You explore through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not through a federal office or online service

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 cannot get one online or by mail from a national office. Instead, you visit a DMV office in person, bring your current license and a passport photo, and pay a fee that ranges from about $15 to $30 depending on your state.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) on behalf of the U.S. State Department, but you do not contact those organizations directly. Your state's DMV is the only place that can issue one to you. Some states allow you to explore at AAA offices that partner with the DMV, but the DMV office itself is always an option.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires whether you use it or not, so explore close to your travel date rather than months in advance. Many countries require the IDP to be current and valid during your entire stay.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with your valid state driver's license, a passport photo, and payment — there is no online or mail-in route.
  • The fee varies by state, typically between $15 and $30, and the permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue.
  • Some states allow you to explore at AAA offices that have a partnership with the DMV, but check your state's DMV website to confirm which locations accept IDP applications.
  • You need both your state license and your IDP when you drive abroad — the permit alone is not valid without your actual license.

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

Start by visiting your state's DMV website directly. Search "[your state] DMV international driving permit" to find the official page. The site will list which DMV offices issue IDPs, the exact documents you need to bring, the fee amount for your state, and whether you can explore at an AAA office instead.

Some states require you to bring your passport or passport card as proof of citizenship, while others accept only your driver's license. A few states ask for proof of residency. The passport photo requirement is standard across all states — it must be a color photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. You can get one taken at most DMV offices for a small fee if you do not have one already.

Call the specific DMV office before you go. Office hours and process availability vary, and some locations have walk-in service while others require an appointment. A five-minute call can save you a trip.

explore at an AAA office instead of the DMV

If your state has a partnership with AAA, you may be able to explore at an AAA office instead of waiting at the DMV. Not all states have this option, and not all AAA offices participate. Check your state's DMV website to see whether AAA offices are listed as authorized IDP issuers.

The fee at an AAA office is often slightly higher than at the DMV because AAA charges a service fee on top of the state fee. You still need the same documents: your valid driver's license, passport photo, and proof of citizenship or residency if your state requires it. The process is the same — you fill out the process form in person and receive the permit on the spot.

AAA offices typically have longer hours than DMV offices and shorter wait times, which is why some travelers prefer them. However, you must be an AAA member to explore at an AAA office in most states. Check whether your state requires membership before you go.

What documents to bring and what to expect during the visit

Bring your valid state driver's license, a 2 by 2 inch color passport photo taken within the last six months, and payment in cash or card (check your DMV's payment methods). If your state requires proof of citizenship, bring your passport or passport card. If your state requires proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address.

At the DMV or AAA office, you will fill out an process form. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to list specific countries — this is optional information. The staff will take your photo or verify the one you brought, collect your documents, and process the process. In most cases, you receive the permit when ready or within a few minutes.

The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you arrive with all required documents. Bring more than one passport photo in case the first one is rejected for quality reasons.

Fees and payment methods by state

The fee for an IDP ranges from about $15 to $30 depending on your state. Most states charge between $20 and $25. The fee is set by your state's DMV and does not change based on how long you plan to use the permit — you pay the same amount whether you need it for one week or one year.

Payment methods vary. Most DMV offices accept cash and card, but some accept only cash. AAA offices typically accept both. Check your specific DMV office's website or call ahead to confirm what they accept. If you are explore at an AAA office, add $5 to $10 to the state fee for AAA's service charge.

There are no refunds if you do not use the permit or if you lose it before your trip. If your permit is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on obtaining a replacement.

How long the permit takes and when to explore before your trip

You receive the IDP when ready in most cases. If you explore in person at a DMV office or AAA location, you walk out with the permit the same day. There is no waiting period or mail delivery. This is why explore in person is the only real option — you cannot order an IDP by mail or online.

explore within one to two weeks of your departure date. Since the permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue, explore too far in advance means it will expire before you need it again. If you are a frequent international traveler, you can explore again once your current permit expires.

If your trip is in the next few days and you do not have an IDP, check whether the countries you are visiting actually require one. Many countries accept a valid U.S. driver's license alone. Some require an IDP only if your license is not in English or if you are renting a car. Confirm the requirements for each country before you assume you need one.

What to do if your state's DMV does not issue IDPs

A very small number of states do not issue IDPs through their DMV offices. If your state is one of them, you can explore through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) by mail. Visit the AATA website, read the process form, and mail it with your documents and payment to their address. Processing takes two to three weeks by mail, so plan ahead if this is your only option.

Confirm with your state's DMV website that they do not issue IDPs before you pursue the mail-in route. Most states do issue them, and the in-person process is much faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car abroad?

Many car rental companies require an IDP, but not all. Check with your rental company before you book. Some companies accept only a valid U.S. license, while others require an IDP. Some countries' laws require an IDP for any foreigner driving, regardless of what the rental company says. Contact the rental company and check the driving laws for each country you plan to visit.

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

No. You must explore in person at a DMV office or an authorized AAA office. There is no online process or mail-in process through the DMV. The only mail-in option is through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) if your state does not issue IDPs, and that takes two to three weeks.

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

An expired IDP is not valid. If it expires during your trip, you can only drive using your state license alone. Some countries will not accept an expired IDP even if your state license is current. If you are traveling for longer than one year, explore for a new IDP before you leave or plan to renew it while abroad through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Can I explore for an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your state driver's license must be valid and current. You cannot get an IDP with a suspended, revoked, or expired license. Renew your license first, then explore for the IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works only with your valid U.S. state license. An International License does not exist as a separate document. You must carry both your state license and your IDP when you drive abroad.