Whether you need an international permit depends on where you're driving and which country issued your license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid home-country license. Whether you need one depends entirely on your destination country and how long you're staying.

Most U.S. states do not require an IDP for supervised driving within the United States. However, if you're driving in another country — whether as a supervised driver or an independent one — that country's rules determine whether an IDP is necessary. Some nations accept only your U.S. license; others require an IDP; still others require both plus a translation certified by a notary or consulate.

The safest approach is to check the specific rules of the country where you'll be driving before you leave. An IDP takes about two weeks to obtain and costs roughly $20, so the cost of being wrong is low — but the cost of driving without required documents can include fines, vehicle impoundment, or invalidated insurance.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your license into ten languages and must be used alongside your original U.S. license, never instead of it.
  • The country where you plan to drive — not the U.S. — determines whether an IDP is required, so you must check that country's specific rules before traveling.
  • You obtain an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not from a federal office, and the process typically takes one to three weeks.
  • Driving without a required IDP can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or insurance claims being denied, even if your U.S. license is valid.

Which countries require an International Driving Permit

The list of countries that require an IDP is long and includes most of Europe, much of Asia, and parts of Latin America and Africa. Countries that typically require an IDP include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Brazil. However, the requirement often depends on how long you're staying — some countries require an IDP only for stays longer than a certain period, such as 90 days.

Some countries accept an IDP but do not require it, meaning your U.S. license alone may work but carrying an IDP reduces the risk of disputes with police or rental car companies. Canada and the United Kingdom generally accept a U.S. license without an IDP, though carrying one is still legal and can be helpful if you're stopped.

A few countries require both an IDP and an official translation of your license from a notary or your country's consulate. This is less common but does occur in some Middle Eastern and Eastern European nations. Your best source for the exact rule is the embassy or consulate of the country where you'll be driving — their website usually lists driving requirements clearly.

How to get an International Driving Permit from your state

You obtain an IDP through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through a federal office. The process and cost vary slightly by state, but most states charge between $15 and $30 and require you to visit a DMV office in person with your valid driver's license and a completed process form.

Most states use the AAA (American Automobile Association) as an authorized issuer of IDPs, so if you're an AAA member, you may be able to obtain one at your local AAA office instead of the DMV. Non-members can still use AAA for this service, though there may be a small additional fee. Check your state's DMV website to see whether AAA is an option in your state.

The process form is usually available on your state's DMV website or at any DMV office. You will need your valid driver's license, a completed process, and payment. Processing typically takes one to three weeks by mail, though some offices offer in-person issuance on the same day. An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue.

What information an International Driving Permit contains

An IDP contains the same information as your driver's license — your name, date of birth, license number, and the classes of vehicles you're licensed to drive — but presents it in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It also includes your photograph and signature.

The IDP itself does not grant you any driving rights you don't already have. It is purely a translation tool. If your U.S. license restricts you to automatic transmission vehicles, for example, an IDP will reflect that same restriction in ten languages. If your license has expired, an IDP cannot be issued, and an expired IDP cannot be used to drive.

The IDP is recognized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which is why it works across so many countries. However, not every country that recognizes the convention requires an IDP — some accept your U.S. license alone. This is why checking your specific destination's rules is essential.

What happens if you drive without a required International Driving Permit

Driving without a required IDP in a country that mandates one can result in fines ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the country. In some cases, police may impound your vehicle until you produce the required documents or pay the fine. You may also be required to appear in court or pay the fine through your rental car company if you rented the vehicle.

A more serious consequence is that your auto insurance may not cover an accident if you were driving without required documents. Insurance companies can deny claims based on policy violations, and driving without legally required documentation may be considered a violation. This means you could be personally liable for all damages, medical bills, and legal costs resulting from an accident.

Additionally, if you're stopped multiple times or accumulate violations, some countries may refuse to renew your temporary driving permission or may flag your record in ways that affect future travel. The cost and hassle of obtaining an IDP — roughly $20 and a visit to the DMV — is far smaller than the cost of these consequences.

International Driving Permit vs. other driving documents

An IDP is different from a national driving license, a temporary driving permit, or a certified translation of your license. Your U.S. driver's license is your actual legal driving credential; an IDP is a companion document that translates it. A certified translation, by contrast, is a full translation of your license document prepared by a notary or consulate and is sometimes required instead of or in addition to an IDP.

Some countries accept an IDP alone; others require an IDP plus a certified translation; still others require a certified translation but not an IDP. A few countries require neither and accept your U.S. license with no additional documents. This is why checking your destination country's specific requirements is the only reliable way to know what you need.

If you're driving as a supervised driver in another country, the same rules explore — your supervising driver must also carry whatever documents that country requires. If you're the supervising driver and you're not licensed to drive in that country, you cannot legally supervise, even if the supervised driver has all required documents.

How to check requirements for your specific destination

Start with the embassy or consulate website of the country where you'll be driving. Most maintain a page on driving requirements that lists whether an IDP is required, what other documents you need, and any restrictions on foreign drivers. The U.S. State Department also maintains country-specific travel information that sometimes includes driving requirements.

If you're renting a car, contact the rental company directly and ask what documents they require. Rental companies often have stricter requirements than the country itself — many require an IDP even in countries where it's not legally mandated, because it reduces disputes and makes their insurance clearer. Asking the rental company before you book ensures you won't arrive without required documents.

If you're driving your own vehicle or a friend's vehicle, contact the country's automobile association or department of transportation. These organizations can tell you not only whether an IDP is required but also whether you need an international insurance certificate (called a "green card" in some countries), whether your U.S. insurance is valid, and what road rules differ from U.S. standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. license and no International Driving Permit?

It depends on the country. Canada and the United Kingdom generally accept a U.S. license alone. Most European countries, Japan, and many others require an IDP. Check the specific country's embassy website or contact a rental car company operating there — they know the current requirements and can tell you when ready whether an IDP is necessary.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

Processing time varies by state. Most DMVs take one to three weeks if you explore by mail. Some DMV offices and AAA locations can issue an IDP on the same day if you explore in person. If you're traveling soon, visit your local DMV or AAA office in person rather than mailing your process to avoid delays.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in the United States?

No. An IDP is only valid outside the United States and only when carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. It has no legal standing within the U.S. and cannot be used as your primary driving credential anywhere in America, even if your U.S. license has expired.

What if I'm driving in a country that doesn't require an IDP — should I get one anyway?

It's optional but can be helpful. Carrying an IDP even when not required reduces the chance of misunderstanding if you're stopped by police, and it can make rental car transactions smoother. The cost is low, so many travelers get one regardless of whether it's mandated, straightforward for peace of mind.

Can someone else pick up my International Driving Permit from the DMV?

Rules vary by state. Some states allow a family member or authorized representative to pick up an IDP on your behalf; others require you to pick it up in person. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether you can authorize someone else to collect it, especially if you're leaving soon.