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International Driving Permit (IDP) for United States

Name: Apply for an International Driving Permit
Uploaded: 2025-12-06T13:21:13+00:00
Description: What is an International Driving Permit?

Apply online in minutes — fast, secure & accepted in 180+ countries

International driving permit United States

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Carefree driving
Usage Period: 1, 2 or 3 years
Car rental in California
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Usable in 180+ countries
Translated into 12 languages

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Why travel with an International Driving Permit in the United States?

Driving in the United States is one of the most exciting ways to explore its vast and diverse landscapes—from towering mountain ranges to vibrant cities and remote desert highways. However, for many international travelers, the language barrier or unfamiliarity with local procedures can create roadblocks during their journey. That’s where an International Driving Permit (IDP) comes in handy.

An IDP translates your existing license into multiple languages, including English, making it easier to communicate with rental car agencies and law enforcement officers if needed. In a country where each state has its own set of traffic rules, presenting an IDP alongside your license often helps streamline police checks and avoid unnecessary complications—especially during spontaneous road trips or when passing through multiple states.

For non-English license holders, some rental companies may even refuse service without an IDP. It’s a small document that offers big peace of mind, giving you the freedom to drive confidently and explore America’s roads with fewer delays or misunderstandings.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translated version of your national driver’s license, designed to help you drive more easily in foreign countries. Our document is a non-governmental translation of your license, available in 12 major world languages and accepted in over 180 countries. It includes your name, photo, and driving details, making it easier for local authorities to understand your credentials.

While it does not replace a government-issued IDP, it can help reduce language barriers and simplify interactions with rental agencies or traffic officials during your travels. Travel with confidence, knowing your driver information is clearly presented, without the hassle of local bureaucracy.

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In 3 Steps Your International Driving Permit

Get Your IDP in 3 Simple Steps — Fast, Secure & Accepted in 180+ Countries

1. Apply Online

Start your secure application in minutes. Get your driver’s license translated for use in 180+ countries.

2. Upload Your Photo

Simply upload a clear, recent photo that meets our quick guidelines — it only takes a few seconds.

3. Receive Your IDP

Get instant confirmation and fast delivery. You’re now ready to travel and drive confidently anywhere.

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What to see & do with your IDP in United States?

With an International Driving Permit in hand, you’re ready to uncover the countless gems hidden along America’s roadways. Whether you’re into coastlines, canyons, or cultural capitals, here are five unforgettable driving routes to add to your itinerary:

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
This coastal drive along California’s Highway 1 offers jaw-dropping ocean views, winding cliffside roads, and charming towns like Monterey, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara. With your IDP, renting a car is a breeze—even for international travelers—letting you cruise from San Francisco to Los Angeles at your own pace.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” this scenic route through the Appalachian Highlands features panoramic vistas, forested tunnels, and cozy mountain towns. It’s ideal for nature lovers seeking serenity, especially in the fall when the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and gold.

3. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)
Embrace nostalgia as you drive this historic highway that once connected the Midwest to the Pacific. Route 66 takes you through quirky roadside attractions, vintage diners, and small-town America. An IDP helps smooth over state-to-state transitions, ensuring you’re compliant across borders.

4. The Florida Keys (Miami to Key West)
This tropical road trip over the turquoise waters of the Overseas Highway is nothing short of paradise. Drive over the famous Seven Mile Bridge, stop for seafood in Islamorada, and watch the sunset in Key West. Car rentals are common here, and an IDP helps expedite the process—especially for spontaneous bookings.

5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
If you’re up for alpine adventures, the Trail Ridge Road in Colorado climbs to over 12,000 feet above sea level. The winding roads offer views of snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows, and roaming elk. Having an IDP can ease communication with rental agencies in more rural areas or near national parks.

With the flexibility to rent cars and pass through police checkpoints confidently, an IDP enhances every stage of your U.S. road trip—from urban sightseeing to backcountry exploration.

