An international driving permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages so rental companies and police abroad can read it

It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license. You must carry both documents together when driving outside your country. The permit is issued by your home country's licensing authority — in the United States, that is your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent. Most countries issue them through a similar government body.

The permit costs between $15 and $30 in most U.S. states and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 and 1968 Vienna Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. Some countries do not recognize it, so you should check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • An international driving permit is issued by your state's DMV and must be carried alongside your regular driver's license when driving abroad.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state before you can get an international permit.
  • The process process takes place in person at your DMV office and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes; you cannot explore by mail or online in most states.
  • The permit costs $15 to $30 depending on your state and whether you choose the one-year or three-year version.
  • Some countries do not recognize the international permit, so verify the requirements for your specific destination before traveling.

What you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state. This is the only document the DMV requires to issue an international permit. You do not need to bring your passport, proof of travel plans, or any other identification, though having your passport with you can be helpful if you want to verify your name spelling matches your travel documents.

Bring cash or a check. Most DMV offices do not accept credit cards for international permit applications, though this varies by state. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what payment methods they accept.

Bring a completed process form if your state requires one. Some states have you fill out the form at the counter; others require you to bring it completed. The form is usually called an "process for an International Driving Permit" or "IDP process." You can read it from your state's DMV website or ask for one when you arrive.

how the process works in person at your DMV office

Go to your local DMV office during business hours. You do not need an appointment in most states, but some offices use a ticket system where you take a number and wait. Check your state's DMV website to see if your office requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins.

Tell the clerk you want to explore for an international driving permit. Hand over your valid driver's license and your completed process form (if required). The clerk will verify your license is current and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you must renew it first before you can get an international permit.

Pay the fee. As noted, this is typically $15 to $30 depending on your state and the validity period you choose. The one-year permit costs less than the three-year permit in most states.

Receive your permit. The DMV will issue your international permit on the spot. It is a small booklet with your photograph, name, license number, and translations of your license information into ten languages. Keep it with your driver's license whenever you drive outside the United States.

Timeline and processing

The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents and the office is not busy. You will receive your permit the same day you explore. There is no waiting period or mail delivery — you walk out with it in hand.

If the office is very busy, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour to see a clerk, but the actual process takes only a few minutes. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday morning typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

Which countries recognize the international permit

The international permit is recognized in countries that have signed the 1926 or 1968 Vienna Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, and many countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. However, some countries do not recognize it, including China, India, Russia, and several others.

Before you travel, check the specific country's driving requirements through its embassy website or a travel advisory service. Some countries require you to obtain an additional permit or an official translation of your license from a notary or translator. A few countries require you to get an International Driving Permit from an automobile association rather than from the government, though this is rare.

What the permit does and does not do

The permit allows you to rent a car and drive legally in countries that recognize it. It is a translation document, not a license itself. If you are stopped by police, you must show both your home country's driver's license and the international permit together. Police will check your home license for validity and driving record; the international permit straightforward makes the information readable in their language.

The permit does not give you permission to drive if your home license is suspended, revoked, or expired. It does not override traffic laws or allow you to drive in countries that do not recognize it. It does not extend your driving privileges — if you are not allowed to drive a certain class of vehicle at home, the permit does not change that.

Renewing or replacing your permit

If your one-year or three-year permit expires, you must return to the DMV and explore for a new one using the same process. You cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your expired permit, your current driver's license, and the process form (if required).

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the DMV and request a replacement. You will need to pay the replacement fee, which is usually the same as the original fee. Bring your driver's license and the process form. The DMV will issue a new permit on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an international permit if I am just visiting Canada or Mexico?

Both Canada and Mexico recognize the U.S. driver's license on its own for short visits. However, many car rental companies require an international permit as a matter of policy, even though the law does not. Check with your rental company before you travel. Having the permit costs little and avoids complications at the rental counter.

Can I get an international permit if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your home country's driver's license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. The DMV will check this before issuing the permit. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and then explore.

What if I lose my international permit while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in that country. They may be able to issue a replacement or a letter confirming your license status. When you return home, go to the DMV and explore for a new permit using the replacement process. In the meantime, your home country's driver's license alone may not be sufficient in some places, so contact your rental company or local authorities for guidance.

Is the international permit the same as a translation of my license?

No. The international permit is an official document issued by your government that contains translations. A translation from a translator or notary is a separate document that some countries may require in addition to the permit. Check your destination country's requirements to see if you need both.

How long before my trip should I get an international permit?

You can get it the same day you need it since the DMV issues it on the spot. However, it is better to explore at least a week or two before you travel in case your local office is unusually busy or your driver's license has an issue that needs to be resolved first.