United States
International Driver's License for the
United States
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Apply online in 2 minutes — Digital copy in 8 minutesApply in 2 minutes — Receive in 8 minutes
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Printed booklet shipped worldwide — Free ID card includedWorldwide shipping — Free ID card included
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Valid in 175+ countries — Translated into 12 languagesValid in 175+ countries — 12 Translations
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Free replacements if lost or damagedFree replacements if lost or damaged
Do You Need an IDP in the United States?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in the US depends on who you are and how long you are staying.
Last updated:
| Driver type | IDP needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist or short-term visitor | Recommended | Required if your license is not in English; strongly recommended for all visitors. |
| Rental car driver | Often required | Many rental agencies ask for an IDP alongside a foreign license at pickup. |
| Long-term resident | Not sufficient | After establishing residency you must obtain a state driver's license. |
| US license holder traveling abroad | Recommended | Carry an IDL with your US license when driving in most foreign countries. |
Rules vary by state — see the FAQ below for details on age limits, insurance, and traffic laws.
Documents you need
- A valid driver's license from your home country
- A passport-style photo — a phone photo is accepted
- No driving test and no DMV visit required
You do not need to be a US citizen to apply.
How it works
- Complete the online application — it takes about 2 minutes
- Upload your driver's license and photo
- Receive your digital IDL in about 8 minutes; the printed booklet ships worldwide
International Driver's License Information & Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driver's License in the United States?
Driving rules in the United States are set state by state, so requirements vary depending on where you visit. If your home license is written in English, some states may let you drive on it alone for a short visit. If it is in any other language or script, an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended so state troopers and local police can read it.
Because the rules differ from state to state, we recommend every visitor carry an IDP alongside their home license, regardless of how long they are staying.
What is an IDP/IDL, and how is it used in the United States?
An IDP (International Driving Permit) and IDL (International Driver's License) are interchangeable terms for the same document. In the United States it works as a translation of your home-country license into English and 11 other languages, so a police officer or rental agent can confirm what you are licensed to drive.
It is never a stand-alone license. You must always carry it together with your valid home-country license while driving in the U.S.
What are the requirements for driving in the United States?
Driving in the United States as a visitor typically requires:
1. A valid driver's license from your home country, carried together with an International Driving Permit as its translation. Some states accept a foreign license on its own, but having an IDP avoids problems if you are stopped.
2. Meeting age rules: the minimum driving age is 16, though some states restrict drivers under 18. Rental companies usually require drivers to be at least 25.
3. Insurance: minimum coverage varies by state, and most rental companies offer state-required coverage as an add-on.
4. Following each state's traffic laws (see the traffic-law summary below).
Can I rent a car in the United States with an International Driver's License?
Yes. Most U.S. rental companies will rent to visitors who present a valid home-country license plus an International Driving Permit as its translation. Keep in mind the typical rental minimum age is 25, and drivers aged 21 to 24 often pay a young-driver surcharge.
If you have already arrived and forgot to bring your IDP, a digital copy can often keep your rental moving — see the digital-copy question below.
Who can apply for an IDP, and do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
Anyone who holds a valid driver's license can apply — U.S. citizenship is not required. During the application you will upload a photo of your current valid license and submit a headshot (see how to submit a headshot for your IDP/IDL).
The IDP simply translates the license you already hold, so your nationality does not matter.
Is my International Driving Permit valid in the United States?
Yes. An International Driving Permit is accepted across the United States for tourists and temporary visitors, functioning as a translation of your home-country license. For the full list of destinations where your IDP is honored, see (Countries That Accept an International Driver's License).
Can I convert my International Driver's License into a U.S. license?
No. An IDP is a temporary translation for visitors and cannot be converted into a state driver's license. If you move to the U.S. and become a resident, you apply through that state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which generally requires proof of residency and passing its written and road tests. Requirements differ from state to state.
Can I use my International Driving Permit to buy a vehicle in the United States?
An International Driving License is not a stand-alone form of identification, so it cannot by itself prove your identity when buying a vehicle. You will need another government-issued ID, such as your passport, in addition to your IDP.
How do I get an International Driver's License for the United States?
Use the Online International Driver's License Application to get your IDP. The whole process takes less than 5 minutes and is completed entirely online — no in-person appointment or trip to a DMV is needed.
How long does it take to get my International Driver's License?
Apply online and choose urgent processing to receive your International Driving Permit within about 8 minutes. Standard processing is also available, and expedited shipping delivers the physical booklet in about 2 days to most U.S. addresses. For fee and shipping details, see the International Driver's License pricing page.
Can the digital International Driver's License be used instead of the physical copy in the United States?
The physical booklet should be with you whenever you drive. U.S. rental companies and police may accept a digital copy as an exception in certain cases. If you hold a valid IDP through E-ITA and have misplaced your physical copy, contact our support team — we provide a free replacement and can ship next day worldwide with expedited shipping.
If you have already arrived and forgot to bring your IDP, a digital copy will usually let you move forward with your car rental. We recommend applying online with urgent processing to receive your documents within about 8 minutes.
What traffic laws apply to drivers in the United States?
* People drive on the right side of the road.
* You must wear a seat belt.
* Do not use your phone while driving — this is a common reason to be pulled over by local police.
* Speed limits vary from state to state, so watch posted signs closely.
* Most rental cars are automatic transmission.
What travelers say
Reviews from E-ITA customers who drove in the United States.
“The agent in Miami asked for an IDP with my Spanish license. I showed the digital copy from my phone and picked up the car with no issues.”
“The digital version arrived fast and worked at Hertz. The printed booklet took five days to reach Munich, which was fine for my trip.”
“Applied from the airport with urgent processing and had the PDF before boarding. Exactly what I needed for my road trip.”
Ready to drive in the United States?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