Time to travel around United States

One of the underrated benefits of carrying an International Driving Permit is the ability to cross into neighboring countries with fewer bureaucratic delays. Whether you’re dreaming of driving through snow-covered mountains, tropical coastlines, or bustling border cities, having an IDP allows you to venture beyond the U.S. with ease. Car rental companies and border patrol agents are more likely to recognize your driving credentials when they’re backed by an official translation.

For road trip lovers, this means you can turn your U.S. adventure into a regional journey that connects cultures, cuisines, and scenery—all by car.

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Everything You Need to Know About International Driving Permits for the United States

If you’re planning to drive during your trip to the United States, whether on scenic highways or through buzzing city centers, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP)—especially if your home license isn’t written in English.

Is an IDP required in the U.S.?
While the U.S. doesn’t have a national requirement for IDPs, many individual states and car rental companies strongly recommend or require them for foreign drivers. If your license is from a country outside the EU, UK, Australia, Canada, or is not in English, carrying an IDP is essential for clarity during any police or traffic stop.

Car Rental Expectations
Most rental agencies will ask for both your national driver’s license and your IDP. Without both, you may be denied a vehicle, particularly in states with stricter rental policies or in rural areas. Be prepared to present your IDP at pickup, and always keep it on you when driving.

Police & Checkpoints
Police officers or state troopers may pull over drivers for routine checks or traffic violations. If you’re stopped, having an IDP helps verify your driving credentials instantly, avoiding confusion over non-English licenses. Military checkpoints, especially near border zones, may also require document verification.

U.S. Driving Culture & Laws
The United States takes traffic enforcement seriously, and penalties can vary widely by state. Visitors should drive cautiously and stay informed about local laws. Here are key rules to remember:

Drive on the right side of the road
Speed limits range from 25–85 mph depending on area
Always wear your seatbelt—mandatory in all states except New Hampshire
DUI laws are strict: the legal BAC limit is 0.08%
Handheld phone use is banned in many states—use hands-free options
Stop completely at all stop signs
Toll roads are common; consider getting an electronic pass
Pedestrians always have right of way at crosswalks

For more detailed regulations by state, check the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites.

Want more detailed information before your trip? Be sure to check out our complete United States Driving Guide here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most car rental companies in the United States require a valid driver’s license from your home country. However, if your license is not printed in English, many agencies will also request an International Driving Permit (IDP) to complete your booking. The IDP serves as a standardized translation that helps staff understand your driving credentials, especially if they are unfamiliar with your language or license format. Even when not strictly required by law, rental companies may refuse service without one. Additionally, certain states may have their own policies regarding foreign licenses, so it’s best to be prepared in advance. You can find more information or apply for a digital IDP through our platform.

Driving in the U.S. with a foreign license is possible in many cases, particularly if your license is written in English and you are visiting temporarily. However, if your license is not in English—or uses unfamiliar characters—authorities and rental companies may not accept it without an accompanying International Driving Permit. Some states are stricter than others, and law enforcement officers may ask for an IDP during routine traffic stops or checkpoints. While a foreign license may be valid on its own for short visits, having an IDP significantly reduces the risk of misunderstandings.

The United States does not have a national requirement for International Driving Permits; instead, each state sets its own driving policies for foreign visitors. Some states—such as Georgia, Massachusetts, and Florida—may recommend or prefer drivers to carry an IDP if their home license is not in English. In other states, law enforcement officers or rental agencies may be unfamiliar with non-English licenses and ask for an IDP to help verify your eligibility to drive. Since driving laws can vary widely between states, it’s safest to carry both your original license and an IDP throughout your trip. This ensures you’re prepared for car rentals, traffic stops, and road travel in any part of the country.

If you’re pulled over while driving in the U.S. and your license is not in English, you may face difficulties communicating with law enforcement. Officers might be unable to verify your driving credentials, which could result in delays, warnings, or citations depending on local law and officer discretion. In some cases, they may assume your license is invalid without proper translation. An International Driving Permit helps avoid this by presenting a standardized format that U.S. officers can easily understand. If you’re traveling with a foreign license—especially one using non-Latin characters—it’s highly recommended to carry an IDP as a precaution.