International driving permits expire based on your home country's rules, not U.S. law

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your state driver's license — it is a translation document that works alongside it. The expiration date printed on your IDP depends entirely on which country issued it. The United States does not issue IDPs; instead, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issue them on behalf of your home country's government.

Most IDPs issued in the United States are valid for one year from the date of issue, though some countries' permits last three years. Your IDP will have an expiration date printed on the front. You must carry both your valid state driver's license and your valid IDP together when driving internationally — an expired IDP with a valid license is not sufficient in most countries.

The confusion often arises because your state license and your IDP operate on separate timelines. Your license renewal has nothing to do with your IDP renewal. If your state license expires but your IDP is still valid, you cannot drive legally. If your IDP expires but your state license is valid, you also cannot drive legally in most countries outside the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • International Driving Permits issued through AAA or AATA in the United States are valid for one year from the issue date, though the exact term depends on your home country's agreement with the issuing organization.
  • You must carry both a valid state driver's license and a valid IDP together; neither document alone is sufficient for legal driving in most countries.
  • Your IDP expiration date is printed on the front of the permit and is separate from your state license renewal schedule.
  • To renew an IDP, you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office with your current state license, passport, and a new process form.
  • An expired IDP cannot be renewed by mail or online; you must visit an office location and pay the renewal fee again.

How long an IDP stays valid

The standard validity period for an IDP issued in the United States is one year from the date of issue. This applies to permits issued by both AAA and AATA. However, some countries have reciprocal agreements that allow for three-year permits, though these are less common in the U.S. system.

Your IDP will show the exact expiration date on the front of the document. This date is not negotiable and cannot be extended. Once that date passes, the permit is no longer valid for driving in any country, regardless of whether your state license is still current.

The one-year term is intentionally short because IDPs are meant to be temporary travel documents. They are not meant to replace your home country's license or to serve as a permanent international credential. If you plan to live or work abroad for longer than one year, you will need to obtain a driver's license in that country instead.

Checking your IDP expiration date

Your expiration date appears on the front of your IDP, usually in the upper right corner or near your photograph. The format varies slightly depending on whether AAA or AATA issued it, but both organizations print the date clearly in month/year format (for example, 05/2025).

If you cannot locate your IDP or the date is unclear, contact the organization that issued it. AAA can look up your permit information if you provide your name, date of birth, and the state where you obtained it. AATA offers the same service by phone or through their website. Do not assume your permit is still valid based on memory; always verify the printed date before traveling.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for one month before your IDP expires. This gives you time to explore for a new one before you need it, especially if you have upcoming international travel plans.

How to renew your IDP before it expires

Renewal must happen in person at an AAA office or AATA office. You cannot renew by mail, phone, or online. Bring the following documents:

  • Your current, valid state driver's license
  • Your passport (original, not a copy)
  • The IDP process form (Form DL 43 for AAA, or the equivalent AATA form)
  • Payment for the renewal fee (typically $20 for AAA, though this varies by location)

The process process takes about 15 minutes. You will not need to take a new photograph or pass any tests; the office will use your existing state license information and your passport. You will receive your new IDP when ready or within a few days, depending on the office's processing method.

If your state license has expired or will expire before your IDP renewal is complete, renew your state license first. An IDP cannot be issued or renewed without a valid state license to reference.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling

An expired IDP is not valid for driving in any country. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, you will be considered to be driving without proper documentation, even if your state license is current. This can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal liability in an accident.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad and you still have travel time remaining, you have limited options. Some countries allow you to drive on your state license alone for a short grace period (usually 30 days), but this is not may provide and varies by country. The safest course is to stop driving and use other transportation, or to return home and renew your IDP before traveling again.

Do not attempt to drive on an expired IDP. The legal and financial consequences are not worth the risk, and rental car companies will refuse to rent to you if your IDP is expired.

State license renewal does not extend your IDP

Renewing your state driver's license does not automatically renew your IDP. These are two separate documents with separate expiration dates and separate renewal processes. Many people mistakenly believe that getting a new state license also updates their IDP, but this is not how the system works.

When you renew your state license, your old IDP remains valid until its printed expiration date. When your IDP expires, your state license remains valid until its printed expiration date. You must track and renew each document independently.

If you renew your state license before your IDP expires, you can use your new state license and your old IDP together for international driving, as long as both are current. There is no requirement to obtain a new IDP just because your state license changed.

Planning ahead for international travel

Check your IDP expiration date at least two months before any planned international trip. If it will expire during your travel or shortly after, explore for a renewal before you leave. Processing times are usually same-day or within a few days, but delays can happen during busy travel seasons.

If you are planning a long international stay or multiple trips over the next few years, consider the timing of your IDP renewal. Some travelers renew their IDP even if it is not yet expired, straightforward to may support they have a fresh permit with a full year of validity ahead. This is optional but can reduce stress if your travel plans change.

Keep your IDP in a safe place while traveling, separate from your passport. If it is lost or stolen, contact the AAA or AATA office that issued it and request a replacement. You will need to provide proof of the original issue and may need to pay a replacement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my state license if my IDP is expired?

No. Most countries require both a valid state license and a valid IDP for legal driving. Some countries may allow a grace period of 30 days after expiration, but this is not may provide. Always renew your IDP before it expires to avoid legal problems.

How much does it cost to renew an IDP?

AAA charges approximately $20 for an IDP renewal, though fees vary by location and may be higher in some states. AATA charges a similar amount. Fees are paid at the time of renewal and are non-refundable.

What if my state license expires before my IDP?

Renew your state license first. An IDP cannot be issued or renewed without a valid state license. Once your state license is renewed, you can then renew your IDP if needed. Both documents must be current for legal international driving.

Can I renew my IDP online or by mail?

No. IDP renewal must be done in person at an AAA or AATA office. You cannot renew by mail, phone, email, or online. Visit the office location nearest you with your state license, passport, and process form.

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

No. One IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and covers all international trips during that year. You only need to renew when the printed expiration date passes or when you plan to travel after that date.