Quick Summary:
- You cannot get a US-issued IDP with a Texas licence.
- Apply in your home country before travel through authorised motoring organisations.
- Carry your IDP and original licence together when driving.
- Check your rental company rules, translation needs, and passport name match.
An International Driving Permit, usually shortened to IDP, is a standardised translation of your driving licence. It is designed to help authorities and rental companies read your licence details across languages and formats. If you are planning to drive in Texas, the key point is that Texas does not issue IDPs to people who only hold a Texas driver licence. The IDP is generally issued by your home country before you travel, then used alongside your original licence while you are in the United States.
This guide explains exactly how to get an IDP for a trip that includes Texas, what documents you need, where the application is handled, and how it relates to car hire. It also covers common scenarios such as visitors arriving from abroad, US residents with foreign licences, and travellers who realise they need an IDP at the last minute.
What an IDP is, and what it is not
An IDP is not a stand-alone driving licence. You must carry it together with your valid licence from your country or state of issue. The IDP contains a booklet format with translations of your name, date of birth, licence categories, and other information into multiple languages. Many countries recognise one of two international conventions that govern IDPs, the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention. The organisation that issues your IDP will choose the correct version for your destination, and the United States generally recognises the 1949 version.
An IDP also does not change your driving entitlements. If your licence only permits automatic vehicles, for example, an IDP does not grant manual privileges. Think of it as a translation and verification document that reduces confusion during checks, accidents, or rental desk verification.
Can you get an IDP in Texas?
If you are asking, “In Texas, how do I get an International Driving Permit?”, the answer depends on what licence you hold.
If you hold a Texas driver licence: you cannot obtain an IDP from the State of Texas. IDPs in the US are issued for US licence holders through authorised organisations, and the process is not handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you are a US licence holder already in Texas and need an IDP for international travel, you would apply through the appropriate authorised issuer for US drivers, rather than through a Texas state office. If you are travelling soon, plan for processing and postage time.
If you are visiting Texas with a foreign licence: you generally need to get your IDP in your home country before you travel. Most issuing bodies require you to apply in person or by post while you are still resident there. Once you are in Texas, it is often not possible to obtain a legitimate IDP because the issuer must be authorised in the same country that issued your licence.
If you are a US resident with a foreign licence: an IDP can only be issued by the authorised organisation in the country that issued the underlying licence. If you no longer have a residence there, the process may be difficult. In that case, you may need to consider obtaining a local licence instead of relying on an IDP.
Step-by-step: how to get the right IDP for Texas
1) Confirm which licence you will drive on. Texas visitors typically drive on their home country licence. If you are planning a longer stay, check whether you will need a local licence after a certain period, as rules vary by residency status and circumstances.
2) Identify your country’s authorised IDP issuer. Each country has specific motoring organisations authorised to issue an IDP. Use official sources from your country’s transport authority or motoring association to confirm the issuer. Avoid unofficial websites that claim they can “issue” an IDP instantly. Many of those sell translations that are not recognised.
3) Prepare the standard documents. Requirements differ, but you should normally expect to provide a completed application form, a recent passport-style photograph, your valid driving licence, and proof of identity. Some issuers ask for a signature that matches your licence. If you apply by post, you may need certified copies rather than originals.
4) Apply with enough lead time. Some issuers provide same-day service at selected offices, while postal applications can take longer. If you are combining Texas with other destinations, make sure the IDP version you receive is compatible with your full itinerary.
5) Check validity dates carefully. IDPs are commonly valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries issue different validity lengths depending on the convention used. Make sure the IDP will remain valid for the whole period you intend to drive.
6) Carry your documents correctly while driving. In Texas, keep your original licence and IDP together, plus your passport or other photo identification. If you are stopped, the IDP is useful because it presents standardised categories and translations.
How an IDP affects car hire in Texas
Car hire desks want to confirm two things, that you are licensed for the vehicle category and that your identity details are consistent. Many rental companies in the US can accept an English-language licence without an IDP, but policies vary. An IDP can help if your licence is not in English, uses a different alphabet, or lacks a clear issue and expiry date format.
