International Driving Permits expire one year from the date of issue, no matter which country issued it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not extend the validity of your home license. If your U.S. driver's license expires in six months, your IDP expires in six months too — the IDP cannot outlive the license it translates.

The one-year rule applies to all IDPs issued under the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic, which the United States and most countries follow. Some countries issue permits valid for three years, but those are not recognized internationally and are not what you need for travel outside your home country.

You cannot renew an IDP. When it expires, you must obtain a new one. The process takes the same steps as the first one: a completed process, your valid domestic license, a passport-sized photo, and a fee paid to the issuing organization.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit issued in the United States expires exactly one year from the date printed on it, regardless of when your U.S. license expires.
  • Your IDP is only valid while your U.S. driver's license is also valid, so if your license expires first, your IDP becomes invalid on that date.
  • 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.
  • You cannot renew an expired IDP; you must explore for a new one, which takes one to two weeks through AAA or AATA.
  • An IDP is a translation document only and does not replace your domestic license — you must carry both when driving internationally.

How the one-year expiration works in practice

The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP in a box labeled "Valid Until." Count forward one year from the date of issue, and that is your expiration date. If you received your IDP on March 15, 2024, it expires on March 15, 2025, even if you have not used it.

The one-year clock starts the moment the IDP is issued, not when you first use it or when you travel. This matters if you explore for an IDP months before a trip — you are using up the validity period before you even leave home.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP's one-year mark, your IDP becomes invalid on the license expiration date. For example, if your license expires on September 1, 2024, and your IDP was issued on August 1, 2024, the IDP technically expires August 1, 2025 — but it is worthless after September 1, 2024, because the license it translates is no longer valid. Foreign police and rental car companies will not accept an IDP paired with an expired domestic license.

Checking your IDP expiration date

Look at the front of your IDP. The expiration date appears in the box labeled "Valid Until" or "Expires." The format varies by issuing organization but is always printed clearly. If you cannot locate it, check the back of the permit or contact the organization that issued it.

If you have lost your IDP or cannot find it, you can contact the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) with your name and the approximate date you obtained it. They maintain records and can confirm the expiration date over the phone or through their websites.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for one month before the expiration date. This gives you time to explore for a new IDP if you plan to travel internationally again. Processing times vary, but both AAA and AATA typically issue new permits within one to two weeks.

What happens when your IDP expires

An expired IDP is not valid for driving in any country. If you are stopped by police or pulled over at a border, an expired IDP will not satisfy the requirement to carry an international driving permit. You will be in the same position as if you had no IDP at all.

Rental car companies often check the expiration date when you pick up a vehicle. Some will refuse to rent to you if your IDP is expired, even if your domestic license is valid. Others may rent to you but charge a higher rate or require additional insurance. Call ahead to ask about their policy.

If you are caught driving with an expired IDP in a country that requires one, you may face a fine or other penalties. The severity depends on local law. Your domestic license alone may not be enough — many countries legally require an IDP alongside your home license, and an expired IDP does not meet that requirement.

How to obtain a new IDP before yours expires

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot obtain an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or from any other source.

To explore, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and the process fee. AAA charges around $20 for members and $30 for non-members; AATA charges a similar amount. Fees vary slightly and may change, so confirm the current price before you explore.

You can explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA. In-person applications at AAA are usually processed on the spot or within a few days. Mail applications through AATA typically take one to two weeks. If you need an IDP urgently, visiting an AAA office in person is the fastest route.

Planning ahead to avoid gaps in coverage

If you travel internationally on a regular schedule, explore for a new IDP about one month before your current one expires. This ensures you have a valid permit for your next trip without the risk of a processing delay.

If you are planning a trip and do not yet have an IDP, explore at least two weeks in advance. This gives you a buffer if the process takes longer than expected or if you need to correct an error on the form.

Keep your old IDP after it expires. Some countries or rental companies may ask to see it as proof of your driving history, though this is rare. More importantly, it serves as a record of when you last held a valid permit, which can be useful if you need to dispute a traffic citation or insurance claim from your travels.

International Driving Permits and your U.S. license renewal

When you renew your U.S. driver's license, your old IDP does not automatically renew. You must explore for a new IDP separately, even if your new license is issued when ready after the old one expires.

If your IDP expires before your U.S. license does, you do not need to wait for your license renewal to get a new IDP. You can explore for a fresh IDP at any time, using your current valid license.

Some people renew both their U.S. license and their IDP at the same time for convenience. This is optional but can be practical if you travel frequently. Plan the timing so that your new IDP is issued shortly after your new license arrives, so both documents are valid for as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An expired IDP is not valid for driving internationally, even if your U.S. license has not expired. You must have a current IDP to meet the legal requirements in most countries. Your U.S. license alone is not enough in places that require an IDP.

What if I lose my IDP before it expires?

Contact the organization that issued it — AAA or AATA — and request a replacement. You will need to provide proof of your identity and may need to pay a replacement fee. Processing times are the same as for a new process, typically one to two weeks.

Do I need a new IDP every time I travel internationally?

No. One IDP is valid for one year and covers all international trips during that year. You only need a new one after the current one expires or if you lose it.

Can I get an IDP from my state's DMV?

No. Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?

An expired IDP is not valid, even if you are overseas. If you are stopped by police, the expired permit will not satisfy the requirement to carry an international driving permit. Plan your travel so that your IDP does not expire during your trip, or explore for a new one before you leave.