An international driving permit is not a license—it's a translation document you get from your own country that some rental car companies and police officers abroad will accept alongside your regular driver's license

You cannot get an international driving permit from another country or from an international body. You get it from your home country's motor vehicle authority—in the United States, that means your state's DMV or equivalent agency. The permit translates your existing license into ten languages and confirms to foreign authorities that you hold a valid license at home. It is valid only when carried together with your actual driver's license; it has no legal standing on its own.

The permit is not required to drive in most countries, and many places do not recognize it at all. Some rental car companies ask for one anyway, and a few countries—including some in South America and the Middle East—may request it during a traffic stop. Before you travel, check whether your destination actually needs one, because the process takes time and costs money.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore for an international driving permit through your state's DMV or motor vehicle department, not through a federal office or international organization.
  • The permit is a translation of your existing license and is valid only when you carry it together with your actual driver's license.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks through standard mail, though some states offer expedited service for an additional fee.
  • Many countries do not require or recognize an international driving permit, so confirm your destination's rules before paying for one.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state, and is valid for one or three years depending on which type you request.

How to get one through your state DMV

Contact your state's DMV office directly—by phone, website, or in person—and ask whether they issue international driving permits. Not all states do. If yours does, the DMV will tell you what documents to bring and whether you can explore by mail or must appear in person.

You will typically need to bring your valid driver's license, proof of identity (passport or state ID), and a completed process form. Some states require a passport-sized photo. The DMV will take your information, process the permit, and mail it to you. Standard processing takes one to two weeks; some states offer expedited service for $10 to $15 extra, which cuts the time to a few business days.

The cost varies by state. Most charge between $15 and $30 for the permit itself. Some states issue a one-year permit; others issue a three-year permit for the same price. Check your state's DMV website to see which option they offer and whether the fee includes postage or if you pay separately.

What to do if your state does not issue them

If your state's DMV does not issue international driving permits, you have two options: explore through a private service, or contact your state's DMV to ask whether they can refer you to an authorized issuer.

Private services advertise online and claim to issue international driving permits. These services are not affiliated with your state or the federal government, and their permits may not be recognized in the country you are visiting. Before paying a private service, contact your destination country's embassy or consulate to ask whether they recognize permits issued by private U.S. companies. Many do not. If you must use a private service, verify that it is registered with your state's DMV or has a physical address you can confirm.

A safer approach is to call your state's DMV directly and ask whether they have a list of authorized third-party issuers. Some states do maintain such a list. If your state offers no path to an international permit, ask the DMV whether your regular license with an official translation will work instead—many countries accept this as an alternative.

Countries that actually require or recognize them

The United States, Canada, and most of Europe do not require an international driving permit. You can legally drive in these places with only your valid U.S. driver's license. However, some rental car companies in Europe ask for one anyway, even though it is not legally required, so check your rental agreement before you book.

Countries that do recognize or require international permits include Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and several Middle Eastern nations. Even in these places, the permit is often optional—your U.S. license may be accepted—but carrying one removes doubt during a traffic stop and makes renting a car simpler. Before you travel, contact your destination country's embassy or consulate, or call the rental car company you plan to use, and ask directly whether they need one.

If you are traveling to a country that does not recognize U.S. international permits, ask the embassy whether they accept an official English translation of your license instead. Many countries do, and you can have your license translated by a certified translator in the United States before you leave, which costs $20 to $50 and takes a few days.

Processing time and what to expect when it arrives

Standard processing through your state's DMV takes one to two weeks from the date you submit your process. Expedited processing, where available, takes three to five business days and costs an additional $10 to $15. Mail delivery adds another few days, so plan accordingly if you are leaving soon.

When your permit arrives, it will be a small booklet printed in English and nine other languages. The front cover shows your name, photo, license number, and the date it expires. Inside are pages for each language, with your license information repeated. The permit is valid only when carried together with your actual driver's license—border agents and police officers will ask to see both.

Keep your permit in a safe place during travel, separate from your license if possible. If it is lost or stolen, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement. Replacement processing follows the same timeline as a new process.

Alternatives if you do not have time for a permit

If you are leaving soon and cannot wait for your state's DMV to process a permit, ask your rental car company whether they will accept your regular U.S. driver's license alone. Many will, especially in Europe and Canada. Get their answer in writing before you book.

If you are driving in a country that officially requires a permit and you cannot get one in time, contact that country's embassy or consulate and ask whether an official English translation of your license is acceptable instead. You can have your license translated by a certified translator in one to three days for $20 to $50. This is not a legal substitute everywhere, but it is recognized in some countries and is better than nothing if you are in a time crunch.

Another option is to delay your trip by one to two weeks so you have time to receive your permit through standard mail. This is the safest choice if you are traveling to a country that officially requires one, because driving without the required documents can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.

Cost breakdown and validity periods

The cost of an international driving permit depends on your state and which validity period you choose. Most states charge $15 to $30 for the permit itself. Some states offer only a one-year permit; others offer a choice between one year and three years, usually at the same price. A few states charge slightly more for the three-year option.

The permit's expiration date is printed on the front cover. It expires on a specific date, not based on your driver's license expiration. If your license expires before your permit does, you must renew your license before traveling, because the permit is only valid when carried with a current license. If your permit expires before your license does, you can request a new permit through your state's DMV.

Do not pay more than $50 total for an international permit through any official channel. If a private service quotes you more than that, or asks for rush fees of more than $20, research whether they are legitimate before paying. Contact your state's DMV to verify.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your international permit is valid only when carried with a current, valid driver's license. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get a permit until your license is restored or renewed. If you are explore for a new license, wait until it arrives before explore for the permit.

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Mexico or Canada?

No. Mexico and Canada recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an international permit. However, some car rental companies in Mexico ask for one, so check your rental agreement. If you are driving your own car into Mexico, bring your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance—the permit is not required by law.

What happens if I drive without a permit in a country that requires one?

You may be fined by police, and your vehicle may be impounded until you produce the required documents. The fine amount varies by country but can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. If you are unsure whether your destination requires a permit, contact the embassy or consulate before you travel.

Can I use my international driving permit after my regular license expires?

No. The permit is valid only when carried together with a current driver's license. Once your license expires, the permit becomes invalid, even if the permit itself has not yet expired. Renew your license first, then you can use the permit again.

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

Standard processing takes one to two weeks from the date you submit your process to your state's DMV. Expedited processing, where available, takes three to five business days and costs an additional fee. Add a few more days for mail delivery. Plan ahead if you are leaving soon.