An international driver's permit translates your regular driver's license into a document other countries recognize

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign police that you hold a valid license at home. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual driver's license, which you must carry with it. Most countries that recognize IDPs do so because they cannot easily verify licenses from other nations, so the IDP serves as proof that your home license is real and current.

You get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent office, not from a federal agency or international body. The process is straightforward: you visit in person, show your valid driver's license and passport, pay a fee (usually $15 to $30), and receive a booklet. The entire transaction typically takes less than an hour. An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which type you request, and it expires whether you use it or not.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and must be carried together with your regular driver's license.
  • The IDP translates your license into multiple languages so foreign police can verify you hold a valid license at home.
  • You need your current driver's license, passport, and a fee of $15 to $30 to obtain one in person at your DMV.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years and does not extend your driving privileges beyond what your regular license allows.

Where you can use an international driving permit

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries, but recognition is not automatic everywhere. Many countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America accept it as a secondary form of identification alongside your home license. However, some nations do not recognize IDPs at all, and a few require additional documents like an International Driving Certificate or a certified translation of your license.

Before traveling, check the specific country's requirements through its embassy website or your car rental company. Rental agencies often require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandated, because it simplifies their verification process. If you plan to drive in multiple countries, an IDP covers all of them with a single document.

How to get an international driving permit from your state

Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person — you cannot obtain an IDP by mail or online. Bring your current, valid driver's license, your passport, and payment. Some states accept cash, check, or card; a few accept only certain methods, so call ahead if you are unsure.

Tell the DMV clerk you want an International Driving Permit. They will ask whether you want the one-year or three-year version. The one-year permit costs less but expires sooner; the three-year permit costs more but lasts longer. Most people choose based on how often they travel internationally. The clerk will take your information, issue the permit on the spot or within a few days, and you will leave with a small booklet that looks like a passport.

What an international driving permit does not do

An IDP does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where your home license would not. If your license is suspended or expired, an IDP will not override that. It also does not replace your license — you must carry both documents together, and presenting only the IDP to police is not sufficient.

An IDP also does not cover you if you are driving without a license at home or if you are underage in your home state. The permit is valid only if your underlying driver's license is valid. If your license expires while you are traveling, your IDP expires with it.

When you should get an international driving permit before traveling

If you plan to rent a car or drive in another country, get your IDP before you leave home. The process takes one visit to the DMV, and having it in hand removes any question at a rental counter or police stop. Some countries technically do not require it, but rental companies often will not hand over keys without one, so obtaining it beforehand saves time and frustration.

If you are traveling soon and your DMV has long wait times, check whether your state offers expedited service or whether you can walk in without an appointment. A few states mail IDPs, but most require you to appear in person. Plan for at least one visit during your state's normal business hours.

International driving permit versus other documents

An IDP is different from a certified translation of your license, which some countries require instead of or in addition to an IDP. A certified translation is a document prepared by a professional translator and stamped as accurate; you arrange it separately and it applies only to the country or countries you specify. An IDP is a standard form recognized across many countries and requires no additional translation work.

Some countries issue their own international driving documents or require a special certificate. For example, a few nations accept only an International Driving Certificate issued by a specific body, not an IDP. Before you travel, confirm what your destination country actually accepts — an IDP is common but not universal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an international driving permit if my license is suspended or expired?

No. Your IDP is valid only if your underlying driver's license is valid. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP, and any IDP you already hold becomes invalid.

Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car in another country?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental agencies require one even if the country does not legally mandate it. Check with your rental company before booking. Having an IDP removes any question at pickup.

How long does it take to get an international driving permit?

Most DMVs issue an IDP on the same day you explore, or within a few business days. The process takes one visit and usually less than an hour. Some states offer expedited service if you need it faster, though this may cost extra.

What happens if my international driving permit expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP is no longer valid once it expires, even if you are still abroad. If you plan to drive after your permit expires, you will need to renew it before you leave home or arrange for a new one before your trip ends.

Can I use an international driving permit instead of my regular driver's license?

No. You must carry both documents together. Presenting only the IDP to police is not sufficient — you need your actual driver's license as well.