Can You Get an International Driving Permit at the DMV?

No. Your state DMV issues your driver's license, but it does not issue International Driving Permits (IDPs). In the US, only two organizations are authorized by the US Department of State to issue them: AAA (the American Automobile Association) and AATA (the American Automobile Touring Alliance).

That surprises a lot of first-time travelers, so here is who does what, what state DMVs themselves say, and how to get a real permit.

Why the DMV doesn't issue IDPs

An IDP is not a second license. It's a translation that goes with the license your DMV already gave you. AAA puts it plainly: "an IDP is only a translation of the license, not a license to drive." AATA says the permit "is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid U.S. driver's license."

The job of issuing those translations was given to two organizations, not to the states. USA.gov says: "There are two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs," and lists AAA and AATA. Both are equal, authorized issuers. If you want to know how they differ, see our post on AATA vs. AAA.

What state DMVs say

You don't have to take our word for it. Here is what three state agencies say on their own .gov websites:

• North Dakota. The North Dakota Department of Transportation says an IDP "can be obtained at a local office of one of the two automobile associations by the U.S. Department of State," and names AAA and AATA.

• Florida. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says: "Florida Residents interested in obtaining an International Driving Permit can visit AAA's website for more information."

• Connecticut. The Connecticut DMV tells residents traveling abroad that "you can obtain an IDP by contacting your local" AAA.

Some state pages name only AAA. That doesn't mean AATA is not allowed. USA.gov lists both. State pages can also be out of date on details like fees and wait times, so for those, go to AAA or AATA directly.

Is AARP an option?

People sometimes search for an "AARP international driver's license." AARP is not one of the two organizations USA.gov lists. If you want an IDP, it has to come from AAA or AATA.

Watch out for look-alike sites

Search for "DMV international driving permit" and you will find websites that look official but aren't. USA.gov explains that "a .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States." Before you trust a site with "DMV" in its name, check that its address ends in .gov.

Be even more careful with sites selling an "international driver's license" or a "digital IDP." These are not valid IDPs. USA.gov warns: "Beware of other websites that claim to issue international driver's licenses or IDPs. Many are fraudulent and may try to scam you out of money or personal information." AATA says: "There is no digital version of an IDP," and AAA says "IDPs are physically printed and mailed." Our posts on IDLs vs. IDPs and fake IDPs go into more detail.

Who can get an IDP

AATA says IDPs "are restricted to persons 18 years and older who hold a valid U.S. driver's license," and adds, "You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to apply." AAA issues IDPs "only to individuals who hold a valid U.S. driver's license."

So the one way your DMV matters is this: your license has to be valid. If it's about to expire, deal with the DMV first, then get the IDP. An IDP is valid for one year, according to USA.gov.

A permit for a US license also has to come from the US. AAA says: "An IDP accompanying a US driver's license can only be issued in the USA." There's nowhere to get one in person outside the US, but it can be mailed to you. If you're wondering about a US embassy, see our post on embassies and consulates.

Where to actually get one

• At a AAA branch, in person. This is cheaper than the other options. AAA's permit fee is $20, plus sales tax where it applies. AAA asks you to call the branch first to make sure it offers IDP services. Our post on finding the closest AAA office can help.

• From AAA, online or by mail. Online, AAA charges a $20 permit fee and a $10 photo fee plus shipping, and asks you to "allow 5 business days for processing plus return shipping."

• From AATA, online. AATA charges $20 plus a $9 photo fee and shipping, and asks you to "allow 2 to 4 business days for processing excluding shipping time."

• Through an expediting service like Fast IDP (that's us).

Our post on how to get an IDP in the US walks through each option step by step, and what you need to apply lists the documents.

Where Fast IDP fits

Fast IDP is not a government agency and does not issue permits. We're an independent business, not affiliated with AAA, AATA or any government. We fill in the AAA application for you from the details you enter online, take it to AAA, and ship you a genuine AAA-issued booklet. US delivery is as fast as the next business day, and we ship worldwide, typically in 2 to 5 business days on the fastest option.

We're generally not a less expensive choice than AAA or AATA. What we offer is speed and reliability when you can't get to a branch. Prices start from $63 all-in for delivery in the US, or from $117 for delivery outside the US, within a range of $63-171, including tax and AAA's $20 permit fee. You need a valid US driver's license to use Fast IDP. You can apply here.

Not sure you need a permit at all? Check your destination on our IDP requirements map.

Sources, checked November 11, 2026: USA.gov, International driver's license; AAA, International Driving Permit; AATA, FAQ; North Dakota DOT, International Driving Permit (IDP); Florida HSMV, General Information; Connecticut DMV, How to get a driver's license.