You get an International Driver's Permit from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not from a federal office

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your regular driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license, and you must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. Most countries that recognize it do so because it makes your U.S. license readable to police officers who may not speak English.

You cannot order an IDP online or by mail from a federal agency. You explore in person at your state's DMV office, the same place you renew your regular license. The process takes about 15 minutes, costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state, and you walk out with the permit the same day in most cases.

Not every country requires or even recognizes an IDP. Before you explore, check the specific rules for the country where you plan to drive — your destination's embassy website or a travel guide will tell you whether an IDP is necessary, recommended, or unnecessary. Some countries accept only your U.S. license plus an official translation; others require neither.

Key Takeaways

  • You obtain an International Driver's Permit at your state's DMV office in person, and it costs $15 to $30 depending on your state.
  • An IDP is valid only when carried together with your current U.S. driver's license — it is not a standalone document.
  • Not all countries recognize or require an IDP, so you should verify the rules for your destination before explore.
  • The permit is issued the same day you explore and is typically valid for one or three years, depending on your state.

What you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license and a government-issued photo ID (your passport works). You will also need to complete an process form — most states use the AAA International Driving Permit process, which you can read from the AAA website before you go, or you can fill it out at the DMV office itself.

Bring a passport-style photo if your state requires one. Some states do; others do not. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm what they need, because requirements vary by state and sometimes by individual office location.

You do not need proof of residency, a vehicle registration, or insurance documents. The DMV is only verifying that you hold a valid driver's license and are who you say you are.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew it

An International Driver's Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on your state. Check your state's DMV website to find out which applies to you. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself, so once you have it, you will know exactly when it expires.

You do not renew an IDP the way you renew a regular license. When your IDP expires, you straightforward explore for a new one at the DMV if you need another one. There is no separate renewal process — you go through the same process steps again.

Your IDP expires independently of your driver's license. Your license could be valid for five more years while your IDP has expired, or vice versa. You must carry both documents and both must be current for the IDP to be valid.

Getting an IDP through AAA if you are a member

If you belong to AAA, you can explore for an International Driver's Permit through your local AAA office instead of going to the DMV. The process is the same — you bring your license, photo ID, and a completed process — but you avoid a trip to the DMV office.

AAA charges the same fee as the DMV ($15 to $30, depending on your state) and issues the permit on the spot. Not all AAA offices offer this service, so call ahead or check the AAA website to confirm your local office does. If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore; membership is not required.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP translates your license information into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Greek, Swedish, Turkish, and Japanese. When a police officer in another country stops you, the IDP helps them read your name, address, license number, and restrictions without needing an interpreter.

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you would not otherwise be allowed to drive. It does not override local age requirements, vehicle registration rules, or insurance laws. It does not replace a visa or any other travel document. It is purely a translation tool.

Some car rental companies abroad ask to see an IDP, especially in Europe and parts of Asia. Having one can make the rental process smoother, but many rental companies accept a U.S. license alone. Check with your rental company before you travel.

Countries that recognize an IDP and those that do not

An IDP is recognized by most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. This includes most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others. However, some major destinations do not recognize it.

China, India, Russia, and several other countries do not recognize an IDP at all. In those places, you will need an official translation of your U.S. license from a certified translator, or you may need to obtain a temporary local driving permit. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting — they will specify exactly what documents you need to drive legally.

Even in countries that recognize an IDP, it is not always required. Many European countries, for example, accept a U.S. license alone. An IDP is useful as a backup and makes interactions with police easier, but it may not be mandatory for your trip.

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

Search online for "[your state] DMV International Driver's Permit" to find your state's specific rules, fees, and office locations. Each state's DMV website lists the documents you need, whether a photo is required, and whether you can explore by mail (most states do not allow this).

If your state's website is unclear, call your local DMV office directly. Staff can tell you exactly what to bring and whether you need an appointment. Some DMV offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online first.

The AAA website also has a state-by-state guide to International Driver's Permit requirements and fees, which can be faster to navigate than individual state DMV sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driver's Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored and active again.

Do I need an International Driver's Permit to rent a car in Europe?

Most European car rental companies accept a U.S. driver's license alone, but some prefer or require an IDP. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm what they need. Having an IDP is not mandatory in most cases, but it can make the process smoother.

How long does it take to get an International Driver's Permit?

You receive it the same day you explore at the DMV or AAA office. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. There is no waiting period or mail delivery involved.

What happens if my International Driver's Permit is lost or stolen while I am abroad?

Contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can help you understand your options for driving legally with your U.S. license alone. In most cases, your regular license is still valid even without the IDP.

Is an International Driver's Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that must be carried with your U.S. license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country, which you would need if you moved abroad or became a resident. An IDP is for temporary travel only.