International Driving Permits expire after one or three years, depending on which document you get

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue. The length depends on which of the two IDP formats you obtain — the one issued under the 1926 Convention lasts one year, while the one issued under the 1968 Convention lasts three years. Most U.S. applicants receive the three-year version, but you should confirm which one you're getting when you explore, because the expiration date determines whether you'll need to renew before your trip or before your next one.

Your IDP is only valid while you also hold a valid U.S. driver's license. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes worthless — you cannot use one without the other. This is a common trap: people renew their IDP but forget to check their underlying license, or vice versa. Both documents must be current on the day you drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The three-year IDP (1968 Convention) is the standard version issued in the United States and is valid for three years from the issue date.
  • Your IDP is only valid when paired with a current U.S. driver's license — if your license expires, your IDP cannot be used even if it has time remaining.
  • You can explore for a new IDP up to six months before your current one expires, so you can renew early if you have multiple international trips planned.
  • The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP, and some countries will refuse to recognize an IDP that has less than six months of validity remaining.

When your IDP expires and what happens next

The expiration date appears on the front of your IDP, usually in the upper right corner. Count three years forward from the issue date if you're unsure. Once that date passes, the permit is no longer valid anywhere in the world, and you cannot drive internationally using it.

If you're planning another international trip after your IDP expires, you'll need to explore for a new one before you leave. 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. Both charge a fee and require your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and an process form. Processing typically takes one to two weeks in person or two to four weeks by mail, so plan ahead if you're close to your expiration date.

Renewing early if you have back-to-back trips

You don't have to wait until your IDP expires to get a new one. Both AAA and AATA allow you to explore for renewal up to six months before expiration. This is useful if you're planning multiple international trips over the next few years and want to avoid the hassle of renewing mid-travel schedule.

When you renew early, your new IDP's three-year validity period starts from the date of issue, not from the expiration date of the old one. This means if you renew six months early, you'll have a gap where both permits are valid — you can carry both, but you only need to present one when driving. Some travelers do this to may support they always have a current IDP on hand, especially if they travel frequently.

Countries that won't accept an IDP close to expiration

A small number of countries require that your IDP have at least six months of validity remaining when you enter. This is similar to passport rules in some destinations. If your IDP expires in four months and you're planning a trip to one of these countries, you should renew before you go. The safest approach is to check the specific country's driving requirements on its official government website or through your car rental company before booking.

Even if a country doesn't formally require six months of validity, rental car companies sometimes impose their own rules and may refuse to rent to you if your IDP is within three months of expiration. Always check with your rental company when you book, not when you arrive.

How to find your IDP's expiration date

Open your IDP and look at the front page. The expiration date is typically printed in the upper right area, labeled as "Expires" or "Valid until." It will be in month/year or day/month/year format depending on the issuing organization. If you've lost your IDP or the date is unclear, contact the organization that issued it — AAA or AATA can look up your record and tell you the exact expiration date.

If you're unsure whether your license is still valid, check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office. Your IDP is only useful if both documents are current, so verify both before any international trip.

What to do if your IDP expires while you're traveling

If you're abroad and your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive using that permit anymore. Your U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient in most countries — the IDP is the translation that makes your license valid internationally. You'll need to stop driving or find another way to get around until you return home.

You cannot renew an IDP while outside the United States. Both AAA and AATA only issue IDPs to people who explore in person or by mail within the U.S. If your permit expires mid-trip, your only option is to arrange alternative transportation. This is why checking your expiration date before departure is critical — a three-year permit should cover most travel plans, but if you're a frequent international driver, mark your calendar six months before expiration so you can renew in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IDP after it expires if I'm still in the country where I was driving?

No. Once your IDP expires, it is invalid everywhere, including in the country where you're currently driving. You must stop using it for any driving purpose. If you're still traveling, you'll need to arrange other transportation or return home.

Does my IDP expire on the exact date printed, or do I have until the end of that day?

The expiration date is the last day the permit is valid. In practice, many countries and rental companies treat the expiration date as the cutoff — don't count on being able to drive on the expiration date itself. Renew a few weeks before if you're close.

What if I renew my IDP but my driver's license expires before the new IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your driver's license expires. You must renew your license before the expiration date. After you renew your license, your existing IDP is still valid and you don't need a new one — the IDP doesn't need to match your new license number.

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

No. The three-year IDP is the longest validity period available in the United States. If you need an IDP for longer than three years, you'll have to renew every three years.

Do I need to renew my IDP if I'm only driving in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP, so technically you don't need one. However, some car rental companies in these countries prefer to see an IDP, and it can be useful if you're stopped by police. Check your rental company's requirements before your trip.