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 not a replacement for your regular driver's license — it's a translation document that some countries require alongside your valid U.S. license when you rent a car or drive abroad. The validity period matters because an expired IDP won't help you rent a vehicle or satisfy a police officer, even if your regular license is still good.

The expiration date depends on two things: how long the issuing organization says it lasts, and the rules of the country where you're driving. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. Both issue permits valid for one year from the date of issue. However, some countries will not recognize an IDP that's more than a few months old, and a few countries have their own rules about how long they'll accept one.

Before you travel, check with the embassy or tourism board of the country you're visiting. They can tell you whether they accept IDPs at all, and if they do, whether yours will be valid for the entire length of your trip.

Key Takeaways

  • IDPs issued by AAA and AATA in the United States are valid for one year from the date you receive them.
  • Some countries will not accept an IDP that is older than three to six months, even if it hasn't technically expired.
  • Your IDP is only useful if your regular U.S. driver's license is also valid — an expired license makes the IDP useless.
  • The country you're visiting determines whether it will accept your IDP at all, so contact their embassy before you travel.

Why the one-year limit exists

The one-year expiration is set by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, the international agreement that created IDPs in the first place. The idea is that a permit older than one year may not reflect current driving laws or vehicle safety standards in your home country, so countries that recognize IDPs treat them as current only within that window.

This is different from your regular driver's license, which can be valid for four, five, or even eight years depending on your state. Your IDP is meant to be a temporary travel document, not a long-term credential.

What happens if your IDP expires while you're traveling

If your IDP expires during your trip, you lose the legal protection it provides in countries that require it. A rental car company may refuse to rent to you, or a police officer may not accept it as proof that you're authorized to drive. Your regular U.S. license alone is not enough in countries that specifically ask for an IDP.

If you're planning a trip longer than a year, or if your IDP will expire partway through, you can request a new one before you leave. AAA and AATA can issue a replacement IDP while you hold a current one — you don't have to wait for the old one to expire first. The new permit will have its own one-year validity period starting from the date of issue.

How to check your IDP's expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP, usually in the upper right corner or near your photograph. It will be formatted as a month and year (for example, 03/2025). Check this date before every trip, and check it again before you rent a car or drive in a country that requires one.

If you've lost your IDP or can't find the expiration date, contact AAA or AATA directly with your name and the approximate date you received it. They can look up your permit and tell you whether it's still valid.

Countries that have stricter rules than the one-year standard

A few countries will not accept an IDP that's more than three to six months old, even though the United Nations standard allows one year. This is less common, but it does happen. Some countries in Europe and Asia have their own rules about how recent an IDP must be.

The safest approach is to request a fresh IDP no more than three months before your trip. This ensures you won't run into a problem with a country that has a stricter standard. You can request a new IDP from AAA or AATA even if your current one hasn't expired yet.

Renewing your IDP before it expires

You can request a new IDP from AAA or AATA at any time, even if your current permit is still valid. There's no waiting period — you don't have to let the old one expire first. If you're planning multiple trips over several years, it's often easier to request a fresh IDP before each major trip rather than risk traveling with one that's close to expiration.

Both AAA and AATA charge a fee for each IDP issued. The fee varies slightly between the two organizations, so check their current rates before you request one. You'll need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, and a completed process form.

What to do if your IDP expires and you're still abroad

If you're traveling and your IDP expires while you're in another country, you cannot renew it there. You would need to return to the United States or contact the U.S. embassy in that country to explore your options. In most cases, you should stop driving and use other transportation until you return home.

This is another reason to check your expiration date before you leave and to request a new IDP if your current one will expire during your trip. A few extra dollars for a replacement permit is much cheaper than the cost of a traffic violation or a rental car dispute in a foreign country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired IDP if my regular driver's license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not recognized by rental companies or law enforcement in countries that require one, even if your U.S. license is current. You need both documents to be valid at the same time.

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

Not necessarily. One IDP is valid for one year, so you can use the same permit for multiple trips within that year. However, if your IDP will expire before your trip ends, you should request a new one before you leave.

How long does it take to get an IDP from AAA or AATA?

AAA and AATA can issue an IDP in person at their offices, usually the same day or within a few days. If you explore by mail, it typically takes one to two weeks. Check their websites for current processing times in your area.

What if the country I'm visiting doesn't require an IDP?

If the country doesn't require an IDP, you don't need one. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. However, some rental companies recommend having one anyway, so check with your rental company before you travel.

Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. You must have a valid, current U.S. driver's license to request an IDP. Both documents need to be valid at the same time for the IDP to be useful.