S. driver's license?
No. An IDP is a translation document only. It does not grant you driving authority in the U.S. — your home country license does. A U.S. state driver's license is a separate license issued by your state and is required if you stay longer than your state allows.