🇺🇸 United States · Editorial Q&A

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the US?

Question

I have a driving license from my home country but the rental company keeps mentioning an IDP. Is it actually required by law?

Answer · Drive This World Editorial · reviewed 2026-05-02

For short-term visitors, the answer is mostly no, but check the state. The US recognizes valid foreign licenses for non-resident visitors in every state, typically for the duration of an authorized stay (usually up to one year). However, the license must be in English — if it isn't, an IDP (which is just a multilingual translation) bridges the gap.

Four important nuances:

  1. Some states (Georgia, for example) require an IDP regardless of license language.
  2. Rental companies set their own policies on top of state law — many require an IDP from non-English-license holders even if the state doesn't.
  3. The IDP is not a license — you must carry it together with your home license.
  4. Get the IDP from your home country before you fly. The two State Department-designated US issuers (AAA and the Automobile Touring Alliance) only serve US license holders.

Citations

  1. [1]USAGov — Driving in the US if you are not a citizen — USAGov
  2. [2]AAA — International Driving Permit — AAA