To reduce the risk of delays, make sure the name on your booking, passport, licence, and IDP match closely, including middle names where possible. If your licence shows diacritics or alternative spellings, bring supporting identification. If you have recently renewed your licence, ensure it is valid for the entire hire period.
Even when an IDP is not strictly required, it can be useful if you need roadside assistance, deal with an accident report, or interact with officers who are unfamiliar with your licence format.
If your Texas trip is part of a wider US itinerary, you may find it helpful to compare rental pick-up experiences at major airports. For example, Hola Car Rentals provides location-specific information for travellers researching options such as car hire at Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) or car rental in Salt Lake City (SLC). While the IDP itself is not tied to a specific state, the documentation checks at the counter can feel different depending on airport, staffing, and traveller volumes.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Buying an “IDP” online from an unofficial seller. A legitimate IDP must be issued by an authorised organisation in the same country that issued your licence. Unofficial documents can be rejected at the rental counter and may not help in a traffic stop.
Assuming an IDP replaces your licence. It does not. Always bring your original licence. If you only carry the IDP, you may be treated as unlicensed.
Letting documents expire mid-trip. Check the expiry date on your licence and IDP. A valid IDP with an expired licence is not useful.
Name mismatches. If your passport includes two surnames and your licence does not, allow extra time at the car hire desk. Keep additional supporting documents if you have them.
Not understanding age and payment rules. An IDP does not override minimum age requirements, young driver surcharges, or credit card deposit rules. Those policies are separate from licence translation.
What if you are already in Texas and forgot to get an IDP?
If you are in Texas and realise you might need an IDP, start by checking your rental company’s written policy for licences in your language and format. If your licence is in English and clearly shows your details, you may be fine without an IDP. If it is not in English, you can ask whether an official translation would be accepted. However, be cautious, because a translation is not the same as an IDP.
If you hold a foreign licence, it is usually not possible to obtain a legitimate IDP from within Texas, because the issuing authority must be authorised in the licence’s country of issue. In practice, your options may be to adjust your travel plan, change drivers, or use alternative transport.
If you hold a US licence and need an IDP for a future international trip, you can apply through the authorised US issuer from wherever you are, allowing time for mail delivery.
Practical checklist for driving legally and smoothly in Texas
Before you fly: confirm you have a valid licence, apply for the IDP through your authorised issuer, check dates, and pack a second form of photo ID. If your trip includes multiple states, treat the documentation standard as the strictest one you might face at a rental counter.
At the car hire counter: present your passport, your original driving licence, your IDP if you have one, and your payment card. Ask questions early if any details differ across documents. Keep digital copies stored securely, but remember that the desk typically needs the originals.
On the road: keep your documents accessible, understand local road rules, and follow posted limits. If you are unfamiliar with US signage, give yourself time to adjust, especially around large interchanges in cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
If you are comparing options for other parts of the US alongside Texas, Hola Car Rentals also publishes guides for locations such as car hire in Santa Ana (SNA) and Budget car hire in Atlanta (ATL). The IDP principle remains the same, it is tied to your licence’s issuing country, not the airport where you collect the vehicle.
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Texas? Not always. Many visitors can drive with a valid foreign licence, but an IDP is helpful if your licence is not in English or is hard to interpret.
Can Texas DPS issue me an International Driving Permit? No. Texas state offices do not issue IDPs. If you need one, you must apply through an authorised issuer linked to your licence’s issuing country.
If my licence is in English, should I still get an IDP? It can still be useful for car hire and roadside checks, but it may not be required. The safest approach is to check your rental provider’s policy and carry the IDP if you can obtain it easily.
How long does it take to get an IDP? Timing depends on the authorised issuer in your home country. Some offer same-day service, while postal applications can take longer, so applying early is best.
Does an IDP guarantee I can rent a car in Texas? No. Car hire approval also depends on age rules, payment method, identity checks, and licence validity. The IDP mainly helps translate and standardise your licence details.
