IDP - Frequently Asked Questions

International Driving Permits are a recognizable form of identification which can help you communicate with foreign authorities. The IDP provides an official translation of your U.S. driver’s license into 9 foreign languages and is acknowledged as valid identification in more than 150 countries around the world. IDPs are not a replacement for your U.S. license but should be used as a supplement to it. Experienced travelers always carry the International Driving Permit while traveling outside the USA.

Although many foreign countries do not recognize U.S. driver licenses when presented alone, most countries do recognize and accept a valid International Driving Permit. While the IDP is not valid or required for driving within the United States, one is needed for travel of more than 50 miles into Canada or 300 miles into Mexico. Whether driving your own car, a rental, or someone else’s vehicle while abroad, it's useful to have the peace of mind an IDP provides.

Issuance of International Driving Permits are restricted to persons 18 years and older who hold a valid U.S. driver's license.  We do not issue IDPs for those that carry a foreign driver's license. Please contact the foreign agency that issued your foreign driver's license for more information on how to obtain an IDP. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to apply.

The IDP provides an official translation of your U.S. driver's license into 9 foreign languages and is acknowledged as valid identification in more than 150 countries around the world. International Driving Permits are also a recognizable form of identification which help you communicate with foreign authorities (especially in non-English speaking countries) and get you on your way more quickly. Most major car rental companies require that renters have a valid International Driving Permit even if the country does not.

Yes, however, you must still have a valid U.S. driver's license.

Please follow the steps in the online application to complete payment. We accept major credit cards, Apple Pay, and ACH.

Yes, be ready with original passport type photo in digital format (click here for requirements) and scanned images of your Driver's License, (required during the application process). Please follow the steps in the online application to complete your transaction.

If you are traveling in a foreign country and are stopped by a law enforcement officer, you should present both your U.S. driver's license and IDP. If a citation is issued to you, it will not attach to your IDP. Any traffic violation penalties incurred in a foreign country would apply to the country in which you received the citation. Serious traffic violations may result in having your IDP invalidated for use in that country.

International Driving Permits must be issued in the same country as the driver's license of the traveler. For example, if someone from Italy has an Italian driver's license, their IDP must also be issued in Italy. We do not issue IDPs for those that carry a foreign driver's license. Please contact the foreign agency that issued your foreign driver's license for more information on how to obtain an IDP.

The International Driving Permit is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. A new IDP must be applied for each year. The permit is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid U.S. driver's license.

The International Driving Permit is $20.00 plus a $7.00 photo image processing fee, shipping & handling. To pay for the IDP (including applicable shipping & handling fees), please follow the steps in the online application.

Please refer to the application and instructions. Please allow 2 to 4 business days for processing excluding shipping time. These processing times do not take into account the significant delay caused by submitting incorrect and/or incomplete documents. Shipping costs range from $12 to $85 depending on the speed chosen during the application process. The transit time during shipping ranges from 1 to 10 business days, depending on the destination and shipping method.