An International Driving Permit expires after three years from the date of issue, no matter which country issued it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only when you carry it alongside your actual, unexpired U.S. driver's license. The IDP itself has a fixed three-year expiration date printed on the document. Once that date passes, the permit is no longer valid, even if your U.S. license is still good.

The three-year term is set by the international treaty that governs IDPs, so it does not change by state or by which organization issued your permit. If you received your IDP on March 15, 2022, it expires on March 15, 2025 — and you cannot renew it. You have to get a new one.

This matters because some countries will not accept an expired IDP, even if your U.S. license is valid. If you are planning to drive abroad, you need to check the expiration date before you leave and get a replacement if necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is valid for exactly three years from the date it was issued, regardless of when your U.S. driver's license expires.
  • You cannot renew an IDP — once it expires, you must obtain a new one through the same organization that issued the original.
  • An expired IDP is not accepted in most countries, even if your U.S. license is still valid, so check the date before traveling.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.

How to Check Your IDP Expiration Date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your International Driving Permit in large text. Look for the line that says "Valid until" or "Expires" — the date next to it is when your permit stops being accepted. Write this date down or take a photo of it, especially if you travel frequently.

If you cannot find your IDP or do not remember where you put it, contact the organization that issued it. AAA and AATA both keep records of issued permits and can tell you the expiration date over the phone or through their websites. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the approximate year you received the permit.

Getting a New IDP Before Your Current One Expires

You can explore for a new International Driving Permit up to six months before your current one expires. This means if your IDP expires on March 15, 2025, you can start the process on September 15, 2024. Getting a new one early is a good idea if you have a trip planned near the expiration date, because processing takes time.

To get a new IDP, you go back to the same type of organization that issued your first one. If AAA issued your original permit, you explore through AAA again. If AATA issued it, you explore through AATA. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo. The process usually takes one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail.

The cost varies by organization — AAA typically charges around $20 for an IDP, while AATA charges a similar amount. Some AAA branches offer rush processing for an additional fee if you need the permit quickly.

What Happens If Your IDP Expires While You Are Abroad

If you are driving in another country and your IDP expires, you are no longer legally permitted to drive with that document. Some countries will still accept your U.S. license alone, but many require the IDP as a translation. You should not drive without it.

If you are stranded abroad with an expired IDP, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a new IDP — only AAA and AATA can do that — but they can direct you to the nearest office or help you arrange to have a new one sent to you. In the meantime, you may be able to rent a car with an international rental company that accepts your U.S. license alone, though this is not may provide.

The best way to avoid this situation is to check your IDP expiration date at least two months before any international trip and get a replacement if needed.

The Difference Between IDP Expiration and U.S. License Renewal

Your International Driving Permit and your U.S. driver's license are separate documents with separate expiration dates. Your U.S. license might be valid for four, five, or eight years depending on your state, but your IDP is always valid for three years. They do not expire together.

If your U.S. license expires before your IDP, your IDP becomes useless because you must carry both documents together. If your IDP expires before your U.S. license, you can still drive in the United States with just your license, but you cannot drive legally in most other countries.

When you renew your U.S. driver's license, you do not automatically get a new IDP. You have to request one separately through AAA or AATA, even if your old IDP is still valid. Many people forget this step and show up at the border with an expired IDP and a valid U.S. license, which does not work in most countries.

Which Organization Issued Your IDP Matters for Replacement

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. If you got your IDP from either of these organizations, you know where to go for a replacement.

If you received your IDP from a travel agency, a notary public, or any other business, that organization was not authorized to issue it. In that case, your IDP may not be valid in other countries, and you should get a new one from AAA or AATA before your next trip. You do not need to be a AAA member to get an IDP from them — they issue them to the general public.

To find the nearest AAA or AATA office, visit their websites or call their main phone lines. Both organizations have locations across the country and can process your process in person or by mail.

Planning Ahead to Avoid Expired IDP Problems

The easiest way to manage IDP expiration is to mark your calendar three years after you receive your permit. Set a reminder for six months before that date so you have time to get a replacement without rushing. If you travel internationally more than once every three years, this system keeps you from arriving at a border with an expired document.

Some people keep a note in their passport with their IDP expiration date, so they see it every time they travel. Others take a photo of the front of their IDP and store it on their phone. Either method works — the goal is to catch the expiration before you need the permit.

If you are unsure whether your current IDP is still valid, contact AAA or AATA directly. They can confirm the expiration date and help you decide whether you need a replacement before your next trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired IDP if my U.S. license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not accepted in most countries, even if your U.S. driver's license has not expired. You must have both a valid U.S. license and a valid IDP to drive legally in most countries outside the United States.

How long does it take to get a new IDP?

In-person applications at AAA or AATA offices usually take one to two weeks. Mail-in applications typically take two to four weeks. Some AAA branches offer rush processing for an additional fee if you need the permit within a few days.

Do I need to renew my IDP if I get a new U.S. driver's license?

No, not automatically. Your IDP is still valid as long as it has not reached its three-year expiration date. However, if your U.S. license number changes, some countries may ask for a new IDP that matches your new license number. Check with your destination country before traveling.

What if I lost my IDP and need a replacement?

Contact the organization that issued it — AAA or AATA — and tell them your IDP was lost. They can issue a replacement, though you will need to provide proof of your identity and your U.S. driver's license. The replacement process is the same as getting a new IDP.

Can I get an IDP from outside the United States?

No. IDPs are issued only by AAA and AATA in the United States. If you are abroad and your IDP expires, you cannot get a new one there. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on how to proceed.