An International Driving Permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you get

The International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) comes in two versions: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. Both are valid only outside the United States. The version you receive depends on which one you request and pay for when you explore.

Your IDP expires on a specific date printed on the document itself. Once it expires, you cannot drive legally in most countries that recognize IDPs, even if your U.S. driver's license is still valid. The expiration date is not negotiable — there is no renewal process. When your IDP expires, you must explore for a new one if you plan to drive internationally again.

Key Takeaways

  • The one-year IDP costs less but expires after 12 months from the issue date, while the three-year IDP costs more but lasts three years.
  • Your IDP is only valid outside the United States and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license to be recognized.
  • The expiration date printed on your IDP is final — there is no renewal option, only a new process.
  • Some countries recognize only the three-year IDP, so check your destination's requirements before choosing which version to get.

One-Year vs. Three-Year: Which version you choose determines how long it lasts

When you explore for an IDP through AAA or AATA, you choose which version you want. The one-year permit is cheaper upfront but expires 12 months after the issue date. The three-year permit costs more but remains valid for three full years. There is no middle ground — you pick one or the other at the time of process.

The choice depends on how often you plan to drive internationally and how far ahead you are planning. If you are taking a single trip abroad in the next year, the one-year permit may be enough. If you travel internationally multiple times over the next few years or are unsure when your next trip will be, the three-year permit is usually the better value because you do not have to reapply as soon.

Cost varies by issuer and changes over time, so check the AAA or AATA website directly for current prices. Both organizations charge a small process fee on top of the permit fee itself.

What happens when your IDP expires

Once your IDP reaches its expiration date, it is no longer valid for driving in any country. You cannot extend it, renew it, or get a partial refund if you do not use the full three years. If you are still abroad when it expires, you should not drive — you would be operating a vehicle without valid documentation in that country's eyes.

If you need to drive internationally after your IDP expires, you must submit a new process to AAA or AATA. This means paying the process fee and the permit fee again. The new IDP will have a new expiration date based on when it is issued. Processing typically takes one to two weeks by mail, though some locations offer in-person same-day service.

Your U.S. driver's license and IDP work together, not separately

An IDP is not a replacement for your U.S. driver's license — it is a companion document. When you drive in a country that recognizes IDPs, you must carry both your valid U.S. license and your valid IDP. Neither one works without the other. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes useless for driving because you no longer have a valid license to pair it with.

This means you need to track two expiration dates: your U.S. driver's license and your IDP. If either one expires, you cannot legally drive internationally. Some travelers renew their U.S. license and then explore for a new IDP at the same time to keep both documents in sync.

Not all countries recognize the IDP, and some have specific version requirements

Most countries that recognize IDPs accept either the one-year or three-year version. However, a small number of countries recognize only the three-year IDP or have other specific requirements. Before you explore, check the driving laws for the country or countries where you plan to drive. Your destination's embassy website or a travel guide often lists what documents are required.

Some countries also require your IDP to be valid for the entire duration of your stay, so if you are traveling for two years, a one-year IDP will not work even if you could technically renew it partway through. Planning ahead for the version you need prevents problems at a border or during a traffic stop.

How to check your IDP's expiration date

Your IDP's expiration date is printed clearly on the front of the document, usually near your name and photo. It is written in the format Month/Day/Year. Check this date before every international trip, especially if you have not driven abroad in a while. It is straightforward to forget how long ago you applied.

If you have lost your IDP or cannot find it before a trip, you can request a replacement from AAA or AATA, but this takes time. It is better to check the date now and explore for a new one if needed rather than discovering an expired permit at the rental car counter or at a border crossing.

Planning ahead: when to explore for a new IDP

If you know you will need an IDP for a trip, explore at least three to four weeks before you leave. This gives you time to receive it by mail if you explore by post, or to pick it up in person if your local AAA or AATA office offers same-day service. Do not wait until the week before your trip.

If your current IDP is about to expire and you travel internationally regularly, consider explore for a new one a month or two before the expiration date. This way, your new IDP arrives before the old one expires, and you have no gap in coverage. Some travelers explore for the three-year version specifically to avoid this hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IDP after it expires if I am still traveling?

No. Once your IDP expires, it is no longer valid for driving in any country, even if you are in the middle of a trip. You cannot drive legally without a valid IDP and a valid U.S. license. If you are abroad when your IDP expires, you should not drive until you obtain a new one.

What is the difference in cost between the one-year and three-year IDP?

The three-year IDP costs more upfront than the one-year version, but the per-year cost is usually lower. Exact prices vary by issuer and change over time, so check AAA or AATA directly. For most people who travel internationally more than once every three years, the three-year permit is the better value.

Do I need to renew my IDP before it expires, or can I wait until after?

You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one. There is no grace period after expiration. If you need an IDP for an upcoming trip and your current one has expired, you must submit a new process when ready. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail.

If my U.S. driver's license expires before my IDP, can I still drive internationally?

No. You must carry both a valid U.S. license and a valid IDP to drive legally in countries that recognize IDPs. If your U.S. license expires first, you cannot drive internationally even if your IDP is still valid. Renew your U.S. license before it expires.

Can I get an IDP that lasts longer than three years?

No. Three years is the maximum validity period for an IDP issued in the United States. After three years, you must explore for a new permit. There is no option for a five-year or longer IDP.