The DMV does not issue international driving permits, and no U.S. state DMV does

The Department of Motor Vehicles in your state issues driver's licenses that are valid within the United States and its territories. It does not issue, renew, or replace an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a separate document issued by private organizations, not government motor vehicle agencies, and it is not a license — it is a translation and verification of your existing U.S. driver's license for use in other countries.

If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license and need to drive in another country, you will obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer in the United States, not from your state DMV. The confusion arises because the IDP references your U.S. license and is sometimes called an "international license," but the DMV's role ends when it issued your domestic license.

Your state DMV can tell you whether your current U.S. driver's license is valid for travel to a specific country, and some DMV websites list which countries recognize U.S. licenses without an IDP. That is the extent of the DMV's involvement in international driving.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV issues only domestic U.S. driver's licenses; it does not issue International Driving Permits.
  • An International Driving Permit is issued by private organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department, not by any DMV.
  • You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license before you can obtain an IDP.
  • Some countries accept a U.S. driver's license alone; others require an IDP alongside it, and some accept neither.
  • Your state DMV can confirm whether your license is valid in your destination country, but cannot issue the IDP itself.

Where to get an International Driving Permit instead

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American International Automobile Association (AIAA) are the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. Both issue the same document; the choice is which organization you prefer to work with.

AAA issues IDPs at its local club offices nationwide. You must be a AAA member to obtain one there, though membership is not expensive and can be purchased on the spot. AIAA issues IDPs by mail and does not require membership. Both organizations charge a fee (typically $15 to $20 for the permit itself, plus any membership or processing fees), and both require you to present your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or other government-issued photo ID.

Processing time varies: AAA can issue an IDP the same day at many locations if you visit in person. AIAA processes by mail and typically takes one to two weeks. If you are leaving soon, AAA is the faster route; if you have time, AIAA is often less expensive and does not require membership.

What documents you need to bring

To obtain an International Driving Permit from either AAA or AIAA, you will need:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (your state DMV document).
  • A passport, passport card, or other government-issued photo ID.
  • A completed process form (provided by AAA or AIAA).
  • Payment for the IDP fee.

Your U.S. driver's license must not be expired. If your license has expired, you must renew it with your state DMV before you can obtain an IDP. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which term you purchase; it is not tied to your driver's license expiration date, but your underlying U.S. license must remain valid while you are driving internationally.

Do not confuse an IDP with a foreign driver's license. If you hold a license issued by another country and want to drive in the United States, that is a separate matter involving your state DMV's rules on out-of-state and foreign licenses, not the IDP process.

How to confirm your U.S. license is valid in your destination country

Before you spend money on an IDP, check whether your destination country actually requires one. Many countries accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP; others require both; and a few accept neither. Your state DMV website often lists which countries recognize U.S. licenses, though the information may not be complete.

The most reliable source is the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for your destination country. Each country page includes information about driving requirements. You can also contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country directly — they can tell you exactly what documents you need to drive there legally.

Some car rental companies also have this information and will tell you whether an IDP is required for your destination. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company before you book; they may refuse to rent to you without an IDP even if the country does not legally require one.

The difference between an IDP and a foreign driver's license

An International Driving Permit is not a license. It is a document that translates and verifies your existing U.S. driver's license for use abroad. You cannot drive with only an IDP; you must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together.

A foreign driver's license is a license issued by another country's motor vehicle authority. If you hold a license from Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or another country, that license may be valid in the United States for a limited time (usually 30 days to one year, depending on your state and the country that issued your license). Your state DMV sets the rules for how long a foreign license is valid and whether you need an IDP to use it. This is separate from the IDP process.

If you are moving to the United States and hold a foreign license, you will need to contact your state DMV about converting it to a U.S. license or obtaining a U.S. license through the standard process. The DMV does not issue IDPs, but it does handle foreign license recognition and conversion.

What happens if you drive without an IDP when one is required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be fined, your vehicle may be impounded, or you may be refused entry at the border. The consequences vary by country and are enforced by that country's authorities, not by the U.S. DMV.

Your U.S. driver's license alone will not protect you if the country's law requires an IDP. Insurance companies may also refuse to cover an accident if you were driving without the required documents, even if you held a valid U.S. license.

The cost and time to obtain an IDP are small compared to the risk of driving without one in a country that requires it. If there is any doubt, obtain the IDP before you travel.

Renewing or replacing an IDP

If your IDP has expired or been lost, you obtain a new one through the same process: AAA or AIAA. You do not renew through the DMV. You will need your current U.S. driver's license and a government-issued photo ID, just as you did for the original IDP.

If your U.S. driver's license has changed (for example, you changed your name or address), you must update your U.S. license with your state DMV before you obtain a new IDP. The IDP must match the information on your current U.S. license.

If you are renewing your U.S. driver's license and already hold an IDP, the two documents are separate. Renewing your U.S. license does not renew your IDP. You will need to obtain a new IDP if yours is expiring or if your name or other identifying information has changed on your U.S. license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state DMV?

No. No state DMV issues International Driving Permits. You must obtain one from AAA or AIAA, the two U.S. organizations authorized by the State Department to issue them. Your DMV can tell you whether your U.S. license is valid in your destination country, but cannot issue the IDP itself.

Do I need an IDP if I already have a valid U.S. driver's license?

It depends on your destination country. Some countries accept a U.S. license alone; others require an IDP alongside it. Check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for your destination or contact that country's embassy. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company — they may require an IDP even if the country does not legally require one.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired U.S. license. You must renew your license with your state DMV first. Once your U.S. license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP through AAA or AIAA.

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

AAA can issue one the same day at many locations if you visit in person. AIAA processes by mail and typically takes one to two weeks. If you are leaving soon, visit a local AAA office. If you have time, AIAA may be less expensive and does not require membership.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a foreign driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation and verification of your U.S. license for use abroad. A foreign driver's license is a license issued by another country. You cannot drive with only an IDP; you must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together when driving internationally.