International Driving Permits expire after one to three years, depending on which country issued it and which country you're visiting
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your regular driver's license that some countries require or recommend when you rent a car or drive abroad. The length of time it remains valid is not the same everywhere. The United States issues IDPs that last for one year from the date you receive them. Some other countries issue permits valid for two or three years. Before you travel, you need to know both when your specific permit expires and whether the country you're visiting will accept an expired one — many will not.
The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP. It is not the same as your regular driver's license expiration. You can have a valid driver's license and an expired IDP at the same time, which means you cannot legally drive in countries that require the permit. Checking this date before you book your trip takes five minutes and can prevent problems at a rental counter or with police.
Key Takeaways
- U.S.-issued International Driving Permits are valid for one year from the date of issue, not from when you use them.
- Your IDP expiration date is printed on the permit itself and is separate from your regular driver's license expiration.
- Some countries will not accept an expired IDP even if your regular license is still valid, so you must renew before traveling if yours has expired.
- You can only obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or passport acceptance facility; you cannot renew by mail or online.
Why the one-year limit matters when you travel
The one-year validity period for U.S. IDPs is shorter than many travelers expect. If you received your permit a year ago and plan to drive abroad this month, your permit has already expired. Rental car companies often check the expiration date before handing over keys, and some countries' traffic police will not accept an expired permit as valid identification for driving.
The expiration date does not reset or extend based on when you actually use the permit. A permit issued on March 15, 2023, expires on March 15, 2024, regardless of whether you drove in another country on March 14, 2024, or never used it at all. This means you need to plan ahead: if you know you will drive abroad within the next year, obtain your IDP before you leave, not after you arrive.
How other countries' permits differ from the U.S. version
If you hold a driver's license from another country, the rules change. Many nations issue IDPs valid for two or three years. Canada, for example, issues permits valid for three years. The United Kingdom issues permits valid for one year, matching the U.S. standard. Australia issues them for one year as well. If you are an international visitor to the United States or you hold a license from another country, check with your home country's automobile association or licensing authority to learn your permit's expiration date.
The country that issued your permit is the one that sets its validity period. The country you are visiting cannot extend it. If you are driving in Europe with a Canadian IDP that expires in six months, that permit remains valid for six months in every European country. Once it expires, it is no longer valid anywhere.
Renewing your IDP before it expires
You cannot renew an IDP by mail, online, or over the phone in the United States. You must explore in person at an AAA office or at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse). The process is the same as obtaining your first permit: you bring your valid driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and the fee. Processing takes a few minutes to a few hours depending on the location.
Plan to renew at least two weeks before you travel, though same-day service is often available at AAA offices. If your current IDP has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process — there is no penalty for letting it lapse. You straightforward cannot drive legally in countries requiring an IDP while yours is expired.
What happens if your IDP expires while you are abroad
If you are traveling and your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive in most countries. Some rental car companies may not have checked the expiration date when you picked up the car, but if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, an expired permit can create serious legal problems. You may face fines, have your car impounded, or be held liable for damages that your insurance might not cover because you were driving without valid documentation.
The safest approach is to check your expiration date before you book your flight. If your permit expires during your planned trip, renew it before you leave. If you are already abroad and discover your permit has expired, contact your country's embassy or consulate to learn your options — some countries can issue emergency documentation, though this is not may provide.
Checking your expiration date and planning ahead
Your IDP expiration date appears on the front of the permit, usually in a field labeled "Expires" or "Valid Until." It is printed in the format used by the country that issued it — U.S. permits typically show the date as MM/DD/YYYY. Take a photo of your permit or write down the date and keep it with your travel documents. This takes 30 seconds and prevents you from arriving at a rental counter only to discover your permit expired last month.
If you travel internationally more than once a year, consider obtaining a new IDP every year rather than waiting until yours expires. This removes the risk of forgetting to renew and ensures you always have a valid permit on hand. Some travelers keep a spare permit at home for unexpected trips.
International Driving Permit validity by country of issue
| Country of Issue | Validity Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1 year | Issued by AAA or passport acceptance facilities |
| Canada | 3 years | Issued by Canadian Automobile Association |
| United Kingdom | 1 year | Issued by Post Office or AA |
| Australia | 1 year | Issued by state motor registries |
| Most European countries | 2–3 years | Varies by country; check with your national automobile club |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired IDP if my regular license is still valid?
No. In countries that require an IDP, an expired permit is not accepted even if your regular driver's license has not expired. Your regular license and your IDP are separate documents. You must renew the IDP before driving.
Do I need to renew my IDP every year even if I don't travel?
No. You only need to renew when you plan to drive abroad. If you do not travel internationally, you do not need an IDP at all. However, if you travel more than once a year, renewing annually removes the risk of your permit expiring mid-trip.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
Contact your country's embassy or consulate when ready. They may issue emergency documentation or advise you to stop driving until you return home. Some rental car companies will accept a police report of the lost permit plus your regular license, but this varies. Do not assume you can continue driving without documentation.
Can I extend my IDP if it's about to expire?
No. There is no extension process. You must obtain a new permit by explore in person at an AAA office or passport acceptance facility. The new permit will be valid for one year from the date of issue.
Is a U.S. IDP valid in every country?
Most countries recognize U.S. IDPs, but not all. Some countries do not require or accept an IDP at all. Before traveling, check the specific country's driving requirements through its embassy website or your rental car company. A few countries have their own permit systems that differ from the international standard.